Provides that a conditional discharge imposed by the court for making graffiti shall include a minimum of five hundred hours of community service

5 Co-sponsors

• Ruth Hassell-Thompson
• Jeffrey D. Klein
• Kevin S. Parker
• John L. Sampson
• Toby Ann Stavisky

Title of bill

An act to amend the penal law, in relation to the performance of community service upon a conviction of making graffiti

Purpose

To require a mandatory sentence of at least 500 hours community service for the crime of making graffiti.

Summary of specific provisions

Amends paragraph (h) of subdivision 2 of section 65.10 of the penal law by adding a requirement that a sentence of community service for making graffiti shall be at least 500 hours of community service with a not-for-profit organization.

Existing law

Provides that the imposition of a conditional discharge by the court upon a conviction of making graffiti shall include a minimum of five hundred hours of service for a public or not-for-profit corporation, association, institution or agency.

Justification

Graffiti has become a serious problem in many areas around the state. It has defaced millions of dollars of property and has damaged many communities. Often repeated perpetrators are given light or suspended sentences, as the crime of graffiti is often not viewed as seriously as it should be. This bill would require a significant period of community service so that graffiti making would be taken more seriously.

Legislative history

2008 Referred to Codes.

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

None.

Effective date

This act shall take affect on November 1 next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.