Penal Code 594.3 PC – Vandalizing a Religious Building
Vandalizing a Religious Building – California Penal Code 594.3 PC
In California, vandalism is always a serious offense—but when the target is a place of worship, the law imposes even harsher penalties. Under Penal Code 594.3 PC, it is a felony to knowingly vandalize a church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or any other structure used for religious purposes.
These charges are often filed when prosecutors believe the act was not just criminal mischief, but a targeted offense against a protected class or faith-based group. Even if the damage was limited in scope or purely cosmetic, a conviction under this statute can still result in state prison, felony penalties, and long-term consequences.
If you’ve been arrested or accused of vandalizing a religious site in California, it’s critical to speak with a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney immediately—before speaking with police or investigators.
What Counts as Vandalism of a Religious Building in California?
Under Penal Code 594.3, it is a crime to knowingly damage, destroy, or deface any building, property, or structure used for religious worship or gatherings. The law is specifically designed to protect sacred spaces and religious communities from targeted acts of vandalism—regardless of how minor the damage may be.
You may be charged under PC 594.3 if the alleged act involved any of the following:
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Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, or any building primarily used for religious worship
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Chapels, shrines, or sacred spaces located on private or public land
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Religious items or objects used in worship (e.g., altars, crosses, Torah scrolls, Bibles, icons, or prayer mats)
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Structures connected to religious use, such as fellowship halls, clergy offices, or classrooms
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Outdoor religious features, including statues, memorials, signs, or sculptures maintained by the organization
This law applies even if the structure was unoccupied at the time or the damage caused was superficial or cosmetic. If the vandalism involved fire or explosives, prosecutors may also file arson charges. Malicious arson is charged under Penal Code 451, while reckless burning is charged under Penal Code 452. Both offenses can carry additional prison time and enhancements.
What Must the Prosecutor Prove?
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You willfully and maliciously committed an act of vandalism (e.g., graffiti, damage, or destruction)
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The property was used for religious worship or religious activities
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You knew—or reasonably should have known—that the property was a religious site or was used for religious purposes
If the alleged offense is tied to religious hatred or bias, the prosecution can pursue it as a hate crime—potentially increasing the sentence by one to four additional years in prison.
What Counts as a Religious Building Under Penal Code 594.3?
California law defines a “place of worship” broadly. This includes more than just traditional churches or temples—it can also include:
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Outdoor spaces used for religious ceremonies
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Meeting rooms leased by religious organizations
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Religious schools or nonprofit properties used for worship
The building doesn’t have to be actively hosting a service at the time of the alleged vandalism. If it’s designated or regularly used for religious purposes, it may fall under the protection of PC 594.3.
Penalties Under Penal Code 594.3 PC
If convicted of felony vandalism of religious property under PC 594.3(a), you may face:
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State Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
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Fines: Up to $10,000 — or more if the damage exceeds $10,000
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Probation or Supervision: Formal felony probation or parole terms
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Restitution: Court-ordered payment to cover property damage
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Permanent Felony Record: Which may affect employment, licensing, and immigration status
Is Vandalism of a Religious Building Always a Felony?
In most cases, yes—PC 594.3 is designed to punish these acts more severely than ordinary property crimes.
However, there are limited situations where the district attorney may agree to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor, particularly if:
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The defendant is a juvenile or first-time offender
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The damage was minor (under $400)
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There is no evidence of hate crime motivation
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The accused agrees to pay restitution, attend counseling, or complete community service
A skilled criminal defense lawyer may also be able to negotiate pretrial diversion or a plea to a lesser charge under PC 594 instead of 594.3.
How to Fight Charges for Vandalizing a Religious Property
Mistaken Identity
In many cases, police rely on unclear surveillance footage, secondhand reports, or assumptions about who was involved. If no one clearly saw you commit the act—or if there’s a chance someone else was responsible—your attorney can challenge the evidence and raise doubt about your involvement.
No Intent to Cause Damage
To be convicted, prosecutors have to show that you acted willfully and with malicious intent. If the damage was accidental, unintentional, or part of a situation that got out of hand without any deliberate intent to harm religious property, that could make a major difference in your case.
You Didn’t Know the Property Was Religious
Not every building or space has visible religious markings. If you honestly didn’t know the structure was a place of worship or had any religious purpose, your attorney may be able to argue that you shouldn’t be held criminally responsible under this specific law.
Illegally Collected Evidence
If law enforcement searched your phone, home, or vehicle without a proper warrant—or violated your rights during an arrest—your legal team can push to have that evidence thrown out. Without it, the case against you could weaken or fall apart entirely.
Charged with Vandalism of a Religious Building? Speak with a Los Angeles Criminal Attorney Today
Facing charges under Penal Code 594.3 PC is not something you can afford to take lightly. Even first-time offenders risk felony convictions, significant prison time, and long-term consequences for their future.
At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we bring more than 20 years of experience defending clients in serious vandalism, hate crime, and felony property damage cases throughout Los Angeles. Attorney Hashemi knows how to challenge weak evidence, file suppression motions, and push for case dismissals or reductions—especially in cases involving bias allegations or sensitive community institutions.
Whether you’re under investigation or have already been arrested, early legal intervention can make all the difference.
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