Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

vehicle vandalism

My daughter has had an ongoing tumulutous friendship with a girl who keyed someone else's car. My daughter didn't agree with this action so she broke off the friendship (again) This girl then egged my daughter's car, when my daughter told her she was a bad shot because she only hit the car with one egg out of about a dozen the girl came back a couple of days later and put a large rock through her windshield. No one saw her. I know that criminal charges are unlikely, is it possible to get a restraining order? what about a civil suit, is it easier to win? like filing in small claims?


Asked on 2/17/08, 3:05 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Harry Steinmetz Law Office of Harry S. Steinmetz

Re: vehicle vandalism

You are correct a criminal action is not likely without an eye witness. You can pursue a protective order and will probably be successful. In terms of a lawsuit, your amount of damages will likely put you in small claims. The standard for the judge to find the friend liable for the damages is "more likely than not". So you might have a decent shot in small claims if the 12 more eggs was very close in time to when your daughter made the "bad shot" comment.

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Answered on 2/18/08, 2:58 pm
James J. White, attorney Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Re: vehicle vandalism

Whatever the forum, you will need to identify the assailant. This is easier to do in a civil court, criminal requires evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, but can still be difficult if it is only speculation on your daughter's part that this girl (friend) is the culprit.

At your service,

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Answered on 2/17/08, 3:57 pm


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