Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Connecticut

''taking a car without the owners permission''

My unlicensed teenage son took my car about a week back when my husband and I were at work. He picked up 3 of his (also unlicensed) friends and went for a joy ride (something they had planned since they all either stayed home sick from school or skipped). They ended up (with my son driving) going off a 40 ft embankment and totalled the car. I know that my son is responsible since he was driving but am I able to press charges against the other kids int he car? I think of it like this, if they had robbed a bank while they were out the fact that they were all in the car would make them guilty... right? So why not my situation? As it stands my son is facing criminal charges and the other kids are being treated as I quote the prosecutor ''innocent victims'' I agree that my son needs to be punished but I have seen these kids since running around town with no reprecussions. What can I do?


Asked on 5/20/07, 11:43 pm

2 Answer from Attorneys
James Aspell Law Office of James F. Aspell, PC

Re: ''taking a car without the owners permission''

I'm assuming your son was driving? I suppose part of my answer would depend on what your son was charged with, but in all liklihood, the other boys are not criminally (or civilly for that matter) liable. It would be one thing if they stole someone else's car, but in your case it was your car being illegally operated by your son.

I think the best thing to do is see if the charges can be nolled or, worst case, have your son apply for the youthful offender program.

Just be glad no one was hurt or you would be in a far worse situtaion. It is a hard lesson to learn.

Jim

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Answered on 5/20/07, 11:52 pm


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