Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Liability for drunk friends

Here's the situation: I'm sitting at home minding my own business completely sober when my roommates return from a night of partying. Later, a cop shows up at my door for a noise complaint and sees that my friends are extremely drunk (they are both 20 years old). There is no alcohol in the apartment. Would I and could I be held accountable for their actions throughout the night thus could I be charged of any crime at that point in time.


Asked on 8/24/07, 3:40 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Liability for drunk friends

You couldn't be criminally liable for your roommates' actions. Of course, this answer presumes that the police (or eventually a jury or judge) believe your version of events.

The word "accountable" is somewhat vague. If your name is on the lease your landlord could probably hold this incident against you and evict you because of it. I don't see how anyone could hold you liable for damages, but there might be a way depending upon the circumstances.

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Answered on 8/24/07, 2:22 pm


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