With schools out due to the COVID19 virus, there are more and more children who may find their boredom taking them out and about the neighborhood – boredom that can bring the law to your door due to your child’s actions and behaviors. Know your parent responsibility under the law in cases like these.
Georgia Parent Responsibility Law
In the State of Georgia, there are a number of parental responsibility laws that can hold a parent or guardian liable for both the criminal and civil acts that a minor may be involved in. It is a great idea to be aware of and know your parent responsibility under the law. Under the law, you may be liable and financially responsible for up to $10,000 plus court costs in property damage and/or medical expenses related to your child’s actions.
Parent Responsibility for Minors
In Georgia, parental responsibility refers to the liability for both the criminal and civil acts committed by a minor, or child under the age of 18. The law implies that parents have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to supervise their minor child. Parents may become legally and financially responsible if that child causes harm to a person or property.
Know Your Parent Responsibility Examples
Georgia’s parental liability laws cover intentional, malicious, or reckless behavior of a minor. These laws do not pertain to injuries or damage caused by an accident or unforeseeable circumstances. Some of the more common behaviors that a parent can become liable for include:
- Vandalism to government, school, private property
- Spray painting a school, public property, or private business
- Throwing objects causing damage or injury
- Destroying property in hate crimes (race, religion, sexual preference)
- Defacing national or state flags, monuments or historical markers, cemetery headstones
- Bullying others on the sidewalk, park, or street
- Fighting another person (minor or adult) with injury
- Personal injury that occurs during any of the above
Parental Responsibility Attorney
If you or your family has been the victim or if your child has been accused of behavior that makes you legally and financially responsible and liable, call the attorney who can provide the needed expertise and guidance in these stressful situations. Know your parent responsibility by making the call to Attorney Joel Baskin for a confidential evaluation of your situation.