What are the consequences of a report for property damage?
October 29, 2023 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Uwe Riedmüller
Dear lawyer,
I am reaching out to you with great concern as I recently received a report for property damage and I am not sure what consequences I may face. The situation is as follows: a few days ago, I was at a party and accidentally damaged a window when I accidentally leaned against it. The owner of the house was understandably very upset and subsequently reported me.
Now I am worried about what consequences this report may have for me. I have never been in trouble with the law before and I am very concerned about what may happen. Could you please explain to me what legal consequences a report for property damage can have? Should I expect a fine or even a prison sentence?
Furthermore, I would like to know if there are any ways to resolve this situation or if I should prepare for a legal dispute. Is there a possibility of reaching an out-of-court settlement or agreeing on compensation for the damages?
I thank you in advance for your help and hope for a prompt response.
Sincerely,
Roberta Lichtenberg
Dear Mrs. Lichtenberg,
I understand your concern regarding the report for property damage and will try to provide you with all necessary information to help you in this difficult situation.
If you accidentally damaged a window and the owner of the house has reported you for it, it is usually considered a criminal offense under §303 of the German Penal Code. Property damage is punished when someone unlawfully damages or destroys someone else's property. The punishment for property damage can vary depending on the amount of damage and the circumstances of the case. Typically, a fine or a prison sentence of up to two years can be imposed.
In your case, since it was an accidental property damage and you have not had any criminal record before, it is likely that you may expect a milder punishment or even a dismissal of the case. It is important that you cooperate and are willing to compensate for the damage caused.
There are ways to reach an extrajudicial agreement or arrange for a compensation for the damage. For example, you can contact the owner of the house, apologize for the damage caused, and offer financial compensation. Often, this can help avoid a legal dispute.
It is advisable to seek advice from an experienced criminal defense lawyer in this situation. A lawyer can help you defend your rights, find an extrajudicial solution, and represent you in a possible court proceeding.
I hope this information helps you and I am available for further questions.
Sincerely,
Uwe Riedmüller
