Every parent knows that kids make mistakes and sometimes get into trouble. But no parent is prepared for the day their child gets in trouble with the law – especially for crimes involving drugs.

Parents might not know what to do or who to turn to when they find out their child is using or selling drugs. They may be heartbroken, disappointed, and fearful for their child's immediate health and safety.

They also might not know whether or not to involve police because they fear what a criminal record would mean for their child's future.

Pennsylvania parents need to know that, in certain situations, keeping quiet about your kid's illegal drug activities can land you in hot water.

Parents Who Are Aware of Their Child's Drug Crimes and Don't Notify Authorities Might Face Criminal Charges

Pennsylvania parents who are aware that their children possess, use, or sell illegal drugs may face criminal charges if they fail to report their kids' crimes to the police.

Specifically, a Pennsylvania parent who turns a blind eye to their child's drug crimes runs the risk of being charged with child endangerment. Child endangerment involves exposing a child to potential harm. In Pennsylvania, what constitutes child endangerment is interpreted broadly and depends on the circumstances of each case.

Knowing that your child possesses, uses, or sells illegal drugs and not doing anything about it could reasonably be interpreted as Intentionally exposing your child to potential harm. A child who illegally uses or sells prescription drugs can seriously harm – or even kill – themselves or others.

Similarly, parents who fail to adequately secure their prescription medications that wind up in their kids' hands may also be guilty of child endangerment. According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, the number-one place teenagers get drugs from is their parents' medicine cabinet.

Depending on the circumstances of the case, if parents participate in their children's drug crimes in any way – however small – they also risk being charged as an accomplice to their kids' crimes.

Failing to report your child's known drug crimes may constitute a form of silent approval of their crimes and may constitute enough involvement for a parent to be considered an accomplice to their kid's crime.

Parents Who Are Aware Their Child Is Using or Selling Drugs but Don't Report Them Risk Serious Consequences

Pennsylvania parents who choose not to report their kids' drug crimes can face severe consequences. Parents charged with child endangerment face up to 10 years in jail and a $25,000 fine.

In addition, child endangerment charges can trigger child abuse allegations that come with a set of additional serious penalties, including fines, jail time, and an investigation into you and your family by social services.

The LLF Law Firm Can Help Parents Whose Kids Are Using or Selling Drugs

Juvenile drug crime is a serious problem that affects families from every socioeconomic background. It doesn't discriminate and can wreak havoc on kids and their families. Drug use can lead to substance abuse, addiction, and overdose, as can selling drugs to others.

It can be difficult to know what to do when you discover your child is committing drug crimes. In order to protect your child, your family, and yourself, don't wait for the police to get involved to reach out for help.

The LLF Law Firm's knowledgeable Criminal Defense Team have years of experience advising and helping parents throughout Pennsylvania with juvenile drug issues. If you are aware that your child is using or selling drugs, you need immediate help. Contact the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686, or submit a confidential online consultation form.