As used in this chapter, certain terms shall be defined as follows
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise:
CRIMINAL ACT
Any act which constitutes a violation of the penal laws or
ordinances of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the City of Harrisburg,
including moving traffic violations.
HABITUAL OFFENDER
Any minor who is convicted or adjudged a juvenile delinquent
for committing two or more criminal acts within any twenty-four-month
period.
MINOR
Any person under the age of 18 years residing with a parent
or parents or who, while not residing with his or her father or mother,
resides in another place with the permission of his or her father
or mother.
PARENT
The father, mother, or legal guardian of a minor or any other
person having the custody of a minor, or with whom such minor resides,
or any other adult with whom a minor may be found to be residing,
or any father or mother who gives consent to a minor to reside elsewhere
than with such father or mother.
PARENTAL NEGLECT
Failure by a parent or parents to exercise reasonable parental
control over a minor as a result of which such minor commits any criminal
act, or for any parent to allow or encourage a minor to commit any
criminal act or to become delinquent as provided by the laws of the
commonwealth.
If, at the trial of any criminal charge brought under this chapter, the prosecuting authority shall submit prima facie evidence that the minor was convicted or adjudged a juvenile delinquent for the commission of two or more criminal acts within 24 months and that the defendant or defendants received notice of such criminal acts as provided in §
3-331.2A, a rebuttable presumption shall arise that the defendant or defendants were guilty of parental neglect as defined in §
3-331.1 hereof.
Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to Chapter
3-399, Penalty, of these Codified Ordinances.