Why do some people think it is funny or “cool” to destroy property of others ? This is the question I ask myself every time it is reported to me that more private or public property has been destroyed. I know this may sound like an odd question, but “WHAT’S THE DEAL?” To the offenders, I want to ask, Why? What do you hope to accomplish? Does it make you feel good to know that you are tearing up someone’s property? Don’t you realize the property has been bought and paid for by hard earned money? What do you hope to gain? What you are doing is nothing more than being childish and STUPID! That’s right whoever you are….. I said STUPID !
Don’t you realize not only what you are doing is WRONG………, but, it is ILLEGAL as well. That means IT IS AGAINST THE LAW. UNDERSTAND? Section 28.03 of the Texas Penal code states that CRIMINAL MISCHIEF is when someone intentionally or knowingly damages or destroys tangible property of the owner of the property. If the property destroyed is valued at less than $50.00, it is a class “C” misdemeanor, with a maximum fine of $565.00 . If the property destroyed is valued above $50.00, but less than $500.00, it is a class B misdemeanor, which can lead to 6 months in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000.00 or BOTH. If the destruction of property valued at more than $500, but less than $1,500, it then becomes a class “A” misdemeanor which has a maximum fine of $4,000.00 or a year in jail or BOTH. It only gets worse, folks. If the property destroyed is valued at more than $1,500.00, the offense becomes a STATE JAIL FELONY, which the offender can be jailed not less than 6 months or more than 2 years and a $10,000.00 fine or BOTH. Taking the signs without the owner’s permission is STEALING. In legal terms, THEFT OF PROPERTY. The same fine classifications apply.
In recent months, real estate signs and political signs have been knocked down, vandalized or stolen . This is just a reminder that this isn’t FUNNY or CUTE . It is mean, thoughtless and COSTLY . Each sign replacement cost the owner money which he or she can’t always afford. The owners of real estate signs, and the political candidates have every right to display the signs and the offenders have NO RIGHT to destroy or steal them.
I urge this idiotic behavior to stop. If it continues, the vandals and thieves will eventually be caught. I assure you when it happens, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. If anyone witnesses the destruction or theft of any signs, please call the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department 361-553-4646 or CRIME STOPPERS. 552-CASH (2274). You can remain anonymous and possibly receive a reward.
Think about it offenders. Is it really worth ruining your life by having a criminal record that will never go away? It will be real tough trying to find a job or enter the military. In addition, some universities will not accept someone with a criminal history.
Judge Nancy Pomykal
Justice of the Peace Pct. 5, Calhoun County
