Michigan State Statue Victim of Vandalism

A statute on Michigan State’s campus was the victim of “spirited” vandalism over the weekend, the university’s police reported.

So far, no suspects have been reported in the crime, which is believed to have occurred last weekend. Early Saturday morning, campus police found the statue defaced with yellow and blue paint. The letter M is clearly visible on the abdomen portion of the figure.

The sculpture has reportedly been the subject of such incidents several times in years past. Officers state that students and fans of the University of Michigan have committed similar acts, but that these do not negate the criminal nature of the act. Charges have been brought in the past for defacement of the statute.

Michigan Law Vandalism

Under Michigan law, vandalism is defined as, “the willful or malicious destruction, injury, disfigurement, or defacement of any public or private property, real or personal, without consent of the owner or person having control.” This type of crime falls within the category classified under the Michigan criminal code as Malicious Destruction of Property (MDOP).

The potential punishment individuals convicted of vandalism in Michigan, are as follows:

• Misdemeanor offense under $200: prison for up to 93 days and/or a fine up to $200.
• Misdemeanor offense between $200 and $1000: prison for up to one year and/or a fine up to $1000.
• Felony offense between $1000 and $20,000: prison for up to five years and/or a fine up to $10,000.
• Felony offense more than $20,000: prison for up to ten years and/or a fine up to $15,000.

The classification of your offense, as well as the extent of the damage, are factors that an experienced criminal defense attorney can potentially change. Your attorney can also poke holes in the evidence tying you to the crime. If police officers or other government officials did not collect evidence according to proper procedures, it could potentially be thrown out altogether. The government faces the burden of proving every element of the crime or crimes they are charging you with, beyond a reasonable doubt.

If you have been accused of vandalism or any other crime, regardless of whether or not you have been formally charged, you should contact an experienced Michigan criminal defense lawyer. Attorney Steven L. Schwartz is a preeminent defense attorney, with over 25 years of experience serving the Detroit area. His practice is dedicated entirely to criminal defense matters. In his dedication to his clients, he strives to ensure a dismissal, not guilty verdict or reduced charges. He is reachable to clients and potential clients 24/7. If you want a criminal defense attorney in the Detroit area who is experienced and dedicated, you can contact us by form or by calling (248) 266-8720 to schedule your free initial consultation.

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• Detroit Police Find Two Bodies at Scene of Suspected Arson, Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, published April 10, 2013.
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