This is not something I'm actually doing or thinking about doing; I'm just curious about this slightly absurd hypothetical scenario.
Suppose that I get really mad at those signs people stick in their lawns that say something like "Elect $(DEMOCRAT)
for Congress" or "$(SOCCER_MOM)
for School Board" or similar. If I were to uproot them and hide them nearby out of sight, what crimes would I be charged with, assuming the following?
- I don't steal the signs, I just hide them somewhere nearby that's out of sight (maybe under a pile of leaves or behind a tree).
- I don't deface or vandalize the signs, though depending on where I hide them they could still be damaged by the elements.
- Make no assumptions about where the signs originally are except that they're publicly visible (usually on someone's front lawn or on the side of the road).
- I don't discriminate by politician, political party, or office.
- Let's pretend I asked this question three months ago while election season was in full swing.
- I take video of myself hiding the sign, but I don't post it online; I hold onto it until it's time for court.
- I'm in New York State.