Mother fined 15K for son's graffiti (Orange: high school, college, wages)

[1200RT]

One of the many things that separates us from the dark ages (and things like sharia law), is the eighth amendment of the Constitution.

[LordOfTheCars]

Originally Posted by 1200RT

One of the many things that separates us from the dark ages (and things like sharia law), is the eighth amendment of the Constitution.

Too bad, it keeps us from having justice.

[1200RT]

Originally Posted by LordOfTheCars

Too bad, it keeps us from having justice.

Actually, it seems like that's exactly what was had in this case, after years of little to no action. One step in a positive direction.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by 1200RT

Actually, it seems like that's exactly what was had in this case, after years of little to no action. One step in a positive direction.

What are the odds of:

1) Maria actually repaying that $15k

2) The kid not vandalizing again

[1200RT]

Highly unlikely the city will see much of the $15k, and highly likely that he will vandalize again, probably more likely that the kid will graduate to heavier offences, when tagging becomes boring. With that being said (I can barely believe I'm typing this), putting him in the system will escalate/expedite more severe offences.

Anyway, my comment was directed at mr. sharia law, as well as the fact that the city is at least looking at revamping current punishment for graffiti. As long as they continue to mold it to what works, seems reasonable.

[TurcoLoco]

They should send the bill to the "gang" not the mother since it is his friends who likely to have influenced and manipulated him into this. I bet his mom is not even aware of it, especially if she is a single parent, this fine seems a bit overkill either way.

Also;

LAKE FOREST – The parent of a teen caught tagging at least 23 sites in the city with gang-related graffit

Really? He got caught 23 times doing this or is it that one time and they are hitting him with 22 similar graffiti as well?

How would this be an educational, a corrective punishment for a well-off family? For a middle class family a financial burden will not correct this type of behavior, it would more likely fuel it.

I really don't think harsh fines and pointless punishments will make a real, permanent change. If the parent(s) failed to do a good job up until this point, how will it make a different going forward?
If he is a real gang banger with no hopes of redemption, send his ass to juvenile hall, if he is just a confused, clueless teenager and this is his first screw-up, educate while punishing him. Make him paint or clean the wall after school or on the weekends under supervision and fine the parent for the time of the supervisory staff plus materials, that is it.

Perhaps, I am naive or a dreamer?

[1200RT]

likely they caught him this time, and were able link him to the other 22 tags. I doubt they let him off the hook the other 22 times and decided to fight it this time around.

[TurcoLoco]

Originally Posted by 1200RT

likely they caught him this time, and were able link him to the other 22 tags. I doubt they let him off the hook the other 22 times and decided to fight it this time around.

So I figured but since there was no mention of witnesses and since he is a part of a gang, how do they know, beyond the reasonable doubt, that it was indeed him that made the other 22?

[1200RT]

Typically, people tag their own "name", symbol, tag, etc. The culture says it belongs to them, and if someone else uses it, it can be very bad for the impersonator. Its almost never very hard to link tagging cases to one another, because they almost always have the same "DNA". Its akin to signing your name, every time you commit a crime. Also, taggers also take some kind of pride with their work, they often enjoy admitting it to law enforcement, could be the case here.

[Bunjee]

Originally Posted by TurcoLoco

So I figured but since there was no mention of witnesses and since he is a part of a gang, how do they know, beyond the reasonable doubt, that it was indeed him that made the other 22?

He basically left his signature, easy to prove forensically if it went that far. No doubt he denied it, but the denial would do no good given tangible evidence.

It would be great if gangs were all incorporated with addresses filed with the Secretary of State and responsible Boards of Directors. That's not how they work, though. As a minor his only legal identity is under his parents. That makes them legally culpable for criminal activities. If it's at the point where his own family has to surrender their responsibility then he becomes a ward of the state, right? That means jail time.

My naivete and dreaminess tells me the family can control it, with proper incentive (a hefty fine). Even if the state can't collect, the hell of bureaucracy is quite the punishment. Let's never forget the kid committed a crime against the public. Someone has to be meaningfully accountable.