Tires Slashed on More Than 40 Vehicles Across UT Campus

 Posted on May 23, 2025 in University of Tennessee Knoxville College Students

On March 18, 2025, a student at the University of Tennessee was arrested for slashing vehicle tires on campus. The young woman was charged with one count of felony vandalism, with additional charges pending. More than 40 vehicles were allegedly vandalized across the campus. The woman was taken to Knox County Detention Center for booking, where she mentioned to police that she had not taken her medication for mental health and "blacked out."  

Any felony charge is serious, perhaps even more so for a college student, as a felony conviction could adversely impact student loans, employment, and much more. If you are a University of Tennessee college student facing serious criminal charges – or the parent of a college student facing serious criminal charges – speaking to a Rutledge, TN criminal defense lawyer is advised.  

What Is Vandalism?

In Tennessee, vandalism is a criminal offense with substantial legal penalties. Vandalism encompasses acts such as graffiti spray-painting, "egging" a house or vehicle, placing glue into locks, keying a car, breaking windows, slashing tires, or any other intentional act that damages another person’s property. Vandalism charges in the state can range from a misdemeanor to a serious felony. Vandalism is fully defined under Tennessee Code Annotated Section 39-14-408.

The legal difference between vandalism and other offenses like criminal mischief depends on the intent of the perpetrator and the resulting damage. A conviction for vandalism requires intent, while criminal mischief covers actions done negligently or recklessly, but with no specific intent to damage property.

Penalties for Vandalism Crimes in Tennessee

The penalties for vandalism crimes in Tennessee depend on the monetary value of the damage inflicted. If the damage is less than $1,000, then the offense remains a misdemeanor crime (Class A). If the property damage is relatively minor, the penalties can include fines as large as $2,500 and up to one year in jail. Other vandalism crimes are charged as follows:

• A Class E felony is charged when the vandalism damage is between $1,000 and $2,500 and generally covers moderate vehicle or home damage or significant graffiti. Penalties for this Class E felony include fines as large as $3,000 and from one to six years in prison.
• A Class D felony is charged when the vandalism damage is between $2,500 and $10,000 and includes serious damage to a business, home, or vehicle. Penalties for this Class D felony include a fine as large as $5,000 and between two and 12 years in prison.
• Vandalism damage between $10,000 and $60,000 is charged as a Class C felony. Penalties for this Class C felony include a fine as large as $10,000 and a prison sentence between three and 15 years.
• Vandalism damage that is more than $60,000 is charged as a Class B felony, with fines as large as $25,000, and between eight and 30 years in prison.

The court could also order a person convicted of vandalism to provide restitution to the victim for the damage incurred, and could be sentenced to community service. The statute of limitations is eight years for a Class B felony, four years for a Class C or Class D felony, and two years for a Class E felony.

Possible Defenses to Vandalism Charges

The prosecution must prove intent on the part of the defendant to obtain a conviction for vandalism. While every case is unique, other common defenses to vandalism charges include:

• Mistaken identity
• False allegations
• Insufficient evidence
• Law enforcement errors
• Ownership rights or consent from the owner to alter the property

Contact a Grainger County, TN College Student Criminal Defense Lawyer

Having a Blaine, TN college student criminal defense attorney from The Baker Law Firm ensures college students accused of a criminal offense will receive an aggressive defense. Attorney Baker understands just how much a criminal conviction could affect a student’s future. Call 865-200-4117 today to schedule your free consultation.