The defacing of public or private property, also known as vandalism, holds different penalties based on the nature and severity of the crime. Some acts of defacement are considered misdemeanors, while others can be prosecuted as felony acts. Each state and country has different laws and penalties for criminal defacing.

Definition

Defacing is the act of painting or writing, or the placing of literature on public facilities including roads, bridges, public buildings or the private property of other individuals. More severe defacement can include the defacing or altering of official state currency or acts of vandalism including arson.

Examples

Common examples of defacing include the painting of graffiti on private buildings or public facilities or the posting of bills, stickers and propaganda on objects that are not solely owned by the poster.

Penalty

Both the definition and penalties for defacing vary greatly. In general, if the value of the damage exceeds a certain amount, the crime can be prosecuted as a felony and may hold fines up to $10,000 and up to a year in jail. Defacement damage totaling smaller amounts of money are often prosecuted as misdemeanors. More serious acts of defacement, including arson, can hold more serious sentences of a few years to longer sentences if individuals are injured or killed during the act.

Uses

Defacement is often used in artistic expression, to expand social commentary or as a means of social or political resistance.

Famous Examples

Famous cases of defacement have involved iconic objects, such as the Mona Lisa, which has been victim to spray painting and acid throwing. Another widely publicized case of defacement was that of Michael Peter Fay, who was caned in Singapore for spray-painting private property.

Source:

Legal Definition of Defacing

Penalties for Defacement of Currency

Penalties for Defacement

Resource:

Michael Peter Fay: Defacement Case in Singapore