Graffiti Charges in Dallas, TX
Some people take graffiti cases lightly, but that is a mistake. Property owners push police and prosecutors to take graffiti charges seriously and that can result in jail or even prison time, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record that can damage your reputation, career prospects, and future. If you or your loved one is facing a graffiti allegation or has been arrested or charged for graffiti in Dallas, you need an experienced Dallas graffiti lawyer in your corner.
Dallas Graffiti Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been accused of graffiti in Dallas, contact the Law Office of Mike Howard. Most importantly, Dallas graffiti lawyer Mike Howard has the experience, trial skills, and dedication that you need when you are fighting for your life. We will do everything we can to fight for you. Moreover, Mr. Howard will give you an honest assessment of your case and explain the law and your legal options.
A Different Kind of Lawyer
We approach our clients differently than a lot of lawyers. Above all, our philosophy is that being a great lawyer is more than getting you a great result. First, our office is centered around you. This means we start by truly listening to you to understand your case and your goals. Further, our team works to provide you a client experience that is as easy and stress-free as possible. Answering your questions and keeping you informed is very important to us. Most importantly, we treat you as a person, not a number. Finally, our goal is to achieve the best possible result for you. If you’re looking for a different kind of lawyer you’ve come to the right place.
Our Criminal Case Process
Listen & Understand
We focus on clients as real people. First, we list to understand who you are and what you need. Then we make sure we fully understand the facts of the case.
Open Communication
We explain the law, your rights, and the legal process. Because communication is very important to us, we strive to quickly answer questions and return communication.
Fight for Justice
Simply put: we fight hard for you. In the courtroom, in negotiations, and before a case even is officially opened, we fight for justice for you.
Defining Graffiti Charges in Texas
A person commits graffiti (Texas Penal Code § 28.08) if, without the effective consent of the owner, the person intentionally or knowingly makes markings, including inscriptions, slogans, drawings, or paintings, on the tangible property of the owner with:
- paint or
- an indelible marker or
- an etching or engraving device.
Related Charges
Criminal mischief is a similar offense to graffiti. Criminal mischief involves intentionally or knowingly damaging, destroying, or tampering with someone else’s property without their consent. This can cause financial loss or significant inconvenience. It can also include making markings, such as inscriptions, slogans, drawings, or paintings, on the property.
Resources and Information
See our criminal defense resource center for more information on fundamental rights in a criminal case, definitions of culpable mental states (intentionally, knowingly, etc), defenses to prosecution, and more. Our property crime lawyers in Dallas, TX are here to help you understand your charges and options.
Penalties for Graffiti in Texas
Like with criminal mischief offenses, the seriousness of graffiti charges is tied to the value of the damage caused.
- Less than $100 is a Class C Misdemeanor. As a result, you could face a fine up to $500.
- $100 – $750 is a Class B Misdemeanor. As a result, you could face up to 6 months in jail and up to a $2,000 fine.
- $750 – 2,500 is a Class A Misdemeanor. As a result, you could face up to 1 year in jail and up to a $4,000 fine
- $750 – $30,000 involving a school, place of worship, place of burial, public monument, or community center that provides medical, social or educational programs is a state jail felony. As a result, you could face 6 months – 2 years in the state jail facility and up to a $10,000 fine.
- $2,500 – $30,000 is a State Jail Felony. As a result, you could face 6 months – 2 years in the state jail facility and up to a $10,000 fine.
- $30,000 – $150,000 is a Third-Degree Felony. As a result, you could face 2 – 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
- $150,000 – $300,000 is a Second Degree Felony. As a result, you could face 2 – 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
- $300,000 or more is a First-Degree Felony. As a result, you could face 5 – 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine
Defending Graffiti Charges in Dallas
First and foremost, the prosecutor must prove their allegation beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecutor cannot rule out each and every possible reasonable doubt, the presumption of innocence prevails. As a result, the court must find you not guilty. This means you don’t have to prove that you didn’t do it. You don’t have to prove anything!
The only way the prosecution wins is if the jury believes their story is the only reasonable way it could’ve happened. If they have any reasonable doubts that it actually happened, they must find you not guilty. If they reasonably think it could’ve happened another way, they must find you not guilty. This is the highest burden of proof in our justice system. When implemented by a skilled Dallas criminal attorney, it can be a powerful weapon.
Choosing the Right Graffiti Lawyer in Dallas
Searching for graffiti lawyers in Dallas can be overwhelming. After all, you are choosing someone who will hold your life, your future, and your family’s future in their hands. You have to be comfortable with them and feel that you can trust the information and advice they give you. Lawyers are supposed to always work in their clients’ best interest. That shouldn’t just be meaningless talk.
First, talk to several lawyers to get a feel for them and their staff. Do they take the time necessary to get to know you, to listen to what’s important to you, and answer your questions? Second, do they show you that you matter to them as a person and not just as a fee? Third, beware of lawyers who put the hard sell on you, who make big promises. No lawyer should ever make a guarantee about a case. Finally, absolutely avoid a lawyer who doesn’t communicate the scope of the work and their fee clearly in a written contract.
What Makes Mike Howard Different
Many attorneys take advantage of their clients’ ignorance of the criminal justice process. We take the opposite approach. A knowledgeable client is a happy client. Therefore, we provide a wealth of information in the way of articles about criminal offenses, blog posts, and videos for free on our website.
Visit Our YouTube Channel for informational videos and client testimonials.
Visit Our blog for posts on cases, defenses, and criminal law information.
Dallas Graffiti Attorney Mike Howard
Above all, I strive to help my clients through difficult times with compassion and integrity. In Dallas innocent people can get accused, charged, and convicted when they don’t have a Dallas graffiti attorney fighting for them. I believe in standing up for people facing criminal accusations and helping them navigate all that comes with being thrown into the criminal justice system.
Client-Centered
The cornerstone of my law practice is focusing on my clients as individuals. I start by taking the time to understand not just the facts of their case, but who they are and what they need. Because I know the criminal justice system can be intimidating, I explain the process, their rights, and their options, including expungement. Client communication is extremely important to me, so I make sure my team and I do everything possible to quickly answer questions and return messages.
Willing to Fight
Most importantly, I am willing to fight a case in court. I have a track record of delivering fantastic results at trial. While not every client and case needs to go to trial, it can make a difference. When your Dallas graffiti attorney has a reputation as a skillful trial lawyer who fights for their clients, however, it makes all the difference in the world.
