LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - Jefferson County’s top prosecutor, Commonwealth’s Attorney Gerina Whethers, wants to hold the parents of youth violent offenders accountable amid rising juvenile crime.

“It is time for bold action and new solutions,” Whethers said.

However, Whether’s hands are tied without legislative support and, ultimately, legislative action.

In most states, including Kentucky, laws on the books currently only have civil penalties for parents of children who commit crimes, and very few deal specifically with the use of a gun in the commission of a crime. That includes KRS 405.025 and KRS 186.590, which allow for parents to be found liable for property damage or from damage resulting from a juvenile driver.

The most recent precedent, referenced by Whethers on Thursday, deals

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