Louisiana § RS 14:225 - Institutional vandalism

Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 14:225 — Institutional vandalism, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ RS 14:225. Institutional vandalism

A.  A person commits the crime of institutional vandalism by knowingly vandalizing, defacing, or otherwise damaging the following:

(1)  Any church, synagogue, or other building, structure, or place used for religious worship or other religious purpose.  

(2)  Any cemetery, mortuary, or other facility used for the purpose of burial or memorializing the dead.  

(3)  Any school, educational facility, or community center.  

(4)  The grounds adjacent to and owned or rented by any institution, facility, building, structure, or place described in Paragraphs (1), (2) or (3) above.  

(5)  Any personal property contained in any institution, facility, building, structure, or place described in Paragraphs (1), (2), or (3) above.

(6)  Any building owned by the United States, state of Louisiana, or a political subdivision of this state.  

B.  Institutional vandalism is punishable as follows:

(1)  When the damage is less than five hundred dollars, the offender shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.  

(2)  When the damage amounts to five hundred dollars but less than fifty thousand dollars, the offender shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars, or imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than two years or both.  

(3)  When the damage amounts to fifty thousand dollars or more, the offender shall be fined not more than ten thousand dollars, or imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not less than one nor more than ten years, or both.  

C.  In determining the amount of damage to or loss of property, damage includes the cost of repair or replacement of the property that was damaged or lost.  

Acts 1984, No. 583, §1.  

Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 14:225

What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 14:225 cover?

Section RS 14:225 ("Institutional vandalism") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Louisiana § RS 14:225?

A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 14:225" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Louisiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.

How does Louisiana § RS 14:225 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.