Minnesota Statute
Commonly called vandalism, it involves intentionally damaging someone else’s physical property without permission. Minnesota law categorizes this by degrees depending on the monetary value of damage, whether the act endangered anyone, and even the motive (for example, bias-motivated damage).
The penalties depend on the degree of the offense. If the damage reduces the property’s value by $500 or less, it’s fourth-degree damage to property (a misdemeanor, up to 90 days jail). Damage over $500 up to $1,000 is third-degree (gross misdemeanor, up to 364 days). If the damage exceeds $1,000, it’s first-degree criminal damage, a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Also, if the damage is motivated by bias (hate crime), it’s second-degree damage to property, a felony (up to 1 year and 1 day and $3,000 fine).
Intentional damage to another’s property and the resulting loss amount; aggravators include risk to human life and bias motivation.
Proof often hinges on video, witness ID, and credible repair estimates.
Degrees turn on value: ≤ $500 (misdemeanor), > $500–$1,000 (gross misdemeanor), and higher thresholds for felonies; bias-motivated damage enhances seriousness.
We challenge valuation and ID, negotiate restitution-first outcomes, and press for dismissals or reductions where evidence is thin.