In Illinois, can a non-custodial parent be held responsible for a crime committed by their minor child?
In Illinois, a minor can be adjudicated a delinquent by the courts and punished for his/her crimes against society, under the Juvenile statute. Although the parent is not specifically brought before the court as a co-defendant for the crimes of their child, (depending on the age of the child and the court’s discretion), a parent can be ordered to pay restitution, or further be sued in a civil court for damages. Some municipalities in Illinois have additional ordinances pertaining to parental liability. There are also times when a crime committed is so heinous, that the court will adjudicate the minor as an adult and try him/her as such. When this happens, the responsibility for the criminal action lies only with the perpetrator of the crime and not with parents. If the father has liability insurance (such as with his homeowner’s policy), it may apply to his civil liability in the case that you describe.
