Neighbor's teenage son is trouble. What do we do?

[spideygirl]

<p>pugmadkate

I have no pity for anyone who enables a dangerous driver to keep driving. I’m a parent. I am sympathetic towards others parents right up until the point that they chose to deal with something by endangering other people’s children.

</p>

<p>I wouldn’t have pity for anyone who enables a dangerous driver either, but do we know for certain they are doing that? </p>

<p>If the parents own the car and are aware that he is endangering others, they are enabling him and are liable. If the car is in the young man’s name, and since he is 18, they would not be liable. The OP has not yet provided information on whose name the car is in. </p>

<p>The parents have clearly taken action to remedy their son’s shortcomings, and they may have him getting other treatment at the present time. </p>

<p>What more can the parents do? I guess they could kick him out, but don’t assume that would make him less dangerous to society. He could become a lot worse if he was not living with family. It could also knock some sense into him. Either way, these matters are complicated, and it is very wise to abstain from judging others until we have walked a mile in their shoes.</p>

[spideygirl]

<p>lastminutemom196

I would be certain to notify the parents in writing. Here is why-- when and/or if he kills, maims, or otherwise damages himself and/or other people, it will be clear that they knew and are liable.</p>

<p>We have a case here where a 16 year old was drag racing and killed a grandmother and seriously injured others. Neighbors came out in droves to show the DA all the times they had expressed concern not only about the girl’s driving but also about the condition of the car (bald tires, etc). Girl was charged and convicted as an adult.

</p>

<p>I believe in the Golden Rule, so I cannot agree with this. </p>

<p>Neighbors should attempt to put a stop to the young man’s behavior so that everyone stays safe. Having an additional goal to establish grounds for liability seems unethical, except as a tool to scare the parents into action if they are ignoring warnings and enabling bad behavior. I am a big proponent of tort reform.</p>

<p>As for charging a 16 year old as an adult, I think that is inhumane. Doctors know that the brain is not finished developing until around age 25. How people can justify ignoring that fact is beyond me.</p>

[HisGraceFillsMe]

<p>^If you have a driver’s license, you took Driver’s Ed. Meaning you know that you are driving a very dangerous machine. Everyone driving should be treated as an adult, IMO.</p>

[sax]

<p>I would be concerned about doing anything that would make your family his target. Stay as anonymous as possible.</p>

[dke]

<p>Sax, we have had retribution from him in the past which is obviously a concern for us. We’re right next door. (its been vandalism on our house)</p>

[BCEagle91]

<p>This makes a good case for video surveillance on your house. It wouldn’t hurt to catch him on a trespassing charge.</p>

<p>BTW, this is one of the benefits of the HOA. The HOA deals with the problem, not the individual owner.</p>

[poetgrl]

<p>Yes, that is a very good point. You don’t want to be leading the charge on this one. I actually think getting the police involved in a preventative way “to protect and to serve” and all that, would be beneficial. Good luck, though. It’s amazing how dispruptive this kind of thing can really be.</p>

[spideygirl]

<p>^ Very disruptive! My sympathy to you, dke. Life is stressful enough. When we are in our homes, it is supposed to be a place where we can finally relax.</p>