Can I sue or press charges on somebody if im under 18 without parent permission?

I am 17 and I want to either sue or press charges on my brother who is 18. He destroyed over $1000 worth of stuff that I have bought. He refuses to get me the money he owes me and my mom.... well she could care less. Even though im under 18 I still think legally he should owe me. And this isn't some brotherly fight.... I don't even see him in that way. So is there any legal way I can get the money he owes me? Thanks.