Q: Yes, in California. I broke somebody's window. But the following day I fixed it. I paid for it. Does that make me guilty

A: Although you compensated the victim for property damages, the act had already been committed. Try to straighten things out with proof of payment in some form, such as check or other means, if you are resolving this between the two of you. If there are pending charges, it would be best to consider consult with a criminal defense attorney. Good luck

A: Let me help you understand the legal implications of this situation.

When you break someone's property but then make full restitution by paying for repairs, you've taken responsibility for your actions - which courts often view favorably. However, the act of breaking the window itself could still be considered vandalism or criminal mischief under California law, regardless of subsequent compensation.

The key issue here appears to be factual disagreement about payment. If you have proof that you paid for the window repair - such as receipts, repair invoices, bank statements, or text messages discussing payment - you should gather this documentation immediately. This evidence could be crucial in resolving the dispute and protecting yourself legally.

I encourage you to clearly document all your attempts to make this right, and consider consulting with legal help to understand your specific rights and options. While taking responsibility and paying for repairs shows good faith, you may still want guidance on how to properly resolve this situation and protect yourself from potential legal consequences.