CADDO PARISH, La. ( KTAL/KMSS ) – An increase in violent crime committed by underaged offenders has many people in the community wondering if parents can be prosecuted for their children’s crimes.

Recent prosecutions of parents of school shooters in Michigan and Georgia have raised the public’s awareness and curiosity as to how much responsibility can be placed on the parent of a child who is accused of or who has admitted to a heinous act.

Deputy District Attorney for Caddo Parish, Wilbert Pryor, said there is a burden of proof as with all criminal prosecutions. However, it is possible.

“Well, there are laws about being an accessory to a crime. There’s laws for parents to be prosecuted for cruelty to their juveniles, and there are certain crimes. There are certainly crimes in the. The criminal code, just depending on the facts that could apply to a parent having the responsibility for a crime,” Pryor said. “But it is a they would be proving that would be a hurdle because of you’d have to show their direct responsibility of a crime of someone else.”

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In Louisiana , laws such as contributing to a juvenile ‘s delinquency, child neglect, and vicarious liability hold a parent responsible when applicable.

“You could envision a case where parents, those parents that allow the teenagers to drink at their house, you know, they would could be charged, would be charged and could be convicted of a crime of providing that alcohol to children that caused a wreck,” Pryor explained. “So it just depends on the facts of the case. And the did the parent knowingly provide alcohol or did the kids steal it?”

As it relates to crimes committed by juveniles, like homicide , Pryor said the Caddo DA’s Office will not shy away from prosecuting the parent if the law enforcement’s investigation can prove that the parent is in some way guilty.

“It has happened recently with the the murder of the man recently by the 14-year-old. His parents were both charged in the case. So, you know, it is happening. You know, we encourage law enforcement in every case involving a juvenile to check on the whereabouts of the parents in the situation,” Pryor said. “And, you know, and if they bring forth a parent that had some sort of responsibility or irresponsibility, that that contributed to the crime, we will certainly prosecute that parent as well as the child.”

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