Was This Mom Too Harsh?

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

22 Feb 2009 12:50 AM

There's a healthy debate going on in cyberspace right now regarding a California mom, who decided to put her own spin on her son's DUI arrest.

The incident started when the woman's 16-year-old son decided to engage in some underage drinking at a friend's house. Said teen, then decided to get behind the wheel of his mother's car and drive home in the early morning hours, when he thought police wouldn't be patrolling.

Unbeknownst to the inebriated teen, 2 a.m. is when the majority of cops are on the lookout for reckless drivers. According to police reports, an officer saw the teen weaving in and out of traffic in his mom's car. However, when drunk boy saw the officer, he didn't stop. Instead, he gunned it down a side street and eventually crashed into an apartment dumpster.

Now, here's where it gets interesting...

The boy's mother was notified about the crash, but instead of bailing her son out of jail, the mom had police press additional charges. In addition to driving under the influence and driving without a license, the teen's mom told officers to charge her son with stealing a car as well.

"He needs to know that there needs to be a stop to it and if I don't go this way he could hurt someone or hurt himself and I don't want that to happen," the mom explained to local news reporters.

According to the boy's mother, he is one of six children and none of his siblings took pity on him after crashing the family's car. The boy ended up spending two days in juvenile hall to contemplate the seriousness of his offense.

Meanwhile, the boy's mom made headlines for her tough love. She told news crews that her son is a typical 16-year-old, who is starting to do more with his friends without telling her. She says that her decision to have him charged with vehicular theft will hopefully teach him that his actions come with consequences.

Those consequences include potential fines and community service. Plus, police say, if the charges stick, it could also be a long time before the boy is able to get his drivers license.

As for the teen's mom, she says it was a tough decision to charge her son with a crime, but she doesn't regret doing it.

So, what do you think about the tough love mom? Do you think she was too harsh? Or do you think her decision was appropriate?

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Samual (11722) 22 Feb 2009 06:17 AM

I don't think sentences for such behavior are harsh enough, there should be at least a one year prison sentence for drunk driving then no re issue of the driving licence.

Dale Harcombe (10327) 22 Feb 2009 01:30 PM

Actions have consequences, it's a lesson children need to learn early. Drink driving is a serious offence and is risking the lives of others. It needs to be treated seriously.

mrmnmom82 (3365) 22 Feb 2009 08:42 PM

My older sister snuck out and took the family car once, my parents called the police on her. That mom is doing what she thinks will stop her son from making those kinds of mystakes again, I hope it works. Good for her.

Michele Cheplic (37339) 23 Feb 2009 02:24 PM

I agree with all of your comments. Whatever works, IMO!! Also, I agree with Samual that drunks who get behind the wheel don't get nearly the punishment they deserve. I think it will be a LONG time before this kid gets his... at least one can hope.

gmcof05 (116) 24 Feb 2009 11:28 AM

the mom was not harsh at all. teenage just dont want to learn that drinking and driving is dangerous. they are putting their live in danger and also other people lives too. It wasn't right for him to take him mom car and driving while drunk and then crash her car, that not right. he don't pay her car bill. but the mom was harsh on pressing charges through on her son. hopefully he will learn what he did. it wasn't no mistake and he was a choice what he did.

Michele Cheplic (37339) 26 Feb 2009 07:16 AM

When this teen becomes a parent we'll see how much he appreciated his mom's "harshness."

GboroCollege (50) 01 Apr 2009 05:57 PM

I agree with punishing her son for his mistakes but to add more charges. Come on that a little ridiculous I mean he is 16, teenagers make mistakes and there is no way that a 16 year old will be able to pay for all of the court fees and all the other charges. There's a difference between punishing your child at home and bringing charges upon your son that will be on his record for the rest of his life.

Michele Cheplic (37339) 03 Apr 2009 04:14 AM

Luckily for the teen the charge won't remain on his record for life. However, I see your point gborocollege. Not many parents would have gone this route. Perhaps, she knows something about her kid that we don't??!!