Is Keying a Car a Felony?
Keying a car, also known as scratching or vandalizing, is a common crime where an individual intentionally damages someone else’s vehicle by scratching, etching, or marking its surface. In many cases, keying a car is considered a misdemeanor offense, but can it be a felony?
What is Keying a Car?
Keying a car is a type of vandalism that involves deliberately damaging the paint, exterior, or interior of another person’s vehicle. This can be done using various methods, such as scratching the paint with a sharp object, etching a pattern or message onto the surface, or even pouring corrosive substances onto the car’s exterior.
Is Keying a Car a Felony?
In Most Cases, Keying a Car is a Misdemeanor
In the United States, keying a car is typically considered a misdemeanor offense, punishable by fines, community service, and even imprisonment. The severity of the punishment depends on the jurisdiction, the extent of the damage, and whether the individual has any prior criminal history.
Penalties for Keying a Car
Here are some examples of penalties for keying a car in various states:
| State | Penalty |
|---|---|
| California | Up to 1 year in jail, fines up to $1,000 |
| Florida | Up to 60 days in jail, fines up to $500 |
| New York | Up to 1 year in jail, fines up to $5,000 |
| Texas | Up to 1 year in jail, fines up to $4,000 |
When Can Keying a Car Be a Felony?
While keying a car is usually a misdemeanor, there are certain circumstances under which it can be charged as a felony. Here are some examples:
• Extensive Damage: If the damage to the vehicle is extensive and the cost of repairs exceeds a certain threshold (usually around $5,000), the offense can be elevated to a felony.
• Multiple Victims: If the individual keying multiple cars, the offense can be charged as a felony, even if the individual is not causing extensive damage to each vehicle.
• Pattern of Behavior: If the individual has a history of keying cars or engaging in other acts of vandalism, they can be charged with a felony for keying a single car.
• Repeat Offender: If an individual has been convicted of keying a car or other vandalism-related offenses multiple times, they can be charged with a felony for subsequent offenses.
Additional Consequences
Even if keying a car is not charged as a felony, there are other consequences to consider:
• Civil Liability: The individual who keying the car can be held civilly liable for the damages they caused, which means they may be required to pay for the repairs out of pocket.
• Insurance Premium Increases: If the individual’s insurance policy covers the vehicle, their premiums may increase as a result of the vandalism.
• Legal Fees: The individual who keying the car may also be responsible for paying legal fees to defend themselves in court.
Conclusion
In most cases, keying a car is considered a misdemeanor offense, punishable by fines, community service, and imprisonment. However, there are certain circumstances under which keying a car can be charged as a felony, including extensive damage, multiple victims, pattern of behavior, and repeat offender. It’s important to understand the potential consequences of keying a car, including civil liability, insurance premium increases, and legal fees.
