What's new

Teenage drama

Robyn, if the father is behind pressing charges, then perhaps he's also responsible enough as a parent that he will tell his son "I told the mom to press charges. Don't blame your ex-girlfriend for YOUR actions and their consequences." Cuz that's the thing: not pressing charges teaches him that he can intimidate whomever he wants and get away with it. He continues to act like a tool (to use your word!). And on the flip side: what does not pressing charges teach your daughter, or the other kids being intimidated by this little dude? (I'm assuming she's not the only person toward whom his anger has been misdirected.) She should be able to stand up for herself.
As to why the principal/school didn't press charges: I'm going to assume they can't because, although it happened on their property, it didn't happen to their property. Like if I go to the mall and someone punches me, then I, not the mall owner, get the puncher arrested. (Sorry, just trying to explain what I'm thinking. I could be totally wrong. Also, I've never been punched. That was all hypothetical. :) ) And maybe that's another reason the principal is strongly encouraging you to press charges? Not only does he perhaps know more than he can tell you (re: this punk's actions toward other students), but he also knows that his hands are tied as to what legal actions the school can take. What I'm wondering is if the school could get him arrested for trespassing; I'm going to assume that being in the parking lot and egging her car is NOT a legal reason to be at the school, even if the perp is a student? That could be something to bring up to the principal, if you'd rather leave yourselves out of it.
 
Go up to your local police station. Ask them if this is up to you or the school to press charges. Explain the whole story they will know best what should be done. It might be even just a visit to the boy with a initial talking to and that might scare him enough to realize this is serious and behavior that is unexceptionable!!
 
If you press charges or the school presses charges, I doubt the kid will make the distinction, so I would just do it and get it on record. If official charges are pressed your daughter has better protection. If the principal AND the Dad are recommending it... just do it. It stinks, but it's probably the safest thing to do for your daughter. I'm so sorry that this is happening to her and you.
 
I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this.

I don't know about the laws in your state, but I wouldn't think the school would press charges for that because its property was not harmed/destroyed; I would think their attorneys would say no. Your daughter was harassed and her car was vandalized, so you'd be the one to press charges.

As someone else mentioned, maybe you could try to find out what is up with the kid. He's obviously got issues.
 
EspeciallyiIf dad says to, do it. It sucks, but it sounds like it needs to be done. And hopefully it will teach him he can't just bully people or destroy their property if they make him angry.
I'm pretty sure the reasons above are why the school can't press charges. Like Sara said, the school hasn't been harmed by the incident, your daughter has. The school has nothing to be made whole from.
 
Back
Top