Vandalism is generally the damage, destruction, defacing, or alteration of tangible public or private property, done with criminal intent (intentionally or knowingly). Vandalism charges often arise from (1) damage to a home or dwelling; (2) damage to a place of business; (3) damage to a motor vehicle; (4) damage to a school; (5) defacement or destruction of public or private property (graffiti, etc.); or (6) tampering with public water, gas, power, or communications.

Vandalism is sometimes classified as criminal mischief or reckless damage or destruction of property under state laws. These laws vary from state to state and are generally located in a state’s statutes—usually in the penal or criminal code.

In Arizona, vandalism is typically addressed under the criminal damage statutes, which can be found in Title 13 of the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS), specifically ARS § 13-1602 and § 13-1604. Vandalism, as described, may fall under the category of criminal damage or aggravated criminal damage, depending on the circumstances. Criminal damage involves knowingly defacing, damaging, tampering with, or otherwise altering property of another person. The severity of the charges can range from a class 4 felony to a class 2 misdemeanor, depending on factors such as the extent of the damage, the type of property affected, and whether the property is a utility or a place of worship. Aggravated criminal damage, which is a more serious offense, may apply if the vandalism occurs to certain structures, including schools, places of worship, cemeteries, or agricultural infrastructure, and can be charged as high as a class 3 felony. Penalties for vandalism in Arizona can include fines, restitution, community service, probation, and incarceration.