Massachusetts § 38 - Intentional injury or destruction of property; penalty
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 38 — Intentional injury or destruction of property; penalty, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 38. Intentional injury or destruction of property; penalty
Section 38. Whoever unlawfully and intentionally injures, molests or destroys any line, wire, pole, pier or abutment, or any of the materials or property of any street railway company, of any electric railroad company, or of any city or town engaged in the manufacture and sale of electricity for light, heat or power or of any company, owner or association described in sections twenty-one and forty-three shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than two years, or both; and whoever does any act prohibited by this section between the hours of four o'clock in the afternoon and seven o'clock in the forenoon shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than four years, or both.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 38
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 38 cover?
Section 38 ("Intentional injury or destruction of property; penalty") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts § 38?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 38" (Massachusetts). 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 Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 38 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.