Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

Damange awards as a result of guilty verdict

A 16 year old juvenile was adjudicated guilty of the charge unauthorized use of a vehile.Subsequently as part of sentencing,the judge ordered the child to pay the insurance company $15,000(the amount to repair the vehicle since it was wrecked).The insurance company was not listed as a plantiff on the complaint nor did it have representation at the adjudication hearing.The court case was listed as CommonWealth v. defendant.There were no other charges.Can a Judge award damages to a party not listed on the complaint? My understanding is that a criminal court decides guilt or innocence and that a damage award is a matter of civil jurisdiction where entitlement and negligence must be argued and proved.


Asked on 1/23/03, 2:17 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
David L. Bargeron Unemployment Help Center

Re: Damange awards as a result of guilty verdict

A Court has the power to impose restitution as part of the sentence. Becuase this case involves a juvenile, the parents might have to pay that restitution.

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Answered on 1/25/03, 1:06 pm


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