A guy (who is a doctor) that we know offered to let us keep our $45,000 boat on his 6 acre property for 4 weeks while we moved. We took the key with us on purpose, and said no one was to drive the boat (it's too fast and someone would get hurt if they didn't know what they were doing). One weekend after we dropped it off, the owner of the home, and his friend hotwired the boat ran it aground and caused 20K worth of damage. They managed to put 20 hours on the boat. They two men are fighting amungst themselves saying the other one was the one that hotwired the boat. What could they be charged with? Would this constitute Grand Theft in the Frist Degree? How about Larceny? Does the fact that we were keeping it on their property make any difference since we took the key, and the fact that they hotwired it shows ill-intent?The men admit to hotwiring it, they are just pointing at each other as the one that did it
2006-08-03 07:01:43 · 7 answers · asked by Amanda M 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Get an estimate for full repair. Tell the property owner he can pay in full, or you will call the local constabulary.
Pitiful behavior from adults.
2006-08-03 07:06:56 · answer #1 · answered by Love2Sew 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Criminally, its probably NOT larceny. An element of larceny is the intent to "permanently deprive" the owner of the property in most states. That doesn't mean the conduct was not criminal. Most states have "wrongful appropriation" statutes (wrongfully borrowing), or something very similar.
About the damage - it sounds like you have a great tort case against both adults. They certainly appear to be negligent, and that negligence caused you damages. If the damages are really 20K+, get a lawyer, start an action against both - the will settle it out of court.
2006-08-03 20:17:20 · answer #2 · answered by NCAF33 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The offense is driving your boat without your consent and causing $20,000 worth of damage. Both men are equally guilty. It is a criminal offense and the police should take action.
You should also sue them for damages in a civil court, after the police finish. The damage is big enough for you to need a lawyer, but you will recover his cost in addition to the $20,000.
2006-08-03 14:26:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he used your boat without your permission, then he stole it, and if he destroyed it, he also caused criminal damage. He can be charged with both. And you can personally sue him for any cost that you have incurred due to the entire thing.
As for which man - if neither admits to the actual hot wiring, they will both be charged with it. They were both there, and they both "stole" the boat. Good luck and press charges!! It will help any civil case if they are convicted of a crime.
2006-08-03 14:11:01 · answer #4 · answered by volleyballchick (cowards block) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Grand theft auto (or boat)
And in this instance, it doesn't matter who hotwired the boat, both are equally culpable.
2006-08-03 14:05:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a lawyer. They obviously know they screwed up.
Don't fight with them or get tangled up in their noise. Let a lawyer deal with it otherwise you will only be screwing yourself.
2006-08-03 14:07:04 · answer #6 · answered by GJ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a lawyer and sue them both.
2006-08-03 14:33:45 · answer #7 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