NC H552

Creates new criminal offense of graffiti vandalism defined as unlawfully writing, marking, painting, defacing or besmearing walls of real property (public or private), public buildings, or public statues/monuments using pens, markers, or paint regardless of permanence

First offense is Class 1 misdemeanor with minimum $500 fine and 24 hours of community service if community or intermediate punishment is imposed

Third or subsequent offense becomes Class H felony when person has two or more prior convictions for graffiti vandalism and current violation occurs after the second conviction

Amends G.S. 14-132(d) to clarify that greater punishment under other applicable laws takes precedence over default Class 2 misdemeanor penalty

Effective December 1, 2015 for offenses committed on or after that date