Louisiana § RS 14:56 - Simple criminal damage to property
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 14:56 — Simple criminal damage to property, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 14:56. Simple criminal damage to property
A.(1) Simple criminal damage to property is the intentional damaging of any property of another, without the consent of the owner, and except as provided in R.S. 14:55, by any means other than fire or explosion.
(2) The provisions of this Section shall include the intentional damaging of a dwelling, house, apartment, or other structure used in whole or in part as a home, residence, or place of abode by a person who leased or rented the property.
B.(1) Whoever commits the crime of simple criminal damage to property where the damage is less than one thousand dollars shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.
(2) Where the damage amounts to one thousand 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) Where 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.
(4) In addition to the foregoing penalties, a person convicted under the provisions of this Section may be ordered to make full restitution to the owner of the property. If a person ordered to make restitution is found to be indigent and therefore unable to make restitution in full at the time of conviction, the court shall order a periodic payment plan consistent with the person's ability to pay.
C. When there has been damage to multiple properties by a number of distinct acts of the offender which are part of a continuous sequence of events, the aggregate of the amount of the damages shall determine the grade of the offense.
Amended by Acts 1981, No. 160, §1; Acts 2006, No. 84, §1; Acts 2008, No. 97, §1; Acts 2017, No. 281, §1; Acts 2022, No. 45, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 14:56
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 14:56 cover?
Section RS 14:56 ("Simple criminal damage to property") 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 14:56?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 14:56" (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 14:56 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.