Juneteenth: A Michigan Perspective

Michigan officially recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday in 2022, joining the nationwide movement to mark the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865. Cities like Lansing, Flint, Kalamazoo, and Ypsilanti each host their own events, from historical exhibits and parades to cultural performances and food festivals.

However, as celebrations and public awareness have grown, so too has the unfortunate attention from individuals or groups looking to disrupt peaceful gatherings. From spray-painted monuments to damage to vendor booths and community murals, vandalism has occurred in several cities in recent years.

What Is Vandalism Under Michigan Law?

Vandalism is not an official term used in Michigan statutes but is often prosecuted under laws concerning malicious destruction of property (MDOP). MDOP is covered under Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 750.377a through 750.380.

In Michigan, MDOP offenses vary in severity based on the value of the property damage:

• Damage less than $200: Misdemeanor, up to 93 days in jail and/or up to a $500 fine.
• Damage between $200 and $1,000: Misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and/or up to a $2,000 fine.
• Damage between $1,000 and $20,000: Felony, up to 5 years in prison and/or up to a $10,000 fine or three times the value of the damage.
• Damage exceeding $20,000: Felony, up to 10 years in prison and/or fines up to $15,000.

In addition to these criminal penalties, individuals convicted of MDOP may also be ordered by the court to pay restitution to the victims.

Recent Vandalism and Law Enforcement Trends at Public Events

While Juneteenth events remain predominantly peaceful, there have been reported incidents of vandalism connected to politically or racially charged motives. In 2023, for example, a Juneteenth mural in a southeastern Michigan city was defaced hours after its public unveiling. Police later charged a local individual with felony MDOP and ethnic intimidation, a separate crime under MCL 750.147b when damage is tied to race, religion, or ethnic background.

Offenses impacting large culturally significant events like Juneteenth are often prosecuted aggressively. This is especially true if there is surveillance footage, witness statements, or damage to community-funded installations such as public art. The involvement of news media and public outrage also pressures prosecutors to pursue harsher penalties.

How Michigan Communities Are Increasing Security at Juneteenth Events

Local governments across Michigan are responding with increased security measures to protect participants and prevent vandalism at Juneteenth and other cultural events. Some of these steps include:

• Increased police patrols: Cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor have already announced boosted presence of officers at planned event sites to deter property crimes and protect attendees.
• Surveillance cameras: Temporary surveillance setups in parks and downtown plazas have become more common to monitor foot traffic and catch potential vandalism in real-time.
• Volunteer event marshals: Trained volunteers are being asked to keep an eye on public displays and notify authorities if they spot suspicious behavior.
• Stronger ordinances: Some municipalities are introducing or updating “event-specific” ordinances that allow for immediate detainment of individuals interfering with permitted public celebrations.

Your Rights as a Juneteenth Attendee or Organizer

Whether you're attending, volunteering, or organizing a Juneteenth event in Michigan, you also have legal rights worth understanding:

• Freedom of Assembly: Both the U.S. and Michigan Constitutions protect your right to gather peacefully. Municipalities cannot prevent Juneteenth observances unless justified by substantial safety concerns.
• Freedom of Speech: As long as speech does not incite criminal activity or violence, you have the legal right to voice your opinions or display cultural expression.
• Protection from Unlawful Arrest: Police must have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to question or detain you during a public event.

Know that if you are wrongfully arrested while taking part in a peaceful Juneteenth celebration, or if your rights are violated by excessive police force or false accusations, you may have legal recourse. Contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney to review the circumstances of your arrest or citation is a critical first step.

Wrongfully Accused of Vandalism? Here’s What to Do

Juneteenth events are populated, vibrant, and sometimes chaotic. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time, especially during moments of confusion or disruption, can lead to wrongful accusations. For example, someone running from an incident or trying to de-escalate a confrontation may be mistaken as a suspect by law enforcement.

