Indiana law classifies property damage as criminal vandalism

The law classifies certain property damage as criminal vandalism and sets penalties for it. The rules cover another person's property and listed parts of real property in foreclosure secured by a mortgage, land contract, or similar agreement. Certain religious, school, community, agricultural, research, cemetery, cave, railroad, and critical infrastructure property also has specific penalty rules. Basic damage to another person's property must be reckless, knowing, or intentional and done without consent. For property in foreclosure, the person must knowingly or intentionally damage, permanently remove, or deface a listed part. A good faith repair, renovation, replacement, or maintenance is a defense. These provisions take effect July 1, 2026.

A court may suspend a convicted person's driver's license or invalidate a learner's permit for graffiti vandalism. This applies to a person convicted under this section of an offense involving graffiti. The court may order a suspension or permit invalidation for up to one year. The court may end the suspension or invalidation early if the person removes or paints over the graffiti, or makes other suitable restitution. These provisions take effect July 1, 2026.

The law treats litter placed in a cave as a more serious offense, with a higher penalty for a repeat violation. These rules apply to littering in a cave. A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally leaves refuse in a cave commits a Class A infraction. A person with a prior unrelated conviction or adjudication for the same kind of cave littering within the previous five years commits a Class C misdemeanor. These provisions take effect July 1, 2026.