[lindag]

My question involves juvenile law in the State of PA, is the parent of a child who commits a crime legally responsible in any way whether it be civil or criminal. Can anyone help me here? And if a child commits a crime with a parent involved then what will the parent be charge with? Doesn't matter what the crime is, doing research for a paper and I can't find anything pertaining to the state of PA. Thank you

[cyjeff]

The quick answer is... it depends.

First, if a child and a parent are, together, committing a crime, then the parent will not only be charged with the crime committed but also with a host of child endangerment and corruption charges.

If the parent was not directly involved, the parent can certainly be held civilly liable for a minor child. Whether or not they can be held criminally liable depends on the crime, the municipality and the age of the child in question.

[BOR]

You have to sift through the laws, better to do it a library as PA laws online are not that good.

Yes, some state have "parental responsiblity/liability" laws that make them accountable for the malicious acts, etc. of the child. I have seen some where if a child causes property damage, a parent is liable for anywhere from 5-15 thousand $.

If a parent acts in tandem with a child in a crime, then it is corrupting a minor, contributing to the delinquency of, etc. However your state may word it.

It is no different from 2 or more adults engaged in a conspiracy.

[lindag]

thank you both for your help. have a good one

[BOR]

thank you both for your help. have a good one

You are most welcome!!