Graffiti

Graffiti is a Crime

Graffiti is not art, it is vandalism.

Graffiti is a misdemeanor crime if the damage is under $400. Vandalism that exceeds $400 in damage results in a felony and up to three years in Prison. The City of Riverside charges $140 to remove a quarter size mark of graffiti, and $400 in damages can add up quickly.

Graffiti Legislation

• RIVERSIDE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 9.18 Graffiti Prevention, Prohibition, Removal and Abatement



• CALIFORNIA PENAL CODE 272

Parents who are criminally negligent in failing to supervise or control their children in a manner that causes their children to commit a crime, may be prosecuted for that crime and sentenced to 1 year in jail or $2,500 fine or both.

• CALIFORNIA PENAL CODE 594

(A) Every person who maliciously (1) defaces with paint or any other liquid, (2) damages or (3) destroys any real or personal property not his own, in cases not otherwise specified by state law, is guilty of vandalism.

(B) If the amount of defacement, damage or destruction is $400 or more, vandalism is punishable by imprisonment in a state prison or in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by a fine of not more then $10,000 of both that fine and imprisonment.

• CALIFORNIA PENAL CODE 594.1

Provides that no aerosol paint containers be sold to persons under 18 years of age.

• CALIFORNIA PENAL CODE 594.5

Provides that Cities and Counties may adopt laws regulating spray paint within their own jurisdiction.

• STATE CIVIL CODE, SEC 1714.1

Provides that parents are responsible to pay for damages caused by the willful misconduct of their children, including repair costs and attorney fees up to $10,000.

• SENATE BILL 1997

Authorizes the court to suspend, restrict, or delay the driving privileges of a person 13 years of age or older who is convicted of graffiti vandalism.

• ASSEMBLY BILL 1179

Omnibus graffiti bill consolidates graffiti legislation and strengthens penalties.

• ASSEMBLY BILL 3844

Makes it illegal to place graffiti on government property.