Here's what you should do if you or someone you know has been falsely accused of vandalism during a Juneteenth or any other community event:

1. Remain Silent: Politely decline to answer police questions without a lawyer present. Do not try to “talk your way out” of the matter.
2. Hire an Attorney: Get legal representation from a criminal defense attorney immediately. Your attorney will help protect your rights, request video surveillance, and find witnesses who may support your innocence.
3. Gather Evidence: If you were recording the event or others around you were, preserve that video. It could clear your name. Eyewitness affidavits are equally useful.
4. Challenge the Charges: Vandalism charges require the prosecution to prove intent and identity beyond a reasonable doubt. If there's doubt, or if you're misidentified, you may be able to beat the charge.

At Boria Law, we’ve successfully defended clients accused of malicious destruction of property and other public event-related misdemeanors and felonies. Whether you were falsely accused or overcharged, we’re here to help. Call (734) 453-7806 today for a free consultation and protect your rights before it becomes harder to do so.

Common Legal Defenses to Vandalism Charges in Michigan

In Michigan, being accused doesn’t mean you’re guilty. To be convicted of malicious destruction of property, prosecutors must prove specific legal requirements. Your defense lawyer will evaluate whether these elements can truly be proven, or if a viable defense applies. Potential defenses include:

• Accidental Damage: If the damage was unintentional—such as a child knocking over a display—then the crime of MDOP is not applicable, as "malice" and "intent" are required by law.
• Mistaken Identity: Public events are crowded, and someone witnessing an incident from one angle may misidentify the actual perpetrator.
• Lack of Damage Evidence: The alleged “vandalism” may have been exaggerated or fabricated. Without proof of actual property destruction, the case falls apart.
• Constitutional Violations: If law enforcement detained you without reasonable suspicion or arrested you without probable cause, your arrest may be unconstitutional. Any evidence obtained afterward could be inadmissible in court.

Our office has had success getting vandalism and property crime charges reduced or dismissed entirely, particularly in cases involving community events. If it's your first offense, alternative sentencing may also be possible, such as a deferred judgment or a Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA) designation for those under 26.

Restorative Justice and Community-Based Alternatives

In the spirit of Juneteenth, many local prosecutors and judges in Michigan are endorsing restorative justice efforts for young or first-time non-violent offenders. These allow for alternative proceedings outside of the traditional criminal court system, in which those accused meet with community leaders or victims to acknowledge guilt, repair damage, and learn about the cultural significance of events like Juneteenth.

Restorative options may include:

• Public apologies and community service
• Restitution or mural repair funding
• Education on Black history and civil rights

The belief is that such paths prevent recidivism and help reinforce the transformative intent behind holidays like Juneteenth. However, participation is often only available with the help of a skilled attorney who can negotiate this option with prosecutors or the court pre-trial.

Get Legal Help from an Experienced Michigan Defense Attorney

Celebrating Juneteenth should be a moment of joy, reflection, and community. But when that moment is threatened by vandalism—or when you are the one accused—the need for legal protection becomes immediate.

If you are facing charges relating to vandalism, property destruction, or have been wrongfully accused of any crime during a public event in Plymouth, Canton, or anywhere in Michigan, don’t delay. Call Aaron J. Boria at (734) 453-7806 for a free, confidential case evaluation. We are committed to protecting your rights, your reputation, and your freedom.

Whether it's defending against felony charges or guiding first-time offenders through diversion programs, Boria Law is here to stand by your side. We’ve handled criminal matters across district and circuit courts throughout Michigan. You deserve an attorney who knows the system—and how to fight back.

Conclusion

Juneteenth is a sacred holiday for many Michiganders—a day to honor history, promote unity, and reinforce the value of freedom. Despite recent incidents of vandalism and disruptions at public events, local communities and the justice system are working hard to ensure everyone celebrates safely and with dignity this year.

Whether you're an attendee looking to understand your rights or someone facing legal trouble related to a public disturbance, knowledge of Michigan law is key. And if the situation turns serious, having an experienced criminal defense attorney can make all the difference.

Keep the celebration peaceful. Know your rights. And if trouble finds you, know who to call.