(a) If a child under 18 years old commits an act prohibited by Section 27-22, the child's parent or legal guardian, other than a foster parent or public agency, may be held liable for all damages arising out of a single incident. Liability must not exceed $5,000, including any civil penalty. A parent may not be held liable under this Section unless first afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard and to present relevant evidence. A parent who cannot, or because of extenuating circumstances should not, pay may be excused from liability under this Section.
(b) Liability under subsection (a) may be imposed directly on the child, depending on the child's age and circumstances. A child's liability under this subsection supercedes the parent's liability. (1983 L.M.C., ch. 26, § 1; 2001 L.M.C., ch. 9, § 1.)