Vandalism Attorney in Lexington, SC

Arrested for Vandalism in Lexington? Contact Us Today for a Confidential Consultation

At Kinard Law Group, our Lexington vandalism defense attorney has the knowledge and experience that you can rely on. We put clients first. If you or your loved one was arrested and charged with vandalism, we can help. Contact us at our Lexington law office for a strictly confidential consultation with a top-tier South Carolina vandalism defense lawyer.

Vandalism Laws in South Carolina

Technically speaking, South Carolina does not use the word “vandalism” in its criminal statutes. Instead, the conduct commonly described as vandalism is prosecuted under our state’s malicious injury to property laws. The primary statute for “vandalism” is S.C. Code Ann. § 16-11-510. That statute makes it unlawful to willfully and maliciously injure, destroy, or deface the real or personal property of another. The state must prove that the defendant acted with intent and without legal justification. Damage does not need to be permanent. Scratching a vehicle, breaking windows, spray-painting a building, or damaging landscaping all qualify as criminal conduct if intentional.

Note: Courts interpret “malicious” as acting with a wrongful purpose, not necessarily hatred. A reckless act alone does not satisfy the statute. In a vandalism case in South Carolina, the prosecution generally must show intentional or willful conduct leading to property damage.

Penalties for Vandalism in South Carolina

Penalties for malicious injury to property (vandalism) in South Carolina largely depend on the value of the damage. Under § 16-11-510(A)(2), if the value of the injury is $2,000 or less, the offense is a misdemeanor. A conviction is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine. If the damage exceeds $2,000 but is less than $10,000, it becomes a felony offense. A felony “vandalism” charge in South Carolina can carry up to five years in prison. Damage valued at $10,000 or more is also a felony and carries a potential imprisonment of up to 10 years under state law.

Note: Restitution is routinely ordered in these cases. South Carolina courts require defendants to pay the full cost of repairs or replacement as a condition of sentencing. Additional consequences may include probation, criminal record impacts, employment barriers, and civil liability.

How Our Vandalism Defense Attorney Can Help

Vandalism is a serious criminal charge. It could carry jail time with a conviction. At Kinard Law Group, we are committed to defending the rights and interests of our clients. You are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Our team will help you explore every option for raising a strong defense. Along with other things, our Lexington vandalism defense lawyer is prepared to:

• Hear your story and answer questions about your case;
• Investigate the vandalism charge; and
• Develop a personalized strategy focused on protecting your rights.

Contact Our Lexington, SC, Vandalism Defense Lawyer Today

At Kinard Law Group, our Lexington vandalism defense lawyer is a strong, experienced advocate for justice. If you have any questions or concerns about vandalism laws, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a fully confidential consultation. With an office in Lexington, we handle vandalism cases throughout South Carolina.