You parked it the prior evening, so the vandal did it sometime during the night, but you have no idea who did it. But it’s actually much more serious. Many card and account actions can be completed simply and easily at Key2Benefits.com, or via our automated system by calling the number on the back of your card.For some actions, you may need to call our 24/7 customer services representatives. You do not have the ability to "PRESS CHARGES" only the state does. As part of the punishment for the vandals, they may be ordered to perform community service. Even if they can’t take immediate action, it’s helpful to have the incident on record. The weight of a big key chain. As a result, the majority rejected the notion that someone leaving their keys in an unlocked car should anticipate that someone could be injured if the vehicle is stolen. Theh Law Dictionary: How Long Do You Have To File A Police Report. Vandalism, under state laws, is a crime. Cars are often vandalized at night when witnesses aren’t present. Determining whether or not you purchased the coverage is fairly simple: Check your declaration page to see if a dollar amount is listed under comprehensive or other than collision coverage. You are liable for the cost to repair deliberate damage done to another's property--e.g. If you want to press charges, they may send the case to the district attorney's office for charges. A key element of any larceny or theft crime is what an offender intends to do with the property after taking it. Otherwise, they take down the report, provide you a copy for your insurance claim and send you on your way. Fold in your mirrors. That means that the car's owner could sue you directly for the cost--and possibly also recover additional compensation (e.g. Side mirrors and headlights are sometimes included as well. In order to differentiate these “joyriders” – who intended to drive the car, but not keep it – from thieves, the first joyriding laws were enacted. Reviewed by: Michelle Seidel, B.Sc., LL.B., MBA. He had your keys, and your car. You phone the police non-emergency line and report that someone vandalized your car. You tell the police, and THEY decide whether to take the matter further. If you're on the street, park your car under a street lamp, if possible. Many messages of this type are either racist, sexist or something else derogatory. First is physical damage, that might be permanent but also might not be serious enough to destroy property. As you can imagine,ignorance is a tough defense to establish. The person can also be ordered to pay for the damage. Anyone can make the honest mistake of forgetting to return a borrowed item, no matter how aggravating it might be for the rightful owner. The only action you can expect from the police is to log a police report so you can file a claim with your insurance company. Suppose a driver who was obeyingall traffic laws hits … Also, if the person has a previous criminal record, there could be an increase in penalties. The fines are paid directly to the court and not to the property owner. Dealing with the Damage If the key mark didn't go deep enough to scratch the paint, you can do a quick repair … Both as a legal practicality and to speed along any insurance claim process, you should file a police report, which you may have already done. The person may be ordered to pay fines, sent to prison or both. For the police to arrest someone for the criminal charge of car vandalism charges, they need to have enough information for an arrest. Who to tell when your car is keyed Keying is an act of vandalism, which you can report to your local police on the 101 non-emergency number. Spengler splits her time between the French Basque Country and Northern California. Knowledge. In this type of destruction, the vandal quite often wants to send a direct message. If you happen to come out while it is being done and you tackle the guy doing it, they may charge him with vandalism. You need to file in person at the police department only if you know who did it. There are different parts, or elements, to car vandalism. However, if you know who vandalized your car, you can press charges. Vandalism can occur quickly by someone just walking by with a knife. Vandalism is a crime under state laws, although it may be termed "criminal damage," "malicious trespass," "malicious mischief" or some other legal term. You have entered an incorrect email address! Find out more about this crime, and other related topics, at FindLaw's section on Criminal Charges. If you want to press charges, they may send the case to the district attorney's office for charges. I would talk to your insurance company asap. A dealer isn’t your only option when car repairs are necessary. She holds both an M.A. If any rules or conditions are violated within the probation, then the person can end up severing the original jail sentence instead. You can file a civil suit in Small Claims court for property damage, and he can't be represented by his lawyer, he'd have to appear by himself. Vandalism is an offense that occurs when a person destroys or defaces someone else's property without permission. Switchblade Key: This style folds the key’s metal shank into a plastic holder. This depends on the amount of damage done. For example, if you happen out just when someone is slitting your tires and you tackle the person, or you recognize your next door neighbor, the police will take your police report in person. from U.C. Prosecutors decide whether or not to do so based on evidence provided by people and police, but the latter two never press charges. There are different types of car vandalism. There are many technicians all over the place. If you notice the key sticking, install new tumblers and use a lighter key chain. Next time someone asks to borrow your car, think hard before saying Yes. Other legal terms that may be used are criminal damage, malicious damage, or malicious trespass. Usually, the amount is enough so the owner can have their vehicle either repaired or if needed, replaced. If they fair to perform community, the jail sentence and original fines will be reinforced. Regardless of what type of car you have, eventually you may need to jumpstart it. A drivertypically has to be aware of a collision in order to be convicted for notstopping, providing identification, or offering help. You are liable for the cost to repair deliberate damage done to another's property--e.g. Windows are easy to shatter and access can be gained to the vehicle through a broken window. 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