Vandalism sounds like a minor criminal offense, but that depends on the actual crime. Over in Daytona Beach, FL, police arrested a man for beating an ATM with a hatchet. You certainly don’t hear that everyday. His alleged act of vandalism occurred early this past Sunday morning, when the man walked up to an ATM and went psycho on it. Before the surveillance camera was destroyed, it took at three images of the man standing in front of the ATM with a personal check, taking a swing at the machine with his right hand, while holding the hatchet. Police officers identified the suspect from the surveillance photos and he was arrested early Monday morning. He was charged with criminal mischief and burglary to a structure.
Criminal mischief might sound a bit vague, but under FL law it is considered a crime when a person knowingly, willfully, and maliciously causes damage to any property belonging to someone else. It’s possible to also be arrested for it under the terms of negligence, even if the person failed to realize he or she was causing damage. Perfect example would be graffiti. The charge of “burglary to a structure” is as defined as destroying a building of any kind, either temporary or permanent.
This defendant in Daytona will need a strong defense attorney by his side, otherwise he could be looking at some jail time to go along with hefty fines. Vandalism isn’t something to be brushed off. It can be a very serious charge that can become a nightmare for your life.