Law Doubles Penalty for Graffiti Vandals
Legislation increasing the hours of community service that must be performed by convicted graffiti vandals has been signed by Gov. Pete Wilson.
The bill, written by state Assemblywoman Paula Boland (R-Granada Hills), doubles the number of hours--to 100--that must be served. It also requires graffiti defendants to erase their slogans and drawings and makes parents or legal guardians liable for fines imposed on youthful offenders.
“While certainly not a panacea, I believe that court-ordered community service of 100 hours or so will be an effective deterrent against vandals who maliciously deface our property,†Boland said at a Wednesday news conference.
“Hopefully, we will teach these young offenders to take pride in their community.â€
The new law takes effect Jan. 1.
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