Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Juvenile Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Florida Juvenile Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Education Law and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: My daughter was involved in a fight and now the school is trying to expel her. How can I fight for her rights

The other party has since withdrawn from school and my daughter is getting all the fault. They even say they investigated but will not share any of the file

Henry George Ferro
Henry George Ferro
answered on Oct 7, 2021

Hire a good lawyer!!!

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: I requested an Officer to press charges for my stepson kicking me in the back and vandalizing my home with a sharpie.

However, the officer said I did not adopt him and he is allowed to throw things around the house. I am trying to get a hold of a supervisor and I was told to call back when he is back from vacation. Please Advise. I feel strongly the police are bias and not doing there job. Also, my wife is trying... View More

Michael  Mayoral
Michael Mayoral
answered on Sep 27, 2021

So, it is definitely not the law that someone is allowed to kick you in the back and vandalize your house just because you didn't adopt him. The crime for vandalizing is called "Criminal Mischief," governed by Florida Statute 806.13. The crime for kicking you in the back is called... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: I'm 17 . parent is non compliant of a court order, I refuse to stay with my toxic mom, hasn't supported me is CO void

I've been living with my grandparents for almost 8 months. They've supported me 100%. Mom agreed and even threw me out ( step dad did to) one time. She is toxic emotionally and physically, to me. I lose interest in school and life in general. I'm 17, a Senior in high school have... View More

Camila Martin
Camila Martin
answered on Jul 29, 2021

You should have your father consult with an attorney to try to modify the current timesharing order so the Judge can make a determination of what is the best for you based on your current situation. Another alternative will be to file for emancipation, but you will need to meet all the statutory... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: Can my dad take my phone away if i’m 17 and he paid for it?

He paid for the phone and pays for the phone bill but he can just stop that can he take my phone legally?

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jul 19, 2021

Yes.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: Just a small question about court because I am clueless to everything…

When I spoke to the sheriffs, they told me they would provide a “public attorney” since I do not have the funds for one and it’s been a week and ever since all I get are advertisements in the mail but not the one that has been told to me… so my question is when or how will I get in contact... View More

Henry George Ferro
Henry George Ferro
answered on Jul 18, 2021

As a former judge and attorney of nearly forty years, my suggestion is that you actively pursue any appointed attorney or public defender so that you can keep yourself informed as to the status of your case…Nothing is worse than waiting for the day of court to find things out…This also applies... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: Hello, I’ve been losing sleep and having stress about courtday. It’s my first time getting a misdemeanor (812.015)

I don’t want to go to jail and I have a son to support and a in the middle of a divorce. I’ve gotten out of a toxic relationship and dealt with abuse growing up and the father is not taking any responsibility for child, the wrong I’ve done is that I took some redbull and used giftcards to... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 13, 2021

Hold on there... DO NOT EVEN THINK OF ending your life over something like this. Only a Florida attorney who practices criminal defense should advise here. But your question was alarming in its nature. You're gonna get through this. Hopefully a Florida attorney knowledgeable in criminal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: Can my 17 y/o daughter live with her sister without my consent? I have asked her to come home to both of them

My 17-year-old daughter was staying with her father even though I am primary parent in our custody arrangement. Her father is now in jail and she has been staying with her sister. I have made it very clear from day 1 to both of my daughters that I am not ok with this and I want her to come home.... View More

Tami Lane Augen
Tami Lane Augen
answered on Jul 4, 2021

You have the parental rights to do what you need to do to get her back home. This, unfortunately, is where the law and reality clash. You most likely will not even get into court before your daughter turns eighteen. Perhaps you can work with her and her sister in terms of advising that you are... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: My boyfriend is trying to kick me out of his apartment and telling me that I can't take our daughter with me
Tami Lane Augen
Tami Lane Augen
answered on Jun 17, 2021

It is not entirely clear what your question is. There are certain laws in Florida that govern the parent child relationship when a child is born out of wedlock. You may want to schedule a time to speak with a qualified family law attorney to discuss what your options are under these particular... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: If I kick my daughter's BF out of my home is it call abuse. He is 17 and my girl is 16. His legal address is not my home

We didn't kick him. We just told him to get out our house. Because his mom said by tell him get out we abuse her son. Thank you for you all answer my question.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on May 18, 2021

No, why would you think that; assuming you don't literally kick him? You have no obligation to allow him to stay in your home.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: My 15 y.o. nephew from NY has runaway while down here in FL. What do I do?

