Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

Senior Trip

Teenagers went on senior trip. Rented house on beach and damaged neighbors property on side of house. Neighbor wants fifteen hundred dollars for damages. $500-vintage surf board, $1000 for wave runner. Should we out something in writing when we pay this money? Wave runner is very old and maybe worth $1500. Kids rode it and put it back. We are waiting on police report and pictures. Police did go out but no one was charged. Should we just pay and be done with it?


Asked on 5/29/04, 12:26 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Andrew Casanave Andrew M. Casanave

Re: Senior Trip

If you pay, require the owner to sign a "Receipt and Release". This document acknowledges payment and releases you and them from any future civil claims.

This does not mean that they cannot be criminally charged. That is up to the local prosecutor. However most prosecutors will not charge someone for a property crime if restitution is paid in advance.

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Answered on 5/29/04, 8:55 am
Nick Pizzolatto, Jr. Pizzolatto Law Office

Re: Senior Trip

I will not suggest how you should handle it as a parent, but at the time you pay for the damages, make should you get a full receipt and release, specifically naming each person being released. Of course it is up to the DA to decide if criminal charges will be brought, but reality says if the property owners are satisfied, the DA will not pursue it.

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Answered on 6/01/04, 7:54 am


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