Asked in Domestic Violence, Juvenile Law and Criminal Law for New York

Q: Can a 16 yr old be arrested in NYS for hitting his father? The cops have not and it has happened twice now. They say it

Is a domestic matter. What does that mean? What about me? Is it ok for him to hit me too? If we defend ourselves then we will be arrested?

2 Lawyer Answers

A: File a petition in Family Court for an order of protection (OP). If he hits you while you have an OP they must arrest him. Have you tried therapy for him?

A: Yes, a 16 year old can be arrested for hitting his father. Anyone, for that matter, can be arrested for hitting another individual as that is assault. The victim can file a complaint at the local precinct, and can also go to family court to ask for an order of protection if they want to avoid the criminal route.

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