My sister sent my nephew down here to live with me because he was trying drugs, not doing well in school and coming/going from the house whenever he wanted. At first he was doing so well down here...said it was toxic in NYC and he appreciated the calmer environment. However, now he misses his... View More

Tami Lane Augen
Tami Lane Augen
answered on May 6, 2021

Are his parents coming to Florida to find him and/or pick him up? They should consider take responsibility for him and should report him as a runaway. Do you know where he is? You may want to consider speaking with an attorney and moving forward in terms of reporting him as a runaway and/or to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: MY children and I lived in Florida and the inlaws took them to TN and refused to return. Do I need a FL or Tn lawyer?

Is there any way to get the case brought to Fl? If so how? How do I know what lawyer to get? They are trying to adopt them and I want my babies back home asap!

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Mar 15, 2021

If the children have been out of Florida for less than six months, you would sue in Florida for custody. It is unclear what in-laws took them to Tennessee and are trying to adopt them; the parents of the children's other parent?

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: Okay i’m 18 and out of the house. My dad is telling me he is going to call the cops because i’m missing school.
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Feb 5, 2021

And? It's not a crime to skip school if you are 18 or older.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: I'm a 17yrs old female dating a 15yrs male. On December I will be turning 18 would that be illegal for me to date him?

We started dating a few days back of this years but I'm wondering once I turn 18 will that be illegal for me? I don't plan on having sex with him until he turns 18.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Feb 4, 2021

If you are asking about sexual battery (statutory rape in most states), no, dating (as opposed to sexual activity) is not prohibited.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: My mom doesnt want me living with her .. is there anyway i can sue my mom or press charges on her even though im 17?

My mom was really abusive to me and my sister. We are adopted and we are about a year and a half apart and me and her can share memories on when mom would kick and punch and slap us and hit our heads against a wall and she almost drowned my sister one time. When i was 16 i started running away... View More

Henry George Ferro
Henry George Ferro
answered on Jan 13, 2021

Claims against your mother can be lodged in either civil or criminal court. For the criminal proceedings, you may contact local law enforcement or Department of Children and Families.

A civil claim is somewhat more complicated and expensive, you may contact a local lawyer. I will,...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: Can a parent call the police on there child in order to get them removed from the house ?

My boyfriend is 17 and his parents don’t like him they continue to find ways and reasons to threaten him, kick him out, or call the police. He is still a minor and has been supporting them by paying bills since he could make money. he rarely actually does anything wrong. None of what he does is... View More

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Jan 4, 2021

Unless he has been emancipated by a court of law your boyfriend's parents are legally responsible for him, and can impose whatever "house rules" they desire. However, they may NOT "kick him out" until he is 18. They are also wasting there breath threating to "call the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: Can I be charged of rape if I come with my girlfriend to the U.S. on vacation? I’m 18 and she’s 15, we live in Brazil.

The legal consent age is different over these, so I’m wondering if I could be in trouble while being in u.s. territory.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Nov 21, 2020

Certainly, if you have sex with her when you're here; you can be charged under the laws of whichever U.S. state you are in.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: Is there any penalty for leaving 14 year old home alone with 4 children(7&under) every weekend for hours (12 hours)

I’m afraid for the safety of all children in the home while parents are away every weekend and coming home drunk. One of the children being looked after is handicapped. On occasion they can leave all of them home alone without adult supervision for up to 12 hours.

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Oct 12, 2020

Report this behavior to Child Protective Services at the Department of Children & Family Services in Tallahassee. Google it.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: What is the romeo and juliet law in florida? & what is the age requirements for dating?
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Sep 13, 2020

By "dating", do you mean sex? As indicated in Wikipedia [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ages_of_consent_in_the_United_States#Florida],

"The age of consent in Florida is 18, but close-in-age exemptions exist. By law, the exception permits a person 23 years of age or...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: Can I move without major issues?

I am 16, financially stable with the current job I am working and can support myself. I want to move out not due to abuse or anything just to be able to have responsibilities, my mother says she wouldn’t be mad about it but she will have to file a missing report with the police so she wouldn’t... View More

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Sep 5, 2020

Whoa. Both you and your mother are asking for big time trouble if you go down that path. Your mother would be committing a criminal act (intentionally filing a false report) and you would probably end up in a juvenile protection facility (nice sounding name for jail).

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: What's the difference between a lock out and a runaway?

My son is 16 years old and lived with me for 4 years before moving back to his mother's in June 2019. His mother cut communication off between us in April.He was arrested in August and is due to be released from JDC next week. He has stated that he was homeless for two months after leaving his... View More

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Sep 4, 2020

Your son is a juvenile and cannot be allowed to roam the streets of Florida alone. If neither parent will step up and take full responsibility for your son, then he becomes what they call "a lockout." Once that happens the State of Florida, Department of Children & Families will take... 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.