[antonio619]

I intentionally damaged two car wash touch screens. Supposedly the owner says they're both worth $20,000. I went to the car wash recently and he replaced the whole unit. Am I going to prison for two touch screens?

[Mini_Her]

No. That's a civil issue, not a criminal.

[JudyKayTee]

No. That's a civil issue, not a criminal.

You are absolutely wrong - criminal damage is a criminal issue, that's why it's covered by a Statute.

Civil issues? No way.

If you have a source, please post it. I'm relying on what I learned in law school.

FrChuck is in Georgia. I'm guessing he'll chime in at some point.

And, no, I don't see "prison" time. I assume the OP means jail time. I see restitution, a fine, some public service.

[Mini_Her]

You are absolutely wrong - criminal damage is a criminal issue, that's why it's covered by a Statute.

Civil issues? No way.

If you have a source, please post it. I'm relying on what I learned in law school.

FrChuck is in Georgia. I'm guessing he'll chime in at some point.

And, no, I don't see "prison" time. I assume the OP means jail time. I see restitution, a fine, some public service.

Well I'm not sure at all as to why I was told by the police here in Miami that such thing was civil, not criminal. I called the police after my boyfriend intentionally broke my lap top and even sat it in a tub full of WATER. The police said they can't do anything, and that I'd have to take it up with the small claims (civil) court.

[JudyKayTee]

Well I'm not sure at all as to why I was told by the police here in Miami that such thing was civil, not criminal. I called the police after my boyfriend intentionally broke my lap top and even sat it in a tub full of WATER. The police said they can't do anything, and that I'd have to take it up with the small claims (civil) court.

The Police either didn't believe you or decided this was a domestic dispute, not a criminal act. I'm not saying I agree with them. I'm saying that probably was their thinking.