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D.C. Prosecutor Seeks Jail for Parents of Takeover Teens

5/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced office will prosecute parents under D.C. statute 22-811 for contributing to a minor’s delinquency in teen takeovers.
Penalties may be up to six months jail, fines, or mandatory parenting classes even if the teen is not charged.
The move follows the D.C. Council’s 8-5 vote approving an emergency curfew that allows police to create temporary zones after 8 p.m. for groups of eight or more minors.

History

Historical Context

Medieval London night-watch statutes in the 13th century imposed curfews to keep streets clear after dark. By the 1660s formal watch acts expanded the practice, establishing a legal basis for municipal night-time restrictions. Modern curfew ordinances that create evening police zones follow this centuries-old pattern of assigning nighttime responsibility to families and authorities.

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Story summary

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced office will prosecute parents under D.C. statute 22-811 for contributing to a minor’s delinquency in teen takeovers.
Penalties may be up to six months jail, fines, or mandatory parenting classes even if the teen is not charged.
The move follows the D.C. Council’s 8-5 vote approving an emergency curfew that allows police to create temporary zones after 8 p.m. for groups of eight or more minors.

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