(a) It is unlawful for a parent or legal guardian having custody or control of a person under the age of eighteen to knowingly permit, or by insufficient control allow, the minor to possess a graffiti implement.
(b) Pursuant to California Civil Code Section 1714.1(b), any parent or legal guardian having custody or control of a minor who knowingly permits, or by insufficient control allows, the minor to possess a graffiti implement shall be jointly and severally liable with such minor for any and all costs incurred in connection with the removal of any graffiti caused by the minor, including all attorney’s fees and court costs resulting from the civil prosecution of any claim for damages, not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars. The city, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, shall be entitled to seek full cost recovery from the parent or legal guardian of a minor found to be guilty of violating any provisions of this chapter.
(c) Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 594(c)(2)(A), a person convicted for acts of vandalism including defacing property with graffiti may be subject to additional punishment imposed by the court at the request of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department to pay for law enforcement costs, in an amount not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars, provided the defendant has the ability to pay all or part of the costs. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department shall provide evidence of, and bear the burden of establishing, the reasonable costs that it incurred in identifying and apprehending the defendant.
The law enforcement costs authorized to be paid pursuant to California Penal Code Section 594(c)(2)(A) are in addition to any other costs incurred or recovered by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and payment of these costs does not in any way limit, preclude, or restrict any other right, remedy or action otherwise available to the city and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
(Ord. 06-855 § 7, 2006)