When Your Child’s Bad Decisions Land You in Criminal Trouble

 Posted on October 08, 2025 in Criminal Defense

For many parents, watching a child grow into independence is thrilling and terrifying at the same time. You hope they make good decisions, learn from mistakes, and get through adolescence and early adulthood with care.

But sometimes, even well-intentioned parents find themselves facing legal consequences because of their children’s reckless or illegal actions. In Milwaukee, this can happen in cases as seemingly trivial as a minor taking alcohol to share with friends, a teenager joyriding in a parent’s car, or an adult child misusing prescription medications from the home.

If you are a high-net-worth or high-profile parent dealing with criminal exposure tied to your child’s behavior, you absolutely must understand how the law views parental responsibility, what consequences you may face, and how best to navigate this challenging situation.

You are not alone, and there are ways to respond without compounding the problem. At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, our Wisconsin criminal defense lawyers work with parents facing liability for their children’s actions. Call us today.

Parental Responsibility for Juvenile Crime in Wisconsin

Wisconsin law holds parents accountable in certain circumstances for the acts of their minor children. The exact scope of liability depends on the child’s age, the specific crime, and whether the parent was complicit or merely negligent.

For example, giving alcohol to a minor, or failing to keep it out of a minor’s hands, can trigger criminal or civil liability. Similarly, if a parent’s inaction or negligence allows a child access to prescription medications, drugs, or a vehicle, the parent could be charged alongside, or even instead of, the child in some cases.

The principle behind this legal framework is twofold. First, the law seeks to protect the public by incentivizing parents to supervise and control access to dangerous items. Second, it recognizes that children may lack the judgment or maturity to fully understand the risks of their actions. In essence, parents are expected to establish reasonable safeguards and take responsibility for creating a safe environment.

Common Scenarios Where Parents Can Be Liable for a Child’s Actions

In Milwaukee, high-profile households are not immune to the legal consequences of adolescent or young adult misbehavior and may even face increased scrutiny for the mistakes a child makes. Some typical situations include:

• Alcohol and parties: A minor takes alcohol from the home and gives it to friends. Even if the parent did not pour the drinks or know the exact plan, failing to secure alcohol can result in charges.

• Prescription medications or recreational drugs: Teenagers or adult children access medications or illicit substances from the home. Parents may face legal scrutiny if there was inadequate oversight or intentional facilitation.

• Vehicles and joyrides: A teenager or adult child takes a car without permission, leading to traffic violations, injuries, or property damage. If a parent knowingly allowed access or left keys knowing a child might take them, liability can extend to the parent.

In each scenario, both the parent and the child face consequences, though the severity and nature differ depending on age, prior record, and specific facts.

Consequences for Parents when Kids Commit Crimes

Legal consequences for parents may include fines, probation, or even jail time in more serious or repeated cases. Beyond the criminal system, parents may also face civil liability for damages caused by the child. For example, if a child joyrides in a parent’s vehicle and causes an accident, the parent’s insurance or personal assets may be at risk.

For children, the consequences can vary dramatically based on age and prior history. Minors may be subject to juvenile court proceedings, including community service, probation, or mandatory counseling.

Adult children can face criminal charges independently, ranging from misdemeanors for property damage or minor theft to felonies for serious offenses. Parents often wrestle with the emotional challenge of seeing a child penalized, while also contending with the practical ramifications to their own record, finances, and reputation.

Underage Drinking at Homecoming and Prom House Parties 

Many savvy parents know that their kids are going to drink alcohol at house parties and afterparties during Homecoming and Prom season. Working under this assumption, these parents often prefer to have the kids party at their own home, rather than out with friends at much greater risk of DUIs or other alcohol-related accidents.

But this does not always go according to plan. Local police know high school dance night schedules and are on the lookout for house parties and rowdy teenagers. Nosy or frustrated neighbors may also call the police on a houseparty that is too loud or out of hand.

If you are facing criminal charges for allowing minors to drink at your home or on your property, you are not alone. Wisconsin law strictly prohibits adults from knowingly allowing underage drinking, even if you believed the situation was safe or supervised. Adults who provide or fail to prevent access to alcohol for anyone under 21 can face steep fines, possible jail time, and a lasting criminal record.

How Much Ownership Over a Crime Should Parents Let Kids Take?

One of the most difficult questions for parents in these situations is how much ownership to assign to the child for their misdeeds. Legally and emotionally, this is a delicate balance. On the one hand, parents may feel guilt or responsibility because they provided access to the object, substance, or vehicle. On the other hand, allowing the child to fully own the consequences can be crucial to teaching accountability.

A measured approach often works best. Parents may want to clearly communicate that while the home and resources are provided for safety and support, misuse of those privileges carries real-world consequences. This may mean allowing the child to face fines, probation, or court requirements for their actions, while shielding them from more severe parental exposure where possible.

Taking too much ownership can reduce the child’s understanding of responsibility; taking too little can unnecessarily endanger the parent’s legal or financial position, as well as the child’s. Working closely with a criminal defense attorney in Milwaukee ensures that both parental liability and the child’s accountability are appropriately managed.

Practical Steps for Parents Facing Criminal Exposure

If you are a parent in Milwaukee or elsewhere in Wisconsin dealing with potential criminal exposure due to a child’s behavior, several steps can help protect you and your family:

1. Find a good lawyer immediately: A skilled criminal defense attorney can evaluate your specific situation, advise you on potential liability, and communicate with authorities if charges are filed.

2. Secure dangerous items: Alcohol, prescription medications, firearms, and vehicles should be stored safely. Taking proactive measures can help you make a good case for yourself and help prevent further incidents.

3. Document supervision and policies: Write down your parental rules and supervision measures. Documentation can support your defense when questions come up about your culpability.

4. Address the child’s behavior responsibly: Engage in counseling, restitution agreements, or other corrective actions that show the court your family is taking the matter seriously.

Contact a Milwaukee, WI High-Profile Criminal Defense Attorney for Parents Facing Criminal Charges

If you are a parent facing potential criminal exposure because of your child’s actions, you need to be fast and smart in taking action. Our team at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP provides compassionate, experienced guidance for high-profile families going through these complex cases. We help you understand your rights, protect your interests, and ensure both you and your child are treated fairly under the law.

Call a Wisconsin juvenile criminal defense attorney at 414-271-1440 to schedule your consultation with Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP. Our team will listen to your concerns, explain your options, and guide you through the legal process with clarity and care.