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1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law and Employment Law for California on
Q: Can a juvenile felon in CA become a commercial pilot?

Can a juvenile felon in California, whose felony record has not been expunged, become a commercial pilot if they have completed probation without participating in any rehabilitation programs?

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answered on Apr 13, 2025

Yes, it is still possible for a juvenile felon in California to become a commercial pilot, even if the record hasn’t been expunged. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not automatically disqualify someone based on a juvenile felony. What matters most is whether the felony is related to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Social Security, Juvenile Law, Family Law and Public Benefits for North Carolina on
Q: Can I be forced to move in with my mom, given her mental health issues and my SSA benefits?

I am 15 years old and have been living with my stepmom since I was 13. I have lived with my biological mother off and on for the past 7 years, and she currently has custody. She is dealing with depression, bipolar disorder, and mania, and wants me to move back in with her to help her clean and for... View More

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answered on Apr 13, 2025

In situations like this, the court will prioritize your safety and well-being above all. Given your age and the mental health challenges your mother is facing, the court may consider whether it's in your best interest to live with her. However, you are not typically forced to move if it puts... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Juvenile Law and Domestic Violence for New York on
Q: How can a 14-year-old pursue legal emancipation from an abusive household in New York?

I am a 14-year-old looking to become legally emancipated due to a toxic household environment involving neglect and abuse. My parents are unable to provide what I need, and their lack of cooperation makes it difficult to pursue emancipation. While I'm seeking a job and looking to gain... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law, Family Law and Employment Law for Colorado on
Q: How to address potential conflict of interest in minor's custody and theft case in CO?

I'm the legal guardian of my 17-year-old grandson who ran away in October and was later charged with theft while staying with a friend's family. I contacted CPS/DHS for help, and despite my requests, his public defender advised against a drug test, even though I have evidence suggesting... View More

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answered on Apr 12, 2025

It sounds like you're in a tough situation with your grandson, and addressing the potential conflict of interest in his case is important. If you believe the public defender may be conflicted, the first step is to have a candid conversation with them. Express your concerns about the custody... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Juvenile Law and Civil Litigation for Texas on
Q: Can a juvenile redo their sentence after being excluded from a program due to a probation violation?

If a juvenile completed their sentence but remained detained due to being excluded from a program after a picture was posted online while on probation, showing a weapon, is it legally acceptable to require them to redo their entire sentence? The initial charges involved possession of unclaimed guns... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence, Juvenile Law and Civil Rights for Oregon on
Q: What can I do if I'm kicked out by abusive parents and lack police support?

I am 17 years old, and my parents have kicked me out of the house for nearly two weeks. I've reached out to DHS and others for help, but received little assistance. I have been physically abused by my mother and have recordings, photos, and written documentation of the incidents. Despite being... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Juvenile Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Can I leave my parent's home at 17 in Rhode Island without endangering my welfare?

I am a 17-year-old living in Rhode Island with my parents. I have had discussions and attended therapy with my mom, but she still doesn't respect me, and staying at home constantly is exhausting. There are no legal custody arrangements or obligations affecting me. Am I allowed to leave... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: What legal options allow a 17-year-old in Louisiana to move out without emancipation?

I am 17 years old, living in Louisiana with my dad, who clearly does not want me there, as evidenced by constant threats when I try to communicate. My aunt is willing to let me live with her, but I am afraid to discuss this with my dad because of past experiences where seeking help resulted in... View More

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answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Louisiana, since you are 17, you are still considered a minor, and legally, your parents have control over your living situation. However, if you're in an unsafe or abusive environment, you have the option to seek help from authorities or child protection services. If you feel unsafe living... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law, Employment Law and Banking for Massachusetts on
Q: Can my parents control my earnings at 17 in MA?

I am 17 years old and living with my parents in Massachusetts. I earn my own money through a job, and I have a bank account in my name. However, my parents are controlling how I spend my money, telling me what I can and cannot purchase. There are no legal or financial agreements in place that I am... View More

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answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Massachusetts, as a 17-year-old, you are considered a minor, which means your parents still have a legal responsibility for your well-being and finances. While you can earn your own money and have a bank account in your name, your parents may feel they have the right to oversee how you spend it,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Juvenile Law, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Texas on
Q: How to pursue emancipation as a minor in Texas with family support issues?

I am a 16-year-old currently living in Alabama with my grandmother after being removed from my mother's home in Texas by CPS due to domestic violence and home conditions. I work part-time while attending school, so I'm unable to support myself fully. I wish to get emancipated and live... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 9, 2025

When you reach 17 years of age, you need to hire an attorney in Texas to file a suit for emancipation. It would be best if your parents were in agreement. You will be required to serve them with your suit and they will have the opportunity to object. Because of how long any case takes to reach... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Idaho on
Q: Can a juvenile in Idaho get a second chance after violating probation for grand theft?

