In re Tyler J. CA1/5

I. BACKGROUND AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

A September 2012 arson fire at Antioch City Park damaged a play structure and surrounding areas. Tyler was charged with the offense in a juvenile wardship petition. Tyler admitted the allegation of an amended petition to having acted as an accessory to the arson. The court’s disposition called for payment of restitution in an amount to be determined, and liability was joint and several with a coresponsible minor, Brandon G. The City of Antioch (City) filed a victim impact statement, estimating that the cost of rebuilding the damaged play structure would be $150,000. At an August 2013 hearing, the court ordered restitution in the amount of $153,800 be paid by Tyler, his parents, and “the other minor whose charge has been sustained.” In October 2015, the City moved to modify the restitution orders in Tyler’s and Brandon’s cases. Apparently, an insurance carrier for Brandon’s family offered a $100,000 payment towards the restitution obligation on condition that the court limit his liability to that amount. The City proposed that the remaining balance of $53,800 be made the sole responsibility of Tyler and his parents. Tyler’s counsel opposed…