还以为法官是你家亲戚。美国各个州处理不一样的，你有幸在NJ占了便宜。你的经历别州不一定管用。

New Jersey: Parents may be liable for a child’s acts, but only for damage to railroads, public utilities, or school property. In those instances a parent’s financial responsibility is capped at $5,000.

www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/parental-responsibility-laws-personal-injury.html