Criminal justice experts: please give examples of parents' legal responsibility for their teenagers' actions?

Question

This isn't a "yes/no" question. I know that the answer is "yes". I'm looking for specific examples.

This undoubtedly varies from state to state, but in general, in what ways, and to what extent, are parents in the US legally responsible for their teenagers' actions?

How does the justice system determine individual liability for a teenager (i.e. while still a minor living at home)?

Answer 1

I'm sure this answer is too simple for what you want, but an example is, if a 16- or 17-yo is out with friends and commits vandalism in a park, or damages someone's vehicle (keying, ripping off antenna, hitting it with a rock and denting it) the parents are responsible for paying for the damages committed by their teenager.
Another example: If a teenager gets an apartment with friends and signs the lease, then defaults on the rent, the parents are responsible for paying it to the landlord if the teenager is under 18. (A 17-yo friend got pregnant and got an apt with her bf. Lease was in her name, he lost his job, they couldn't pay the rent, her parents had to. That was a long time ago!)

Answer 2

Say your son goes out and breaks 40 car windows out. You, as a parent could be held financially responsible for his actions. Almost any act of vandalism the parents could be held responsible.

Answer 3

If the kid does damage, the parent can be billed for the damage. I have a friend whose husband spent years paying for a house his son burned down when the kid was 13.

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