Well first thing's first, your kid needs to get his priorities straight. At 17 he should be able to handle his own money, keep in mind he'll be old enough to get a bank account next year. Also, he really needs to get his schooling in order. Threaten to take stuff away, ground him, keep him from driving, whatever, just DON'T touch him him. Your husband's not his father and never will be, and ever that at 17 his father would be asking for trouble. You don't want your kid feeling uncomforatble in his own house, do you?

I had a father who would get violent in his punishments. Now I don't talk to him. Read a chapter in my textbook, don't make the same mistakes.