Expert: William A Saunders - 12/13/2007

Question
Hello, I have a question about car vandalism. I know 3 boys, age 16, 18, 19 that were influenced by a 16 y.o. girl to cause damage to another boys car. They poked the tires and scratched the paint. I have been mediating between all the parents involved. We had it worked out for the boys to pay $3000 for the damages and that would be it. However the dad that owns the damaged car is now mad because he heard through the grapevine that someone else was going to damage his son's car again. He now won't work with the other parents and plans to press charges. He has lied few times about the amount to have the car fixed.
What could happen to the 3 boys that caused the damage?

Answer
First, don’t take the word of the dad of the damaged car on how much it will cost to get the car repaired.  The legitimate way is for him to go to three independent repair non-biased shops to get a free estimate.  If all you have is his statement on what it costs, then don’t agree to anything.  

Next, it really can vary as to what may happen to the three boys.  Given it is vandalism, the 16 year old boy could get an easier time in court than the 18 and 19 year old.  The two older boys could face a stiffer sentence because they are older and presumably should have known better.  The court will likely find that the two older boys should not have set a bad example for the 16 year old.  The other factor is whether they have had any problem with the law previously.  If they have a clean record and if they are working or in school, that will look good for them and improve their chances of getting leniency.  

Either way, the boys will probably be held accountable for the vandalism regardless of what the final cost will end up being.  So, I recommend sending a partial payment, like maybe $500 as a good faith payment to show that the boys feel sorry about what happened and want to make the situation good.  That will surely have a positive effect on the judge if the matters goes to trial.  

Good luck and let me know if you have more questions.