California · Penal Code

PEN §594.8: (a) Any person convicted of possession of a destructive implement with intent to commit graffiti or willfully affixing graffiti under Section 594.

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

Minors convicted of possessing tools to commit graffiti or willfully creating graffiti must perform community service (minimum 24 hours) or maintain property free of graffiti for 60 days, with potential counseling ordered by the court.

Read the full statutory text
(a) Any person convicted of possession of a destructive implement with intent to commit graffiti or willfully affixing graffiti under Section 594.2, 640.5, 640.6, or 640.7, where the offense was committed when he or she was under the age of 18 years, shall perform not less than 24 hours of community service during a time other than his or her hours of school attendance or employment. One parent or guardian shall be present at the community service site for at least one-half of the hours of community service required under this section unless participation by the parent, guardian, or foster parent is deemed by the court to be inappropriate or potentially detrimental to the child. (b) In lieu of the community service required pursuant to subdivision (a), the court may, if a jurisdiction has adopted a graffiti abatement program as defined in subdivision (f) of Section 594, order the defendant, and his or her parents or guardians if the defendant is a minor, to keep a specified property in the community free of graffiti for at least 60 days. Participation of a parent or guardian is not required under this subdivision if the court deems this participation to be detrimental to the defendant, or if the parent or guardian is a single parent who must care for young children. (c) The court may order any person ordered to perform community service or graffiti removal pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) to undergo counseling.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.