Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

Guilty Plea vs. Non-Guilty Plea

My daughter accidentally started a small fire in a fraternity bathroom last month. Minimal damage was caused to the tile floor. I was going to try and settle out of court but the alumni lawyer said the new floor they put in was over $600. My daughter did not pay the $195 fine within the 14 days after the ticket was issued. If she pleads guilty and pays the fine, will she have to pay for the damages or is that the judges decision? Or is the damages issue with the fraternity a separate matter they will have to pursue? I am getting the feeling they are trying to pull a fast one and have my daughter and I pay for an entire new floor at our expense vs. just for the dmaged tile/s caused. A police officer has told me the damage was minimal and he has seen worse damage in other frat houses. Her court date is Feb. 6th and I want to see what she should plea (and on her record) or try and settle with the fraternity out of court, with the charges being dropped. Thanks for your advice.


Asked on 1/17/07, 10:02 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
George Zuganelis Zuganelis & Zuganelis, Attorneys at Law, P.C.

Re: Guilty Plea vs. Non-Guilty Plea

A condition of any probation that your daughter may get could be to pay the damages. Unfortunately for you, your daughter could be ordered to replace the whole floor. That is something for your lawyer to work out. If you don't have a lawyer, get one. The frat has a lawyer, and the state has one. Do you think you can take them on yourself? Your daughter's future is at stake. Criminal damage to property over $300.00, is a Class 4 felony punishable by up to 3 years in jail and up to a $2,500.00, fine. Good luck.

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Answered on 1/17/07, 10:27 am


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