Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

My daughter was out with a friend of hers at a bar. My daughter was going to have a guy from the bar drive her home because her friend was drunk. The friend said NO she had to ride with her and forcefully kept her in the car including grabbing her by the hair on her head. (She has bruises from being held down). My daughter called 911 to get help, but the phone dropped out of the car while she was trying to get out before they took off. My daughter kept telling her to let her out of the car. She ended up breaking out the friends window with her feet. The gal pulled off the road and my daughter jumped out. Can this gal with the broken window press charges against my daughter for the damage? Also could my daughter file charges against the friend for holding her against her will? Thanks so much for the reply.

Ruth in Florida


Asked on 3/02/10, 1:44 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sarah Grosse Sarah Grosse, Esquire

Oh my goodness... I'm so glad your daughter is okay and walked away. I think that both parties should just chalk it up to life experience and walk away. The cops are not likely to get involved, so this is a civil matter, not criminal. If the girl driving sues your daughter for the repairs to her vehicle, your daughter should countersue for anything and everything she (or a lawyer) can think of. But, should your daughter initiate a lawsuit? No. She should let it go. My opinion may be different if it was a man who held her against her will and beat her up. I do not think that would be okay at all. But, since it was her girlfriend, and both were drunk, and no one was seriously injured, I think both should let it go. Just my opinion.

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Answered on 3/07/10, 3:31 pm


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