Charged With Destroying Property, But I Only Watched

[john12x]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: CA

Hello, Basically I was walking home, when I met 2 guys. I walked with them for a minute or two, before they began to start throwing chairs and plants in the pool. I watched them do this for a minute. Before I left, and went home. I was talked to by the police, and I told them there were 2 guys doing this. On camera, they got me walking with them across the parking lot. Thats it.

Now I am being told by the housing to pay for the damages, which are equal to 1000$++. They got me on camera walking with the guys, but not doing anything, just walking. I told the detective that I saw them do this, but they are all blaming everything on me. Even though i did not do anything. I am not being charged, its a civil manner from the Housing. But I do not plan on paying this. As I did not do any of the damages. I was literally with them for max 5 minutes. What can they do if I do not pay? What should I do?

I am not about to pay thousands of dollars for something I did not do.

[cdwjava]

If you were not involved, then don't pay. Let them try to take you to small claims court and prove that you somehow participated in the damage.

So, are you saying that you do not know these guys and had never met them before that night? Two strangers simply caught up with you, started walking the same way, and chit-chatting with you? And in the few moments they were with you, they suddenly decided to cause all of this damage and you did and said nothing? It sounds very odd ... even unbelievable. But, if the video shows you doing nothing that might be construed as aiding or abetting them, then you probably can't be forced to pay.

[john12x]

If you were not involved, then don't pay. Let them try to take you to small claims court and prove that you somehow participated in the damage.

So, are you saying that you do not know these guys and had never met them before that night? Two strangers simply caught up with you, started walking the same way, and chit-chatting with you? And in the few moments they were with you, they suddenly decided to cause all of this damage and you did and said nothing? It sounds very odd ... even unbelievable. But, if the video shows you doing nothing that might be construed as aiding or abetting them, then you probably can't be forced to pay.

I was walking back to my room, when I met those 2 guys who were visiting someone at the dorm. They do not even go to school here. Thats why I had never seen them before. They did a lot more damage before or after I met them. But I was just witness to the one thing. I did not see them do any of the other damages that were done before I talked to the detective and he showed me pictures.

I left afterwards. I know it sounds odd, and thats why I am afraid I am getting all the blame, and that everyone will believe its me. Even though I know I did not do anything. And im afraid that yes, they will try to sue me. But I have literally no money to be involved in any sueing right now..

[Mr. Knowitall]

I watched them do this for a minute. Before I left, and went home.

Why?

On camera, they got me walking with them across the parking lot.

This would be before the vandalism occurred?

I told the detective that I saw them do this, but they are all blaming everything on me.

Who are "they"? Are you telling us that the two guys are stating that they kept walking and that you did all of the vandalism by yourself?

I am not being charged, its a civil manner from the Housing. But I do not plan on paying this.

Then you'll have to wait and see if they either reconsider their decision not to pursue charges, or if they sue you.

They did a lot more damage before or after I met them. But I was just witness to the one thing.

You had your phone in your pocket, right? You could have saved yourself a lot of trouble by dialing 9-1-1 and reporting the vandalism. Why you chose to stand and watch? You got me. Perhaps you were drunk? Stoned?

[john12x]

Why?

I dont know, I was stupid. I did not now what to do...

This would be before the vandalism occurred?

Yes, correct.

Who are "they"? Are you telling us that the two guys are stating that they kept walking and that you did all of the vandalism by yourself?

The 2 guys that actually did the vandalism. They are long gone, nobody knows who they are, as they dont go or live here. I am the only one in trouble.

Then you'll have to wait and see if they either reconsider their decision not to pursue charges, or if they sue you.

Okay, they are not pursuing anything atm, they just sent me a letter to pay.. I just think they will if I dont pay. And theres no way I am paying..

You had your phone in your pocket, right? You could have saved yourself a lot of trouble by dialing 9-1-1 and reporting the vandalism. Why you chose to stand and watch? You got me. Perhaps you were drunk? Stoned?

I know, I regret it now. I had 2-3 beers. But I remember everything, I was myself, and I knew what was happening. I didnt think throwing chairs would be that bad. But then I saw what other shit they did afterwards. If I knew what else they had done, I would call.

[Mr. Knowitall]

The 2 guys that actually did the vandalism.

If they have told you, the police or the university that you were the person who committed the vandalism then your next statement is quite obviously false:

They are long gone, nobody knows who they are, as they dont go or live here.

You can't have it both ways.

[john12x]

If they have told you, the police or the university that you were the person who committed the vandalism then your next statement is quite obviously false:

You can't have it both ways.

Sorry. The 2 guys havent spoken to any police or he university, as the only one they could identify walking on the video was me. The cops just assumed it was all me, and told the housing that it was me. I told them the 2 other guys on the video did it. But they didnt care, and blamed me. They werent or arent even considering lookin for them, cause now they have a scapegoat: ME. I guess they dont want to deal with this small case anymore, so they put it on me to be done.

Now I am getting the blame. If that made more sense..