Stamford Lawyer Discusses Parent Liability for Acts of Children

Connecticut Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney

Parental Liability for Criminal Acts of a Minor

If your son or daughter is accused of causing injury or damage to property, you as the parent could be personally liable for the victim's financial losses. You and your child must be very careful in what you say, and the criminal charges must be handled correctly.

Stamford attorney Daniel P. Weiner provides experienced juvenile defense representation in Fairfield County, Connecticut. He has also successfully defended parents who were sued for acts of their teenagers. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

You Can Be Sued for Your Child's Actions

Under Connecticut law, parents can be held financially liable for willful criminal acts of their children, up to $5,000, for expenses or losses such as:

• Bodily injury (assault, altercations at school)
• Damage to property (vandalism, arson, break-in, auto theft)
• Loss of property (theft, burglary)
• Injury or death of someone's pet (animal cruelty)

The plaintiff does not have to prove "bad parenting." A criminal conviction or guilty plea is sufficient to sue under the parental liability statute. Your homeowners insurance policy may or may not cover the losses. Mr. Weiner has also tried cases in which parents were sued separately for negligent supervision for substantial monetary damages such as physical injury, emotional trauma and disability.

Protecting Against Parental Liability Claims

Most parents are genuinely remorseful when their son or daughter has caused harm to others. However, you must be careful with apologies, confessions or offers of restitution before your minor child has been adjudicated. Your good intentions could expose you to financial liability.

Mr. Weiner skillfully handles the criminal charges so that civil liability does not automatically attach. That way, the injured party has the burden of proving that your child willfully committed a crime.

Experienced Representation for Juvenile Offenses

An experienced trial lawyer with more than 40 years of experience, Daniel P. Weiner is uniquely equipped to handle all consequences of a minor's criminal allegations, including juvenile court, school hearings and civil actions. Contact our Stamford law office today to schedule a free, confidential consultation about parent liability for acts of children.