Hi <<Goes By Name>>,
When a child is accused of a crime, the legal consequences can extend beyond the courtroom — and sometimes beyond the child. In Missouri, parents or guardians may face criminal charges if their actions (or inaction) contribute to their child’s delinquent behavior.
When Can a Parent Be Charged?
Under Missouri Law, it is a crime for a parent or guardian to:
Knowingly encourage, aid, or cause a child under 17 to commit an act that would be considered a criminal offense if committed by an adult; or
Fail to exercise reasonable care, custody, and control over a child — when that failure results in the child engaging in criminal conduct.
These provisions are often referred to informally as Missouri’s version of “contributing to the delinquency of a minor.” Depending on the circumstances, a violation can be charged as a Class A Misdemeanor or Class E Felony.
Civil Liability vs. Criminal Charges
Separate from criminal responsibility, Missouri law also allows for civil liability in some cases. Parents may be held financially responsible for property damage or injuries caused by their minor child’s intentional acts, up to $2,000. A judge can even order a parent to perform work for the owner of the property damaged or the person injured instead of payment, if the owner of the property damaged or the person injured are agreeable.
