Get free answers to your Juvenile Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
There is drug use and alcohol use. She is 5 months from graduation.
answered on Dec 13, 2016
Yes. Your 18 year old is now an adult in the eyes of the law. Graduation has nothing to do with it. If she refuses to go, you could potentially call the police. If they won't do anything you might have to go through eviction procedures. The simple answer to your question is... View More
She lives with her younger brother and doesn't say anything about it to her mother in fear of him being hurt by her mother. Her mother has called her a slut and a whore and told her to kill herself, and my friend is already suicidal and cuts, and her father lives elsewhere but he has given her... View More
answered on Nov 3, 2016
Intervening as a private party is not recommended. From your facts there are serious problems at the 13 year old's home. The best approach (and the one that will likely produce the greatest good) is to contact CPS (child protective services. Here is the link:... View More
So I have a 16 year old daughter who keeps going and seeing this boy she likes but he's 22. She says they arnt having sex they are just friends can I tell them both to stay away from each other, and can he be arrested if they contact each other?
answered on Oct 9, 2016
There is no crime in two people meeting. Even if sex occurs, Colorado allows a 10 year gap between ages for statutory rape (i.e. the man would need to be 26 or older for statutory rape to apply). You can exercise REASONABLE parental control and restrict access.
I know that it is my responsibility to offer him food and shelter until he is 18 but since he dropped out of school and is not actively working to get his GED, can I charge him rent now?
answered on Sep 16, 2016
What you are proposing is something of a grey area. Charging rent from a minor (who you have a legal obligation to support) is moving dangerously close to child neglect. There are also significant issues related to the violability of nearly all contract with unemancipated minors. Tread very... View More
I am filing for stepparent adoption and in the Response from the non custodial parent they requested to not appear physically because they have no money or time off work. They live in a different state and I live in Colorado. Neither of us have a lawyer. THANK FOR YOUR HELP!!
answered on Sep 16, 2016
Usually, a phone appearance request must be made in a separate motion. For pro se parties (without a lawyer), most judges relax the filing requirements, so the reply may be sufficient. The best ways to check are to look at the filing history (which I do not believe is available to the lay public)... View More
answered on Sep 16, 2016
On it face, there is no law preventing a minor for staying with another adult for a short or long duration. CPS could theoretically become involved if this adult is a health/safety concern (usually CPS will only become involved if someone reports an alleged abuse/violation). Key here is to ensure... View More
I don't want to have the chance to get my son taken from me .
answered on Jun 30, 2016
You will need to contact an attorney directly because this requires a confidential communication (Justia does not create an attorney-client relationship). There are many risks associated with leaving and staying in Colorado--you should be aware of these risks so you can make the right decision.... View More
I just had a question. So my 14 year old daughter got arrested a couple months ago for shoplifting and it was her second shoplifting ticket in a 12 month period. She got community service and everything which she has been doing but we have received a call saying that the place she stole from is... View More
answered on May 14, 2016
Hard to say, the retailer total control say over how they pursue a civil suit. It could be a mistake or it could be that they have not completed the claim against you yet.
I'm 17 and I am very financially independent and I work full time. I'm studying for my GED and have a promising career for my future. I currently live with my mom but I'd like to move out so I can start building credit and becoming fully independent. I'm not in an abusive family... View More
answered on May 8, 2016
In Colorado, emancipation must be initiated by the State (e.g. Dept. of Human Services). There is no way for an independent party to petition for emancipation. Based on your facts it is unlikely that Child Protective Services will intervene. You can join the military or you will have to wait until... View More
answered on Apr 16, 2016
Since you committed the crime when you are 17, you will be charged as a minor. As with all things in law, there are always exceptions, but they should not apply in your situation. Also be aware that as a minor you have several options: (1) deferral (complete the program and your case is dismissed);... View More
years and in that time a 7 year old boy was shot by my son and that little boy almost lost his life. The gun that was used was my sons fathers that he found in the bedroom that he shared with his father and no adult was home at the time.
answered on Mar 19, 2016
It sounds like you have a strong claim for an emergency custody modification based on concerns for the health/safety of the child. Your local courthouse will have resources to assist you, but I recommend that you contact a lawyer - modifications are rather technical hearings.
So I am about to go to prom as a senior. This is for a high school dance. My principle has made a rule that students must be breathalyzed on the way in and the way out of the dance. It is understandable to be breathalyzed on the way in, but will students be penalized by refusing to be breathalyzed... View More
answered on Mar 7, 2016
This is not a legal requirement, but apparently a local school policy (I assume it is not a district policy). It is possible that testing before entry in legal (under the logic that this is a private event), but this is open to a lot of interpretation. As for the testing before leaving, that seems... View More
if we were to press charges what would happen? the incident happened on a visit to colo,but i live in texas and would report it there. again what if anything is going to happen?
if we were to press charges what would happen? the incident happened on a visit to colo,but i live in texas and would report it there. again what if anything is going to happen?
answered on Feb 28, 2016
Under Colorado's sexual assault laws 18-3-402 et seq., kissing alone is probably insufficient grounds unless there was contact on "intimidate parts" (CRS 18-3-401) (laws can be found at: http://www.intotolegal.com/upcoming%20Events/Forms.html ). You cannot file charges in Texas... View More
answered on Feb 24, 2016
You have two options. One, call the police if he becomes physically violent. Two, report yourself to CPS as an unfit parent and seek removal. Colorado, like most states, does not allow parents to waive parental responsibilities without court/CPS approval to avoid being subject to criminal child... View More
Also, how would the two individuals obtain judicial/court consent? Please provide additional legal info.
answered on Feb 8, 2016
No, Colorado requires that the parties be at least 16 with parental consent. See CRS 14-2-106 @ (click on the statutes link) http://www.intotolegal.com/upcoming%20Events/Forms.html . Incidentally, sex with a child under the age of 15 is a class 3 or 4 felony (even with consent).
About 2 weeks ago my mom kicked me out and still had contact and knew exactly were I was the whole time the 2nd week she called me in as a run away and I was forced to leave my boyfriends house where all my belongings are because she kicked me out and now she won't let me leave my house until... View More
answered on Jan 18, 2016
I'm sorry. The choice is yours to make, but be aware that Colorado does not allow petitions for emancipation unless a supporting agency files the petition (i.e. CPS). Even if CPS was willing, the petition process would likely be longer than the remaining 2 months until majority. You can seek... View More
answered on Jan 5, 2016
It sounds like you have an actual court date. If so, the best advice is to make sure you get to court--have a parent, boyfriend or friend drive you. Truancy charges will not result in prison time. There are general exceptions for health reasons, which may apply in your case. The most likely result... View More
My mom is always changing her mind about these things and I was wondering if she can legally force me to quit my job. Is there anything I can do to stop her?
answered on Nov 25, 2015
Parents are allowed significant control and power over minors under their care. Courts (and social services) are generally very reluctant to review parental decisions unless their is clear evidence of parental abuse/neglect. I would say generally yes parent can prevent you from working, but cannot... View More
My stepfather has been physically and verbally abusive to me and as of a few days ago I'm living at my friend's house. My friend said I can stay with her for as long as I have to (until I leave for college next year) but she doesn't want to run into any legal issues given that she... View More
answered on Nov 22, 2015
I am sorry to hear that your home life is abusive. Colorado does not have an independent cause of action for emancipation of a minor. In other words, emancipation is conditioned upon: a divorce, child support claim or a request from a state/local child protection agency. At this point you have four... View More
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.