If I damage public property then fix it before anyone notices, have I committed a crime?
597760
The answer is yes.  To commit a crime, two separate elements must be met.  First, the actus reus - or act.  You must do something that is prohibited.  Damaging someone's property is illegal (if nothing else it is a trespass).  Second, is the mens rea, or the guilty mind.  Every crime carries with it a different level of intent needed in order to be guilty.  For example for capital murder, the level of intent required is very high.  The murderer must have premeditated the crime and intended to cause the death of his victim.  For damaging someone's property, it is likely enough that you were simply negligent.  Anything more, such as intentionally damaging the property would also suffice.  So from your example, and assuming in the hypothetical that you intended, or at least were negligent in causing the damage then you have committed a crime.  It is absolutely irrevelevant whether anyone saw you do it.  Of course if there is no proof, then it's difficult to convict you - but that's not the question.  Did you commit a crime?  Absolutely.
1102895
This is really going to be very dependent on the specific language in your community's ordinances.  You actually highlighted the important part at the start of your question (future lawyer?), where you pointed out that the chalk doesn't permanently mark surfaces.  In some places, only permanent defacement is against the law.  In lots of others, though, any defacement of property is against the law, even if it does clean up very easily.  Free speech defenses don't do you much good, because the laws are generally against any defacement, not just against some viewpoint expressed in defacement.  You might consider calling your community's police department (on their non-emergency number) to ask for the policy in your town.
20155
Unfortunately, if you know that someone is doing something wrong and fail to do nothing about it, you can also be charged with a crime. I suggest taking a look at http://www.findlaw.com for information.
1128767
no.. and even if they did.. could they have done anything about it before the crime was committed?
1134026
It's called Hit & Run, which is a Felony.  It doesn't matter if the tree was in someone's yard or owned by the city/town.  It's still Hit & Run.  If it's the city/town tree, you have to report it to them immediately.  If it's a weekend, then call first thing on Monday morning.  Some City Halls have a voicemail system to leave a message on.  You also have to report the accident to your insurance.  If you don't report it, you could go to jail.  A lot of cities/towns use cameras at red lights to catch red light runners.  If that catches you & you didn't report it, that camera has your plate numbers/letters.  The information will be turned over to the local police/sherrif & you could wind up in more trouble.  Something like this could get a sentence of 3-5 years, more or less depending on the judge, prior record, etc.
18545
Possibly.  It depends on the city/state laws.  In some area once a pothole has been identified and reported, the DOT has some period of time to fix it, or put up a barrier or something like that.  After that, if they don't do anything about it, then yes, they would be liable.  Proving all of that would be difficult.
510633
no but if they try you can sue for property damage to your lawn or anything else + you can sue for tresspassing, gl
343382
Usually, whether the spot is designated no skating or not, they will arrest or ticket you for vandalism or trespassing (at least this has been the case for my friends and I).  Skating or riding a bike in itself is not a crime, however when you start waxing ledges or jumping stairs, the cops and business owners immediately label you a vandal.  Pretty lame, but they do it all the time.
619395
report it to city inspectors so that they can go  chk it out for any violations
586816
yes.  Call your local police department and pose this question to them.  If they get a complaint, they can site you for indecent exposure.
238842
Assuming you've authorized the service, then yes, you are committing a crime by removing the car from the repair facility.  It's called "Obtaining goods or services by false pretenses".
945999
Any damage to, or destruction of, property by vandalism, graffiti or arson is likely to be a criminal offence under the Criminal Damage Act 1971. The damage does not have to be permanent, for example, it can be caused by graffiti with a washable paint. When deciding on the sentence for an offence of causing criminal damage, the court will take account of the value of the damaged property and the trouble and expense of restoring the property or removing the graffiti. \n\nThe Criminal Damage Act 1971 creates two levels of offence, a summary offence and a more serious offence that can be tried either in the magistrates' court or in the Crown Court. \n\nThe summary offence triable only by magistrates is limited to damage to property worth less than £5000. The offender can receive a maximum 3 month prison sentence and/or a Level 4 fine. More details about fine levels can be found in the 'Other useful articles' links below. \n\nHigher value criminal damage cases are heard either in the magistrates' court or in the Crown Court. More serious cases in the magistrates' court attract a maximum prison sentence of 6 months and a Level 5 fine. In Crown Court, the maximum penalty for criminal damage is 10 years imprisonment.
1125014
Hee, hee... Hope you're still laughing when they haul your vandalising ass off! Of course it is still considered vandalism... you are breaking/damaging property that isn't yours. \n\nOnce again, this falls into the category "If you have to ask...."
858241
Sure, you could file a civil suit.  If they've been convicted of the crime, you stand a better chance of winning the civil suit.
32769
anyplace you dont have to clean up yourself or be responsible if something breaks, cuz it aint a party till the cops come.  LOL
929313
no, but you should notify the police be4 they blame you ;)
1020758
Not knowing what your local laws are.... I would contact your local law enforcement agency and see what they are willing to do to help you.  They might tell you it's a civil problem and give you a direction to follow.