In Washington State a misdemeanor Criminal Street Gang Tagging and Graffiti offense can have a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor you could be facing jail time and trouble securing employment in the future.
Often times Criminal Street Gang Tagging and Graffiti charges are prosecuted in city courts with differing procedures and penalties. Although a Criminal Street Gang Tagging and Graffiti in Washington State may sound relatively harmless, it can have a long-lasting impact on your ability to obtain housing and find employment and attend college. If convicted many employers will simply pass over your application for years to come. Additionally, government employment and military service may be impossible.
For many people charged with Criminal Street Gang Tagging and Graffiti this is the first time they have been on the wrong side of the law. Additionally, many are young people and have a bright future ahead of them.
RCW 9A.48.105 Criminal street gang tagging and graffiti.Criminal street gang tagging and graffiti.
(1) A person is guilty of criminal street gang tagging and graffiti if he or she commits malicious mischief in the third degree under RCW 9A.48.090(1)(b) and he or she:
(a) Has multiple current convictions for malicious mischief in the third degree offenses under RCW 9A.48.090(1)(b); or
(b) Has previously been convicted for a malicious mischief in the third degree offense under RCW 9A.48.090(1)(b) or a comparable offense under a municipal code provision of any city or town; and
(c) The current offense or one of the current offenses is a "criminal street gang-related offense" as defined in RCW 9.94A.030.
(2) Criminal street gang tagging and graffiti is a gross misdemeanor offense.
