Ridgecrest Municipal Code Art. III Offenses Involving Minors

(a) Parents and guardians are responsible for educating children about the expectations of society so children can become good and productive members of the community. Parents and guardians must exercise parental control in a humane and responsible manner. Children are responsible for following the instructions of parents and guardians. The law provides some assistance in resolving differences when parents or guardians and children disagree.

(b) This article prohibits loitering by minors and describes state laws on general responsibility. This article is intended to assist parents, guardians and children to understand the requirements of law.

(Code 1980, § 4-4.101; Ord. No. 96-02, § 3)

(a) A violation of this section is an infraction.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any minor under the age of 18 years to loiter upon the streets of the city, in places of amusement or entertainment or in other public places in the city between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. of the following day, unless the minor is:

(1) Accompanied by a parent, guardian or other adult person having custody or charge of said minor;

(2) At a legitimate place of business, trade, profession or occupation at which the minor is employed;

(3) At a public library, night class, study hall, school activity or a place of amusement, place of worship or group activity, supervised or sponsored by an adult of good moral character;

(4) On the streets going directly to or returning directly from any of the places mentioned above; or

(5) Engaged in lawful First Amendment activities.

(c) It shall be unlawful for any parent or guardian having the care or control or charge of any person under 18 years of age to permit, allow or let the minor loiter on the streets of the city, in places of amusement or entertainment, or in other places of the city in violation of this section.

(Code 1980, § 4-4.102; Ord. No. 96-02, § 4; Ord. No. 97-04, § 2)

Every person who causes or encourages any minor child to come within the provisions of Welfare and Institutions Code §§ 300 (physical or emotional harm to juveniles), 601 (habitually disobedient or truant juveniles) and 602 (violation of laws by juveniles) shall be liable for the payment of a fine of up to $2,500.00 and imprisonment for up to one year in accordance with Penal Code § 272.

(Code 1980, § 4-4.107; Ord. No. 96-02, § 9)