Parental Responsibility for a 17-Year-Old

My question involves juvenile law in the State of: CT
My 17yo son has been getting into some minor incidents like shoplifting, vandelism, pot and alcohol. He has runaway in the past, came back recently. Long story short, I have legal custody, but he is living with his mom because he claims he likes the school in her town better. I've been told by police that I could be held responsible for his actions. It has been suggested to me that I should seek legal advice to find out if there was anything I could do where I would not be responsble for his actions. Emancipation is out of the question because he does not have a job. Advice?

Even if he HAD a job, emancipation would be impossible given his history. Emancipation is for those who show WAY above average judgement and ability and history of behaving with a wisdom and maturity beyond their years - even ONE of those "minor incidents" was enough to quash any hope for emancipation.

The answer regarding parental liability is found in Connecticut statutes, Chapter 52:

Sec. 52-572. Parental liability for torts of minors. (a) The parent or parents or guardian, other than a temporary guardian appointed pursuant to section 45a-622, of any unemancipated minor or minors, which minor or minors wilfully or maliciously cause damage to any property or injury to any person, or, having taken a motor vehicle without the permission of the owner thereof, cause damage to the motor vehicle, shall be jointly and severally liable with the minor or minors for the damage or injury to an amount not exceeding five thousand dollars, if the minor or minors would have been liable for the damage or injury if they had been adults.

(b) This section shall not be construed to relieve the minor or minors from personal liability for the damage or injury.

(c) The liability provided for in this section shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any other liability which may exist at law.

(d) As used in this section, "damage" shall include depriving the owner of his property or motor vehicle or of the use, possession or enjoyment thereof.

(1955, S. 3231d; 1959, P.A. 244; 549; 1969, P.A. 326; 1971, P.A. 314; 1972, P.A. 127, S. 75; P.A. 79-58; P.A. 82-160, S. 236; P.A. 93-26; P.A. 96-202, S. 8.)

However, if he's living with mom, then SHE is more likely to be seen as having assumed the responsibility for the minor's actions, and SHE is the one whom the courts would likely enter any such judgment against. Better keep good evidence that he is, in fact, living with mom and not you.