In Tennessee, parents can now face fines for the criminal acts committed by their children.
Tennessee has recently implemented a new law that holds parents accountable for their children’s criminal actions. This means that parents can now face fines for the offenses committed by their children. The law is aimed at addressing the issue of juvenile crime, which has been on the rise in the state. Under the new law, parents can be fined up to $2,500 for their children’s crimes, depending on the severity of the offense. This move is seen as a way to encourage parents to take a more active role in monitoring their children’s behavior and preventing them from engaging in criminal activities.
Judges in Tennessee now have the authority to hold parents accountable for their children’s criminal actions. This means that parents could be held responsible for their children’s offenses, depending on the judge’s decision.
Tennessee has passed the Parental Accountability Act , which has now become a law. This act is designed to prevent children from engaging in criminal activities that could lead to more severe crimes in the future.
As a parent, you may face a fine of up to $1,000 if your child commits a crime.
“It starts somewhere,” said State Representative John Gillespie, who helped make this a law. “Every crime starts somewhere, very rarely does someone just murder someone.”
A parent may face a fine of $1,000 for their child’s second offense under the new law, which a judge will determine.
Parents are also granted the option to perform community service under the law.
Juvenile Judge Sheila Calloway was asked whether she believed that the new law would be effective in deterring juveniles from committing offenses, including violent crimes. In her response, she emphasized the significant role of judges in enforcing the law and ensuring that consequences are carried out.
“I do think that the Parental Accountability Act can have some effect on some of the parents and the youth,” she said.
According to her, there are alternative methods to curb juvenile crime if the parent is unable to pay, as she firmly believes in rehabilitation.
“Any child that is placed on probation can participate on that program,” she said.
Reporters asked Representative John Gillespie if he thought it was too strict for parents to be held responsible for their children’s behavior.
“You should think about that before having children,” he responded. “Having a child is their responsibility.”
During the upcoming legislative session, his goal is to transform this law into a requirement for judges to comply with, rather than leaving it up to their discretion, as he stated.