Q: My friend has this idea of leaving state and hiding out until she is 18; she is 3 months shy of turning 18.
Can she be charged with anything if she succeeds? If she does not succeed, what can she be charged with?
A: She could be arrested and possibly put in juvenile detention. Would her parents call the police? But even if she waits 3 months, has she thought this through? Will she have health insurance if she leaves? What if she gets pregnant? Does she plan to graduate HS? Does she have plans to continue her education after HS and become a productive employed adult? Be a friend and tell her think carefully about this, and talk to her parents, school counselors, family members, or other trusted adults. Just because someone turns 18 and is considered an adult by law, does not automatically give them the maturity and knowledge to make responsible decisions as an adult. No teen likes to hear that. She might not have her parents around to help her when she makes some bad mistakes. If you are the one she listens to, you might be able to keep her from making a bad mistake.
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