What do the parents of young rioters risk?

The Keeper of the Seals Éric Dupond-Moretti invited the magistrates on Friday evening June 30 to favor referrals before a judge directly within 24 or 48 hours following the arrests for urban violence. Riots have broken out all over France since the death on Tuesday of young Nahel, killed by police fire in Nanterre.

>> REPORT. Death of Nahel: “There is no longer any grip” with young people, notes a lawyer who assists defendants tried in immediate appearance for urban violence in Nanterre

Usually minors in juvenile court are tried in two stages: a hearing on guilt and then later, sometimes weeks later, a hearing on sentencing. There, the Minister of Justice encourages the organization of single hearings for more speed and deterrence. Prosecutors are also encouraged to request additional penalties such as a ban on going out at night, for example from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Parents have legal obligations and it can be expensive

And then the Keeper of the Seals reminds prosecutors of the possibility of holding parents to account – these are his words – of prosecuting fathers and mothers who evade their legal obligations to the point of compromising health, safety, the morality or education of their minor children. The criminal code provides for this breach up to two years in prison and a fine of 30,000 euros.

>> Death of Nahel: how are the police custody of minors arrested during the riots going?

If parents cannot be prosecuted for acts committed by their children, they have a civil liability, recalls the Minister. “The father and the mother are jointly and severally liable for the damage, the cost of the damage caused by their minor children and therefore may be ordered to pay compensation or fines”.

About fine, another is provided by law for parents who are not present at the trial hearing of their children. It amounts to 3,700 euros. Parental responsibility courses can also be imposed on parents deemed to be at fault.