Penal Code §594
California Penal Code 594: vandalism and damage thresholds
PC 594 defines vandalism and uses a $400 damage threshold for different punishment paths. The property, intent, and supported damage amount all matter.
Conduct the statute covers
Section 594(a) concerns maliciously defacing with graffiti or other inscribed material, damaging, or destroying real or personal property belonging to someone else, except where another law governs.
The charged act, ownership, permission, and evidence of malicious conduct should be separated. Photographs of damage do not by themselves answer who caused it or under what circumstances.
The $400 threshold
For damage of $400 or more, section 594(b)(1) allows imprisonment under section 1170(h) or county jail for up to one year, and describes fine limits. For damage below $400, section 594(b)(2)(A) ordinarily specifies county jail for up to one year, a fine up to $1,000, or both.
Section 594 contains additional provisions for prior convictions and particular circumstances. The amount should be supported by repair or replacement evidence, and the applicable subdivision should be read in full.
What the label does not tell you
A citation to section 594 alone does not establish whether a higher punishment path applies. The alleged loss amount, any prior-conviction allegation, and other applicable provisions must be checked against the complaint and evidence.
Common questions
Can vandalism be a misdemeanor or felony?
The statute provides different punishment paths, including a section 1170(h) path when the damage is at least $400. The charged subdivision and supported facts control the analysis.
Does $400 refer to the value of the entire property?
Section 594(b) refers to the amount of defacement, damage, or destruction. Review the proof offered for that amount and the subsection charged.
Sources
- California Penal Code section 594 leginfo.legislature.ca.gov Source checked on 2026-10-31