Vandalism Bail Bonds

Vandalism under Penal Code § 594 is maliciously defacing, damaging or destroying property that is not your own. It is a wobbler: the same act can be charged as a misdemeanour or a felony, and the line is drawn almost entirely by the amount of damage.

How the charge level is set

Two things drive the number up in practice: the repair estimate, which is often higher than people expect, and multiple properties, which can be charged separately.

What the bail looks like

Vandalism does not usually carry a headline figure the way a violent felony does. In Orange County a felony section without an individual entry in the schedule is priced from the state prison top term using the county’s guideline table — which is why two people booked the same night on what sounds like the same vandalism charge can be quoted different numbers. See the Orange County bail schedule explained.

In Los Angeles County, check the protocol column before assuming a bond is needed at all: most non-violent, non-serious offences are now designated CR, BR or MR at $0 bail before arraignment under the pre-arraignment release protocols. Vandalism is very often one of them.

What usually complicates a vandalism case

• A gang allegation. Graffiti cases sometimes carry an enhancement that changes the bail picture entirely.
• Restitution. The repair cost follows the case as restitution, separate from bail and from any fine.
• A probation hold. If the person is on probation, a new charge can produce a hold that no bond clears — see probation violations.
• Multiple counts. In Orange County felony bails do not stack count by count; the highest amount for one felony offence plus enhancement applies.

What to do first

1. Get the section and whether it is charged as a felony or misdemeanour, and the claimed damage figure.
2. In LA County, check whether the offence is CR, BR or MR before paying anyone anything.
3. Check for holds and warrants.
4. Call us. If no bond is needed we will tell you rather than sell you one.

Questions we get asked most

Is vandalism a felony in California?

It can be. Penal Code 594 is a wobbler: damage of $400 or more may be charged as a felony or a misdemeanour, under $400 is a misdemeanour, and under $250 with no prior vandalism conviction may be charged as an infraction.

How much is bail for vandalism?

There is rarely a headline figure. In Orange County a felony section with no individual schedule entry is priced from the state prison top term using the county’s guideline table. In Los Angeles County the offence is often designated for $0 pre-arraignment release instead.

Does graffiti count as vandalism?

Yes. Penal Code 594 expressly covers defacing with graffiti or other inscribed material, and with paint or any liquid.

Who pays for the damage?

Restitution for the repair cost follows the case and is separate from bail and from any fine.

Related resources

All bail services · Orange County bail schedule · LA County bail schedule · How bail works in California · Arraignment · Cash bail vs a bail bond · Find an inmate