Rhode Island Domestic Vandalism Charges

An allegation of domestic vandalism can be extremely serious and potentially very costly. In Rhode Island, domestic vandalism is a misdemeanor offense which puts the accused at risk of probation, lengthy domestic violence counseling, and possible incarceration if convicted. As with any allegation of “domestic violence”, the charge carries a stigma that can impact future employment, the ability to obtain credit and loans, as well as other social aspects of your life. Domestic vandalism is legally defined as the malicious destruction of the property of another with whom you have a domestic relationship with. The “domestic relationship” portion of the law is typically read extremely broadly and can sometimes include distant family members and distant in-laws. 

Domestic vandalism is a frequently charged offense that usually accompanies other domestic violence allegations including domestic assault and battery, domestic disorderly conduct, and domestic refusal to relinquish a telephone. Nevertheless, it is a full misdemeanor offense carrying up to one year in the ACI. As a Rhode Island Domestic Vandalism Lawyer, I have seen the Police and Prosecutors seriously “overcharge” these cases to include situations where individuals (1) break their own property, (2) break the property of a third party and still get charged with a domestic, and (3) not even break property and still end up charged with domestic vandalism. Due to the fact that these allegations carries such serious consequences and a significant stigma, you will definitely need a skilled and aggressive legal advocate to help you in successfully navigating your case to the best possible outcome.

Contact a Rhode Island Domestic Vandalism Lawyer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at 401-228-8271.

Rhode Island Domestic Vandalism Laws

R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-44-1

§ 11-44-1. Vandalism — Obstruction of lawful pursuits.

(a) Every person who shall willfully and maliciously or mischievously injure or destroy or write upon, paint, or otherwise deface the property of another, or obstruct the use of the property of another, or obstruct another in the prosecution of his or her lawful business or pursuits, in any manner, the punishment of which is not specifically provided for by statute, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) and/or be imprisoned not exceeding one year, and shall be liable to make restitution for the injury or damage caused. Every person convicted of a first offense under this section shall be required to perform up to one hundred (100) hours of public community restitution work, and for a second or subsequent conviction shall be required to perform up to two hundred (200) hours of public community restitution work. Provided, further that every person who shall willfully and maliciously or mischievously injure or destroy or write upon, paint or otherwise deface government property, or obstruct the use of that property, shall be punished in accordance with this statute. Jurisdiction for matters involving government property shall be concurrent with the district court or the respective city or town police or municipal court.

(b) Where the provisions of The Domestic Violence Prevention Act, chapter 29 of title 12, are applicable, the penalties for violation of this section shall also include the penalties as provided in § 12-29-5.

Contact An Experienced Rhode Island Domestic Assault Attorney Today 

Attorneys Marin, Barrett, and Murphy – Phone 401-228-8271

Penalties for Rhode Island Domestic Vandalism Charges

Penalties for First Offense Domestic Vandalism in Rhode Island

- Up to One Year in Jail
- Up to One Thousand Dollar ($1,000) Fine
- Mandatory Batters Intervention Program (domestic violence counseling)
- Mandatory Increased Court Costs

Penalties for Second Offense Domestic Vandalism in Rhode Island

- Mandatory Minimum Ten (10) Days in Jail, Up to One Year in Jail

- Up to One Thousand Dollar ($1,000) Fine

- Mandatory Batters Intervention Program (domestic violence counseling)

- Mandatory Increased Court Costs

Penalties for Third Offense Domestic Vandalism in Rhode Island 

- Felony Charge for Simple Domestic Assault and Battery

- Mandatory Minimum One (1) Year in Jail, Up to Ten Years in Jail

- Up to One Thousand Dollar ($1,000) Fine

- Mandatory Batters Intervention Program (domestic violence counseling)

- Mandatory Increased Court Costs

Rhode Island Domestic Vandalism Charges - Areas We Serve

- Providence District Court - Barrington, Bristol, Burrillville, Central Falls, Cumberland, East Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, Woonsocket, Warren
- Kent County District Court - Coventry, Cranston, East Greenwich, Foster, Glocester, Johnston, Lincoln, North Kingstown, North Providence, North Smithfield, Scituate, Smithfield, Warwick, West Warwick
- Washington County District Court - Block Island (New Shoreham), Hopkinton, Narragansett, Richmond, South Kingstown, Westerly
- Newport District Court - Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton

Contact An Experienced Rhode Island Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Today 

Attorney’s Marin, Barrett, and Murphy – Phone 401-228-8271