§ 812 — Graffiti and possession of graffiti implements; class G felony; class A misdemeanor; class B misdemeanor

Delaware § 812

• Jurisdiction: Delaware
• Title: 11
• Part: Delaware Criminal Code
• Ch. 5: SPECIFIC OFFENSES
• Subch.: Offenses Involving Property

Text

(a) (1) A person is guilty of the act of graffiti when the person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly draws, paints, etches or makes any significant mark or inscription upon any public or private, real or personal property of another without the permission of the owner.

(2) Graffiti is a class A misdemeanor, unless the property damage caused thereby exceeds $1500, in which case it is a class G felony. The penalty for graffiti shall include a minimum fine of not less than $1000 which shall not be subject to suspension, restitution for damages to the property and 250 hours of community service, at least1/2of which shall be served removing graffiti on public property. The minimum fine and community service hours shall be doubled for a second or subsequent conviction of an act of graffiti. The minimum fine shall also be doubled, and may not be suspended, for a first, second, or subsequent conviction of an act of graffiti which is performed on or along a “Delaware byway,” as defined in § 101 of Title 17.

(b) (1) A person is guilty of possession of graffiti implements when the person possesses any tool, instrument, article, substance, solution or other compound designed or commonly used to etch, paint, cover, draw upon or otherwise place a mark upon a piece of property which that person has no permission or authority to etch, paint, cover, draw upon or otherwise mark, under circumstances evidencing an intent to use the same in order to commit an act of graffiti or damage such property.

(2) Possession of graffiti implements is a class B misdemeanor. The penalty for possession of graffiti implements shall include a minimum fine of not less than $500 which shall not be subject to suspension, restitution for damages to the property and 100 hours of community service, at least1/2of which shall be served removing graffiti on public property. The minimum fine and community service hours shall be doubled for a second or subsequent conviction of possession of graffiti implements.