Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Texas

violation of personal property

I am an avid camper. I have a travel trailor as well as a camper shell on my property. The camper shell came up missing over the weekend. I filed a report with the police. Several days later, quite by accident I spotted my camper shell in a persons yard in town. I called the police and we went to contact the resident with no luck. Police tagged the camper and returned it to me. I seen children in the yard and questioned them about the camper. They addmited to taking the camper. The parent of the kids has been running if you will ,not willing to talk to me ,as the camper was damaged badly, with windows broken out and the hinged window in the rear completely torn off. What course of action should I take to recoup my losses on my property? Is the parent liable for their childrens actions? Neither myself or the police have been able to get them to come to the door. Do I have to press charges to resolve this matter? If I do press charges, what will most likely occur.?


Asked on 8/15/01, 5:10 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Joshua Wintters Law Offices of Joshua Wintters

Re: violation of personal property

Hello --

You have options here in both the criminal and civil realms. First, you can push for charges to be brought by the district attorney and seek restitution for the damage. In most counties, there is a separate assistant district attorney who handles juvenile cases. This is probably the least expensive way for you to recover your loss. The second option is for you to send a letter to the parents demanding payment before filing suit in Justice of the Peace/Small claims court. Usually a letter will produce results. If not, you have the option of filing suit and proceeding on to show liability against child and parent. You can retain an attorney simply to send the letter, represent you in the suit or both or you can do these things on your own. Should you have any questions about the process or wish to consult with me, please contact me via e-mail at: [email protected] or call 254.756.5004 Thanks and all the best.

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Answered on 8/16/01, 1:54 pm


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