Bill paints strict penalties; Juvenile fines for graffiti increase
By Emily Murphy, Independent Newspapers



Gilbert police received 262 reports of graffiti in 2006, and Arizona legislators are trying to lower those numbers in coming years.

House Bill 2334 passed 58-0 through the House and requires mandatory fines of juvenile graffiti offenders, a minimum of $300 and maximum of $1,000.

“The beauty of this language is that if you can’t pay back the fine, we don’t want to penalize the parents,” said District 14 Rep. Chad Campbell (D-Phoenix) who has introduced the bill. “The child can perform community service. They can perform a mix. It’s up to the judge’s flexibility.”

Gilbert police Lt. Joe Ruet said the police department sees a lot of graffiti in Gilbert, especially along McQueen Road, where Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa meet.

He said this road is a popular among graffitists because it is considered a thoroughfare. “Graffiti offenders want their graffiti to be seen,” he said.


In 2007 until Feb. 20, Gilbert received 70 reports of graffiti.

The police and public works departments combine their efforts to handle graffiti by taking a report, painting over it, investigating and prosecuting when they can identify the offenders.

“Our proactive response to the problem has likely kept the amount of graffiti we see substantially lower than if it were left uncovered,” Mr. Ruet said.

Islands resident Ann Candelaria said she was surprised to hear there was not more of a punishment in place for graffiti offenders already, and that she cannot imagine most juveniles being able to afford such high fines.

“As long as the punishment - the fine - does not pass to the parents, then this law is suitable by requiring community service on the part of the juvenile,” she said.



Juveniles would be allowed to make up the fine at $10 per hour.

The law now states that juveniles charged with graffiti damages may face a fine up to $500.

Majority and minority caucuses in the Senate passed the bill March 27, which will now move to a vote in the Senate.

“I think this is a really good bill,” Mr. Campbell said. “It provides flexibility. It’s not just a monetary fine. I haven’t met a single opposition to this measure yet.”

News Editor Kelsi Martin contributed to this story.

News Editor Emily Murphy can be reached at emurphy@newszap.com.