(A) As used in this section, "illegal graffiti vandalism" means an inscription, writing, drawing, marking, or design that is painted, sprayed, etched, scratched, or otherwise placed on structures, buildings, dwellings, statues, monuments, fences, vehicles, or other similar materials that are on public or private property and that are publicly viewable, without the consent of the owner, manager, or agent in charge of the property.

(B) It is unlawful for a person to engage in the offense of illegal graffiti vandalism and, upon conviction, for a:

(1) first offense, is guilty of a misdemeanor and must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days;

(2) second offense, within ten years, is guilty of a misdemeanor and must be fined not more than two thousand five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than one year; and

(3) third or subsequent offense within ten years of a first offense, is guilty of a misdemeanor and must be fined not more than three thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than three years.

(C) In addition to the penalties provided in subsection (B), a person convicted of the offense of illegal graffiti vandalism also may be ordered by the court to remove the illegal graffiti, pay the cost of the removal of the graffiti, or make further restitution in the discretion of the court.

HISTORY: 2007 Act No. 82, Section 9, eff June 12, 2007; 2018 Act No. 204 (S.959), Section 1, eff May 17, 2018.

Effect of Amendment

2018 Act No. 204, Section 1, in (B), in (1), substituted "not more than thirty days" for "not less than thirty days nor more than ninety days".