(a) A person commits the offense of failing to supervise a minor if the person is the parent, legal guardian, or person with legal responsibility for the safety and welfare of a child under 18 years of age, and the child has committed a criminal violation (misdemeanor or felony of any degree) of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Parma, the Ohio Revised Code or United States Code.
(b) It shall be a defense to the offense of failure to supervise a minor if the person took reasonable steps to control the conduct of the child at the time the person is alleged to have failed to supervise. It is no defense to a charge under this section that no minor has been convicted of or found delinquent as the principal offender.
(c) In addition to any fine or penalty imposed pursuant to this section, the court may order the person to pay restitution to a victim of the minor's conduct. The amount of restitution ordered pursuant to this section shall not exceed the amounts set forth in Ohio R.C. 3109.09 and/or 3109.10.
(d) Whoever violates division (a) of this section is guilty of failing to supervise a minor, a minor misdemeanor for a first offense. For a second offense, such person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. For a third and subsequent offense, such person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. The penalty shall be as provided in Section 698.02.
(e) The first time a person is convicted of an offense described in division (a), the person shall not be required to pay a fine, other than court costs, if the person successfully participates in and completes a parent effectiveness program to the satisfaction of the court.
(Ord. 215-06. Passed 6-5-06.)