Practice Area
The line between misdemeanor and felony is a dollar amount. We fight every dollar.
Penal Code 594 defines vandalism as maliciously defacing, damaging, or destroying someone else’s property. The key word is maliciously — meaning the prosecution must prove you acted with intent to cause harm.
Property owners and insurance companies routinely overstate repair costs. The difference between $350 and $450 is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony. Our firm runs its own investigation — hiring independent estimators, pulling actual repair records, and challenging every inflated invoice.
Accidents happen. If you didn’t intend to damage the property, or reasonably believed it was yours, the prosecution can’t prove vandalism.
The single most powerful tool in vandalism defense. Compensate the victim, and the court can dismiss the case entirely. We handle the conversation with the victim on your behalf.
Vandalism often happens at night, in low light, without reliable witnesses. Surveillance footage is grainy and inconclusive. If they can’t prove it was you, the case fails.
In cases involving artistic expression, political messaging, or protest, constitutional defenses may apply. These are fact-specific but can be outcome-determinative.
Do not contact the property owner. Let your attorney handle that conversation — especially if civil compromise is the strategy.
Photograph everything. Photos of the property, the area, or the alleged damage. Context matters.
Get a lawyer before arraignment. Early intervention opens doors for diversion and civil compromise that close later.
Arraignment through resolution. Motions, negotiation, victim communication, and strategy included.
Schedule Free Consultation(510) 545-6515 · ahmed@ashlegal.com