I would like to know if a juvenile in Idaho, who was charged with grand theft (a felony), can get a second chance after violating probation. The violations included being disrespectful, not completing a substance use treatment program, refusing a UA (urinalysis), and testing positive for... View More

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answered on Apr 12, 2025

In Idaho, juveniles who violate probation can often receive a second chance, but it depends on the specifics of the case and the judge’s discretion. Since your juvenile was charged with a felony (grand theft) and has violated probation through substance use and behavioral issues, the court will... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Juvenile Law for California on
Q: Can my parents take legal action if I move out at 18?

I am currently 17 years old and will turn 18 in May. I plan to move out with my boyfriend when I turn 18. My parents are very strict, and they don't know about my boyfriend. I am not allowed to go out with friends because of their strictness. If I leave a note telling them I've moved out,... View More

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answered on Apr 8, 2025

Once you turn 18, you are legally an adult in California, which means you have the right to make your own decisions about where you live. Your parents cannot legally force you to stay at home or call the police on you just because you've moved out. If you decide to leave, they may feel hurt or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Virginia on
Q: Can my parents kick me out and keep my belongings at 17 in Virginia?

Can my parents legally kick me out of the house and keep my belongings while I'm still 17? They found out I shared with friends how stressful they make my life, and they now don't consider me their child. I want to leave as soon as possible and take my belongings with me. My online... View More

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answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Virginia, you are still considered a minor at 17, and your parents generally have legal control over your living situation and possessions. While parents are typically allowed to set rules about where you live, they cannot simply throw you out or keep your belongings without legal grounds. If... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Juvenile Law and Civil Litigation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can my parents legally take my earnings in Pennsylvania? I'm 16.

I am 16 years old and live at home with my parents in Pennsylvania. I've been working and earning my own money, but my parents took all the money I made from my job without any explanation. Is this legal, and what can I do about it?

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Nevada on
Q: Legal steps for father to seek custody in Nevada before I turn 18

I am 17 and live in Las Vegas, Nevada. For the past year, my mother has not provided me with proper homeschooling, social interaction, help with life skills, or guidance in obtaining a job or state ID. Despite reporting this to CPS and the police, they sent me back to live with her as she has full... View More

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answered on Apr 13, 2025

You’re in a tough position, and it’s clear you’re trying to advocate for yourself—which takes real strength. Your father can file a motion in family court to modify the current custody order, asking for primary or full custody based on a significant change in circumstances. He should... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Juvenile Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Personal Injury for Tennessee on
Q: Can I sue DCS in Tennessee for slander due to false s** offender claims?

I am involved in a situation where DCS in Knoxville, Tennessee, claims that I am a s** offender. However, I have never been convicted of this as an adult; only a juvenile s**-related case exists in my past. This misinformation has caused me emotional distress and personal issues, such as my... View More

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answered on Apr 12, 2025

What you’re dealing with is extremely serious, and your frustration is completely valid—especially when false claims are affecting your personal life and emotional well-being. In Tennessee, slander occurs when someone makes a false and damaging spoken statement about you. If a DCS (Department... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law, Child Custody and Family Law for Oklahoma on
Q: Emergency order of detention for minor in Oklahoma: does a parent have to stay?

In Oklahoma, if my 17-year-old child has been issued an emergency order of detention while in the emergency room due to violent and aggressive behavior, fighting with me, and having a history of mental health issues and law enforcement involvement, do I, as the custodial parent, have to stay with... View More

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answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Oklahoma, if your 17-year-old child has been issued an emergency order of detention due to their behavior and mental health issues, the law typically does not require you to stay with your child at the emergency room. The purpose of an emergency detention order is to place the child in a safe,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: CPS removed child due to abuse allegations, no contact yet. Next steps?

CPS removed my child from my home due to abuse allegations, but they haven't contacted me directly. I was informed by law enforcement during school hours. I have not received any documents from CPS or law enforcement, only a call with a case number. I've had previous interactions with CPS... View More

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answered on Apr 13, 2025

The first step is to contact CPS directly to request more information about the removal of your child and the specific allegations. You should ask for details about the case, including why your child was removed, and make sure to get the correct contact information for the caseworker assigned to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for California on
Q: Can I legally own firearms with a juvenile conviction in CA?

I was convicted of armed robbery at 17, received a juvenile strike, and was made a ward of the state. I'm now 23 and have no active cases or violent adult charges. I have not had my juvenile record expunged and am unsure about any legal restrictions regarding firearm ownership. Can I legally... View More

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answered on Apr 2, 2025

In California, if you are convicted of a felony, regardless of your age, you are subject to a lifetime ban on gun ownership. This ban applies even to juvenile felony convictions, particularly for serious violent offenses like armed robbery. Your juvenile strike for armed robbery falls into this... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Juvenile Law, Child Custody and Family Law for Arkansas on
Q: Penalties for minor drinking beer on school property in Arkansas?

What penalties could a 15-year-old minor face for being caught drinking a can of beer on school property in Arkansas? The minor was found by school authorities and is required to report to court. The minor has had past disciplinary actions, although the specifics are unclear since his father, who... View More

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answered on Apr 12, 2025

In Arkansas, a 15-year-old caught drinking beer on school property could face serious penalties. Under Arkansas law, minors are prohibited from possessing or consuming alcohol, especially on school grounds. The penalties for violating this law could include fines, mandatory community service, or... View More

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