Find an Expert Vandalism Lawyer

When vandalism occurs, our attorneys work hard to provide you with the support and guidance that you need, pursuing your legal options and building a strategy that can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. We fight hard for our clients, doing all that we can to ensure that our clients obtain the outcome in their case that they deserve.

We can help you with all aspects of your case, and our vandalism lawyers are ready to put our knowledge and experience to work for you. Cernitz Law offers a free consultation to discuss your case and legal options.

Don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be able to discuss your legal options and help you understand the next steps in the process, working hard to provide you with the support and guidance that you need, every step of the way. We’ll make sure that your rights are protected, and we’ll work hard to represent your best interests in your vandalism-related claim and throughout your case.

Introduction to Vandalism

Vandalism is the intentional destruction or defacement of property and is classified as a criminal offense under most state laws. Common examples include graffiti, broken windows, damaged signage, and interference with security systems. These acts can target both residential and commercial properties, and while most property insurance policies include some form of vandalism coverage, navigating a claim can be challenging, especially when the damage is extensive or the insurer disputes the cause.

Vandalism may involve real or personal property and can be carried out through physical destruction or marking, including carvings, etchings, spray paint, or other inscribed materials. Under criminal damage statutes, prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused willfully caused the harm. Whether an act of vandalism is charged as a misdemeanor or felony typically depends on the extent of the damage and the cost of repairs or replacement.

Misdemeanor vandalism generally involves lower-value damage and may result in fines, community service, or short-term incarceration. Felony vandalism, on the other hand, applies when the financial loss exceeds a certain threshold or when the act was particularly malicious, and can lead to longer jail sentences and substantial restitution. A conviction can have lasting legal and financial consequences, which is why both victims and those accused need strong legal guidance.

How Cernitz Law Approaches Vandalism Claims

When you’re facing resistance from your insurance company over a vandalism claim, Cernitz Law is ready to step in. We begin by reviewing your policy in detail, focusing on the specific language related to vandalism coverage to ensure your rights are clearly understood and upheld. Our team works with trusted experts to assess the full scope of the damage, including the cost of repairs or replacement. If the insurer refuses to cooperate or denies a valid claim, we are fully prepared to take legal action. With the experience to build a strong, evidence-backed case, we work to hold insurers accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Our firm has helped many clients get paid by insurance companies that denied the claim because they didn’t believe vandalism was covered, or who tried to argue that the loss wasn’t as bad as it seemed. Property damage litigation is our specialty and we know exactly how insurance companies work. That means we can get to work on your case and fight for your rights.

What to Do If Your Property is Vandalized

When vandalism occurs, the most important thing you can do is act quickly and with purpose. File a police report and get a copy. Document the damage with photos or video. Do your best not to alter the site until the insurer and your attorney have had a chance to examine it.

We’ve seen many clients make the mistake of starting repairs, or making statements to adjusters that hurt their claim. The best thing you can do is call us from the beginning and let us manage your case with the strategy and attention it deserves.

Hold Your Insurance Company Accountable

Cernitz Law knows the games insurance companies play, and we don’t let them get away with it. When vandalism leaves you in an uphill battle, whether your claim was denied, delayed, or underpaid, we’ll fight to get you the money you deserve.