Operation Payback Cleans Up Milwaukee Graffiti
Not the only city in the state with a program like this, Milwaukee seeks to teach taggers and other probationers the value of community service with Operation Payback. This program is responsible for cleaning up the graffiti and garbage that plague some of the city’s neighborhoods, according to this piece from the Journal Sentinel.
Operation Payback began in April of 2008 in the 6th District of the city’s police department under the guidance of Captain Donald Gaglione and Alderman Robert Donovan. The program began in response to a dramatic increase in tagging and the taking down of a tagging crew called “WR” at the time.
Now, it’s not only people convicted of graffiti who are sentenced to serve community service with this program. According to this press release from the city of Milwaukee, the Sherriff’s Department is even using inmates at the House of Correction are also working to clean up the streets with this program.
The program, and many like it, serve several purposes. They clean up the city and teach the offenders the value of civic duty. They allow the probationers, parolees, and current inmates to serve the community while working off the terms of their case.
Graffiti is considered a property crime and typically falls under the charge of Criminal Damage to Property. This charge is considered a misdemeanor and can result in up to 9 months in jail and $10,000 in fines.
If you have never been involved with the criminal court system any criminal charge is a serious criminal charge. Facing the possibility of jail time is frightening and sobering. The prospect of something like this can especially cause a great amount of stress when you don’t have a defense attorney.
Having an experienced defense attorney on your side can occasionally make the difference between serving a jail sentence and being sentenced to probation.
If you are facing charges of Criminal Damage to Property in Wisconsin or any other criminal charge, I want to help. Call me today to discuss the details of your case and to see how I can assist you during this difficult time.
