Graffiti, Pranks, and Property Damage: What Teens and Parents Need to Know About Criminal Damage Charges

Parents are often stunned to learn that their child has been arrested for property damage, especially when it is a kid who always seems to follow the rules and has never been in trouble before. Unfortunately, teens of all backgrounds can make poor decisions. After all, the human brain does not fully develop until after the teenage years. Additionally, teens might seek “likes” on social media by posting videos of their pranks that trend. 

While common, law enforcement does not always treat these matters as “teens just being teens.” There can be significant consequences. Here is what parents and teens should know about criminal damage charges in Georgia.

Criminal Damage Law in Georgia 

In Georgia, first-degree criminal damage to property occurs when someone knowingly damages property in a way that endangers life, disrupts critical infrastructure or public services, or discharges a firearm at a building from a vehicle. Convictions carry serious penalties. They are generally sentenced to 1 to 10 years in prison. However, damage to infrastructure or vital services can result in disruption lasting 2 to 20 years.

In Georgia, second-degree criminal damage to property occurs when someone intentionally damages another person’s property without permission, and the damage exceeds $500, or when they recklessly or intentionally use fire, explosives, or fireworks to cause damage. Convictions carry serious consequences, with prison terms ranging from 1 to 5 years. 

Things That “Aren’t a Big Deal” Actually Are A Big Deal

Often, when teens engage in criminal damage, they are not setting out to do anything other than commit minor mischief. They rationalize that “no one is going to get hurt.” Because they do not think it is a big deal, they think it is fine to go ahead and do it. Unfortunately, those actions–while viewed as pretty minor–can have significant consequences.

Here are some actions that teens engage in that can still result in criminal damage charges:

Graffiti/Tagging 

This includes writing, drawing, or painting on walls, fences, vehicles, or other property without the owner’s permission. Teens may view it as harmless self-expression or a way to “mark their territory,” but Georgia law treats it as criminal damage. Even if the artwork is small or intended as a joke, the property owner can press charges, and the teen may be required to pay restitution to cover cleanup or repairs. Repeated tagging can lead to more severe penalties.

Fireworks or Small Explosives

Setting off fireworks or other small explosives on private property, near vehicles, or in yards may seem like a fun celebration, but it can be considered reckless or intentional property damage. The law considers whether the teen’s actions put people or structures at risk. For example, lighting fireworks near a wooden fence, garage, or dry landscaping could endanger neighbors and escalate the charge.

Vandalism and Pranks

Who hasn’t heard of “classic” teenage pranks like egging a house, toilet-papering trees, keying cars, or other vandalism? While some may view these actions as a rite of passage for teens, they can lead to criminal charges depending on the circumstances. Damage exceeding $500 or acts that are reckless, such as climbing on roofs or breaking windows, can lead to criminal charges.

School Property Damage

Another enticing activity for teens is breaking into the school and causing mischief. Defacing lockers, breaking classroom equipment, spray-painting walls, or tampering with school computers can trigger criminal charges in addition to school discipline. Schools often report serious incidents to local law enforcement, meaning that even minor vandalism can result in charges.

My Teen Made a Big Mistake–What Now?

Most teens under the age of 17 in Georgia are handled in Juvenile Court rather than adult criminal court. Juvenile Court focuses more on rehabilitation or community service for these sorts of crimes. However, depending on what the prank entailed–and depending on what sort of property was damaged or whether people got harmed–there could be more serious consequences. If the teen uses explosives, for instance, and people are severely injured or die, there will be stiffer consequences. 

Another thing to note is that parents may be civilly liable. While parents will not face criminal charges, they nevertheless might have to pay up. Parents or guardians who have custody of a child under the age of 18 can be held financially responsible if that child intentionally or maliciously causes harm. This means that if a minor damages someone else’s property, causes injuries that result in medical bills, or both, the parent or guardian may have to pay for those losses. Under the law, this responsibility can include court costs and damages up to $10,000. 

Talk to Teens About Property Damage

Parents play a critical role in preventing teens from engaging in vandalism and graffiti through their guidance, supervision, and education. Open communication with teens–on this topic and many others–is very important. Discuss the legal consequences of property damage, not just the moral implications, to show them that it is not “just a joke.” Clarify for them the boundaries between harmless fun and conduct that can lead to charges. Kids often do not know what those boundaries are, especially with social media, even if they seem obvious to adults. If teens nevertheless do mess up, they should proactively take responsibility and offer restitution.

Contact an Experienced Georgia Property Damage Attorney 

Graffiti, pranks, and other acts of property damage may seem like typical teenage mischief, but in Georgia, the law treats these actions seriously. Property crime charges, whether first- or second-degree, can result in significant penalties and lasting consequences. Parents should educate teens about the law, supervise their activities, and provide safe alternatives for expression and fun. If teens make these mistakes, contact an experienced Georgia property damage attorney immediately to minimize the impact of these charges.