DuPage County Vandalism Defense Lawyers

Preventing Juvenile Pranks from Turning into Felony Convictions

If you or a juvenile family member is arrested for causing damage to property, the consequences of a conviction can have a devastating impact on your future. While the specific punishment imposed for a vandalism conviction will depend on a significant number of factors, potential penalties might include incarceration, fines, restitution, probation and a criminal record. Further, your conviction can be discovered with a basic background check that can be conducted on the Internet in a matter of minutes. This blemish on your record can impact you in many ways that include:

• Career obstacles;
• Educational discipline;
• Loss of immigration rights;
• Limitations on where you live and travel; or
• More severe charges and penalties for future convictions.

Our DuPage County vandalism defense attorneys at Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. have represented many people charged with property crimes for more than 30 years. Our commitment to keeping our clients informed, explaining the criminal justice process and ferociously defending the rights of our clients has earned our law firm national and international recognition. Our law firm has been covered by CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox and major print new outlets throughout the country that include the Washington Post and The New York Times. Our reputation among peers, former clients, prosecutors and judges explains why over 16,000 clients have helped make us a top DuPage County law firm. Our founding partner Donald Ramsell has earned a broad range of awards and accolades that include designation as an “Illinois Leading Lawyer in Criminal-DUI Defense” by Crane Magazine.

Our law firm’s success in representing over 12,000 people during our tenure as a law firm has garnered national media attention on ABC, Fox, NBC, CBS and major newspapers like the New York Times and Washington Post. Our founding partner Donald Ramsell has established a national reputation and received recognition as an “Illinois Leading Lawyer in Illinois Criminal Appeals” and an “Illinois Leading Lawyer in Criminal-DUI Defense” by Crane Magazine.

Why Vandalism Is a Serious Charge in Illinois?

Although many people consider vandalism as a minor offense that might involve spray painting graffiti on the bathroom wall in a public park, vandalism can have very serious consequences under Illinois criminal laws. Criminal damage to property under 720 ILCS 5/21-1 can be either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the specific facts and circumstances. If the damage is caused to public property, for example, the offense constitutes a felony. The grade of felony will depend on the monetary value of the property damage. If the value of the damage exceeds $300, the prosecutor can charge a Class 4 Felony. This means that a tagger who spray paints the exterior of multiple buildings at his or her school could be facing a felony record.

Nationally Recognized Law Firm 

Our DuPage County vandalism defense lawyers are committed to providing aggressive defense of our clients’ constitutional rights and freedom. Our lawyers work diligently to mitigate the negative impact of teenage pranks. We invite you to call us today at 630-256-8001 or to send us an email to schedule your free consultation in our conveniently located office in Naperville. Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. also has offices in Wheaton and in St. Charles or Rolling Meadows by appointment.