Learn What Situations Can Lead to Parents Being Charged for Their Child’s Crimes

Learn What Situations Can Lead to Parents Being Charged for Their Child’s Crimes

Every parent’s worst nightmare comes true when their child is charged with a crime. However, in certain situations, that nightmare can be exacerbated if their child’s unlawful behavior results in criminal charges being brought against the parents.

Thankfully, this isn’t relevant in most cases. In most cases, if a minor commits a crime, his or her parents are not held liable. There are, however, circumstances in which parents might be prosecuted with a criminal and even held civilly accountable for their child’s actions. Keep reading to learn about them and then contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney.

What typically happens when a minor commits a crime

When a minor, especially a kid under the age of 18, commits a crime, he or she is usually sent to the juvenile court system. This is considerably better than going through the adult criminal justice system, because the juvenile justice system acknowledges that kids lack the same decision-making capacity as adults and should not be subjected to the same consequences.

In comparison to the adult criminal justice system, the juvenile justice system has distinct penalties and legislation. Cases in juvenile court are tried in a similar manner to those in adult court, with one key exception: they do not have the right to a jury trial. Instead of a judgment of guilt or innocence, the matter is heard by a judge, who then delivers a disposition.

What can lead to parents being charged

In some cases, if a parent’s activities resulted in a kid committing a crime, one or both parents may be prosecuted with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. This felony is prosecuted when a parent acts or fails to act in such a way that a minor becomes a juvenile court dependent, a juvenile delinquent, or a persistent truant as a result of that conduct or failure to act.

To convict you of this felony, the prosecution must prove that your supervision, protection, or control over the youngster was significantly lacking. For example, if you gave your underage kid drink or drugs and he or she was arrested for a crime, you may face criminal charges. Similarly, allowing your child to drive your automobile when you were aware that he or she lacked a driver’s license and was not legally permitted to do so might result in a criminal conviction.

Contributing to a minor’s delinquency is a misdemeanor that carries a penalty of up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $25,000. You might be sued in addition to facing criminal charges if your child causes property damage or physical harm to someone while committing a crime. In the scenario given above, allowing your child to drive your automobile without a license might result in a lawsuit if he or she causes an accident.

Chambers Law Firm can assist you if your kid has been charged with a crime or if you have been charged with a crime as a result of your child’s unlawful activity. To book a free first consultation with one of our highly competent California criminal defense attorneys, call 714-760-4088 or email dchambers@clfca.com immediately.

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