Parents Can Now Be Penalized For Their Child's Crimes In This NJ Town

WARREN COUNTY, NJ — Parents of children who commit crimes can now face consequences as well in this Warren County town.

Phillipsburg recently created a new chapter in its town code called "Minors and Parental Responsibility," which lays out potential consequences for parents of underage criminals.

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Specifically, the new rule seeks to hold parents, guardians, and other adults responsible for supervising minors accountable when they "encourage, contribute to, or fail to adequately supervise behavior" that violates the law and/or town code.

Some offenses outlined in the chapter that could lead to parental penalties include vandalism, drug and alcohol use, violence, and traffic violations (excluding parking offenses).

The new code could be enforced if a child commits more than one infraction of the law.

For example, if a minor was found guilty of vandalism, their parent or guardian could be summoned before Phillipsburg Municipal Court and ordered to provide supervision.

If the minor is found guilty of breaking the law a second time, the new code could go into effect, and the parent could face penalties.

The penalties can vary and can include up to $2,000 in fines, up to 90 days in prison, and up to 90 days of community service, according to the new town code chapter.

Click here to read the ordinance.