If you both are sexually active, yes, your boyfriend could be arrested charged with statutory rape under Arizona law because it seems like he is 24 months older than you.

Unfortunately, there is no defense available for him because your boyfriend more than 24 months older than you.

Dad of teenage girls here.

If there was a pending criminal court case, I have advised parents pay the civil claim then successfully argue to the prosecutor the criminal case should be dismissed due to the "victim" agreeing to a misdemeanor compromise.

However, your... View More

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answered on Dec 31, 2023

In Arizona, kidnapping is generally defined as knowingly restraining another person with the intent to hold the person for ransom, as a shield or hostage, or to inflict death, physical injury, or a sexual offense on the person, among other reasons. In the scenario you described, if you have your... View More

Someone can assist a minor with completing a Petition for Emancipation, but the minor must be the one signing the Petition in the presence of a Notary. If a minor is not capable of completing a Petition for Emancipation, I would have serious concerns about their capacity to be found entitled to... View More

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answered on Nov 18, 2023

I'm really sorry to hear about your daughter's difficult situation at school. It's crucial to address this issue promptly. First, document any incidents of bullying or harassment thoroughly, including dates, times, locations, and individuals involved. Keep copies of all... View More

Yes, DCS can do that. In fact, if DCS starts a proceeding to remove the children, the custody case in the family court is paused while the DCS proceeding goes through the juvenile court because, by law, DCS proceedings take precedence over custody proceedings.

The Arizona Bar handles complaints about lawyers.

As for having their own firm, it really doesn't make a difference.

If you think of suing your lawyer, you really should speak to a legal malpractice attorney before you file anything.

Yes, you should look for an attorney who practices juvenile law.

These types of allegations are very serious and can have life altering consequences. If you are being accused of this, I highly recommend reaching out to an Arizona criminal defense attorney to discuss your options right away. Most of us on here (myself included) will discuss your case with you... View More

I have never heard of drug addiction being described as a disability. The ADA does not contain a list of disabilities, but rather defines disabilities as follows: "A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record... View More

Your son SHOULD be on the birth certificate. To find out for sure, just have him request a copy of the birth certificate (you can request a copy if you want to submit a copy of HIS birth certificate). If he is on the birth certificate, they will send him a copy. If he is NOT on the birth... View More

I think just showing up and taking the kids would do more harm than good, and most likely, the police aren't going to assist you; they will instead tell you that you need to go file with the Court.

If I were you, I'd file a Petition to Modify Legal Decision-making, Parenting... View More

Not sure if we are discussing an adult child or a child who remains a minor. I am going to answer assuming this is an adult child. The only thing he is required to do for an adult child is to provide her health insurance information until she reaches age 26 (I believe, I am not an expert on health... View More

Three years is three years, not three years and one month. I am going to be blunt. The level of maturity demonstrated with the crafting of this query does not give readers any confidence that you have achieved the necessary life skills to make a decision of this magnitude with or without a... View More

I cannot think of any earthly consequences, civilly or criminally. The burden is on the "older men" to be wise enough not to be ensnared by any wily 17-year-olds. Once a male present in the State of Arizona turns 19, anyone under 18 is off limits.

Any female "sending pictures... View More

Six months.

The standard for abandonment in Arizona is found in ARS 8-531(1), which reads: ""Abandonment" means the failure of a parent to provide reasonable support and to maintain regular contact with the child, including providing normal supervision. Abandonment includes... View More

I am not an Arizona attorney. However, your question raises issues that you will need to consider for your personal safety and survival. It will take you a couple minutes to read, but it may save your life.

1- Be absolutely sure you need to leave home now. If your parents are causing you... View More

The short answer is no. DCS will likely keep the case open until they are confident there is no longer a concern that the child(ren) will be abused or neglected. Merely giving your brother guardianship is not extremely reassuring; particularly because it is your brother and DCS will likely consider... View More

I don't handle DCS cases, but I can refer you to some attorneys who do. Feel free to give me a call, and I'll pass their names and numbers along.