“Is my son, or we his parents, at legal risk for an accusation of sexual molestation which supposedly happened 20 years ago when he was twelve years old?”

I guess we are talking about some kind of suppressed memory case. Under some circumstances, parents of a minor can be held financially liable for the crimes of their children. This would generally extend to victim restitution. I can find no case or jurisdiction on point that would allow for recovery against parents 20 years after the crime was committed, unless maybe, they were also somehow otherwise liable on an accessory theory.


Michael Durgavich is an accomplished attorney and mediator. Maintaining a general practice in the San Jose, California area, Mr. Durgavich specializes in family law, bankruptcy, and alternative dispute resolution. Mr. Durgavich can be reached through his website at http://www.MichaelDurgavich.com. Contact This Author

State laws vary, and the above is intended as general advice, and not direct legal advice regarding any one particular situation in any one state. For direct personal legal advice related to your own situation you should consult an attorney familiar with the laws of your state and with your situation.