ADVICE on accidental property damage
I was hanging with some buddies a couple nights ago in South Texas and we passed by a Koi pond late at night next to some company near our apartments. They were smaller Koi’s 1-2 pounds and I ended up picking one up not thinking much about it and it ended up dying apparently according to the company. It did drop from my hands when I picked it up from the water but the drop was only about 1ft and I put it back in the water after 30 seconds estimated and it swam off right away but I am aware these fish are sensitive and may get shocked. My very last intentions was to kill this fish. I have done a lot of research and found out this fish is anywhere from $90-$250. I know am I responsible for the death but when I found out about the situation they claimed the fish can be $2000 which I know that specific fish isn’t, I just want to make sure I don’t get scammed when the police get involved with the follow up and end up trying to charge me for a high end koi.
Should I call a lawyer in the morning tomorrow? We have to respond to the authorities by 11:00am.