Is it illegal to watch someone spraypaint private property?

[IvanThe]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[IvanThe]

I'm 16 by the way, which is why I posted this in juvenile law.

 

[quincy]

What is the name of your state?

If you helped to purchase the paint or encouraged the painting, you could possibly be implicated in the vandalism. Otherwise, no. You cannot be held legally liable for the criminal acts of others. Reporting to the police any illegal activity that you see, however, can be a good thing to do.

This is assuming that the property owner did not want their property spray painted.

 

[xylene]

Watch, like across the way and didn't report it or watch like standing there as a participant but just didn't get caught with a can in your hand?

 

[IvanThe]

I am from California. The post got messed up for some reason and didn't include that. I won't have a can in my hand, I'll simply be standing there, watching. Not helping him at all.

 

[Zigner]

Watch, like across the way and didn't report it or watch like standing there as a participant but just didn't get caught with a can in your hand?

Or watch as in encouraging the spray painters by laughing, pointing, cheering, etc?

 

[IvanThe]

This is a legal website, not a life advice website. I'm just trying to determine the legality of this

 

[quincy]

I am from California. The post got messed up for some reason and didn't include that. I won't have a can in my hand, I'll simply be standing there, watching. Not helping him at all.

You potentially could be arrested along with the spray painter and liability could be sorted out later.

If you or a friend are considering painting property without permission from the property owner, I recommend you rethink your plans.

 

[Zigner]

This is a legal website, not a life advice website. I'm just trying to determine the legality of this

You can be charged as an accessory, or even as a participant. Cops don't like punk kids who cop an attitude any more than I like them...

 

[Zigner]

You potentially could be arrested along with the spray painter and liability could be sorted out later.

If you or a friend is considering painting property without permission from the property owner, I recommend you rethink your plans.

Cut out the life advice - da kid don't want it.

 

[Silverplum]

This is a legal website, not a life advice website. I'm just trying to determine the legality of this

The "life advice" is also free. Don't be snippy with the nice volunteers.

 

[xylene]

You could also get popped for trespassing just for being there, depending on where that was.

 

[Proserpina]

Oh, if I only knew his parent/s ...

 

[TigerD]

Oh, if I only knew his parent/s ...

If they cared what you'd have to say, the kid wouldn't be here in the first place.

TD

 

[quincy]

As a bit of an aside:

Noted street artist Shepard Fairy was charged with felony vandalism over his graffiti artwork on abandoned buildings in Detroit, despite the fact that his artwork was attractive and a big improvement to the buildings. He has been charged with vandalism in other cities, as well. Art students in Ann Arbor graffiti-painted overpasses belonging to CSX railway and the police charged the students with vandalism.

In the Ann Arbor case, CSX stepped in to say they wanted to pay the students for the artwork already completed and hire them to paint other overpasses, so charges were dismissed. Shepard Fairy has not fared so well.

If the property owners object to the painting, it is vandalism - and anyone who looks to be involved can be arrested and potentially charged. I personally would not want to be standing too close to any vandal when someone calls the police.

If someone has an urge to spray paint, perhaps they might want to contact property owners and ask if they want their fences or garages painted. Not only will the "budding artists" avoid criminal charges, they can earn themselves some extra money.