With Halloween on the horizon, children throughout Oklahoma are getting ready to say “trick or treat.” However, as they get older, they might be more excited about the “trick” aspect—such as decorating trees in toilet paper. In some cases, these mischievous acts may classify as vandalism, which often comes with misdemeanor charges. Here are some common examples of this crime in the state of Oklahoma.

3 Types of Vandalism in Oklahoma

1. Defacing Property

This entails the damage or destruction of someone else’s property. For example, if someone uses spray paint to draw an image on your car or home without your consent, they can be charged with vandalism. This results in a misdemeanor charge, which means up to a year of jail time and a fine of up to $500. However, if the crime causes more than $1,000 in damage, it becomes a felony. This charge may also result in civil charges.

If someone disfigures or destroys any of your Halloween decorations, such as by throwing eggs at your holiday display, they may also earn a misdemeanor charge.

2. Dumping Trash Non-Consensually 

If anyone deposits trash or debris on your property without your consent, they could be charged with vandalism. It doesn’t need to be confined in a plastic bag with other pieces of household waste—it could be toilet paper thrown out a car window and onto your landscape. On both private and public property, this type of vandalism results in a misdemeanor. However, the fine may range from $500 to $5,000 and the perpetrator may receive up to 30 days of jail time. They may also be at risk of a state traffic citation.

3. Harming Trees or Shrubs

Not only does teepeeing someone's property cause a time-consuming mess, but those who perform this act of vandalism may also harm the trees or shrubs that they drape in toilet paper. This can result in a fine of up to $100 and up to 30 days of jail time.

If one of your children is charged with vandalism, reach out to Bennett & Gallon, PLLC for representation. They have over two decades of combined experience serving clients in Miami, OK, and Joplin, MO. As the holidays approach, you can rely on their attorneys to continue their passionate defense efforts. To learn more about their practice areas, visit the website. You can schedule a consultation for misdemeanor charges by calling (918) 540-1818 in Miami, OK, or (417) 434-2720 in Joplin, MO today.