Connecticut Court Holds Teen Liable for Party Damage

The Connecticut Supreme Court says a teenager must pay restitution for damage at an unauthorized house party even though he did not personally cause any of the destruction.

The court’s unanimous ruling determined the trial court was within its rights to order the teen to pay $2,000 to the homeowners, whose Fairfield house sustained more than $36,000 in damage during the 2007 bash.

The teen’s name was not released because he was deemed a youthful offender. Twenty-one other teens also were charged and ordered to pay for damage at the home, which was unoccupied because it was up for sale.

The high court said the restitution order was legal because it required him to take responsibility for being there without permission, even though he did not participate in the vandalism.