Q: My 14 yr old poured paint on another child at school. The child’s parent contacted my husband. She basically said pay me
Or I’m pressing charges. She wanted $300. When we didn’t pay her because there was no guarantee that after we did she wouldn’t still press charges, she did decide to press charges. We just got the misdemeanor citation to appear in court in the mail. Is this something we should bring up with the judge when we appear? Would this be considered extortion?
A: The misdemeanor citation is notice of the criminal charges already filed. People do not file criminal charges, police do. Once the police are called, the detective who investigates the matter decides if and what charges are to be filed. In your case, the police determined enough evidence existed, so the citation was issued. The claim for money from the parent is a civil matter. Talk with a local attorney. Good luck.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
