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Your current state is Ohio
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
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
I just wanna make sure i won’t get in trouble I’ve never done anything to her but like it pains me to have to end something with someone I feel like who truly gets me but idk I guess sometimes u gotta do what u gotta do so will i be fine to date her
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
In many places, the age of consent laws determine whether a relationship is legal, and these laws can vary by state or country. Since you are 18 and your girlfriend is 16, it’s important to check the specific laws in your area regarding age differences and consent. Even though her parents... View More
We started dating a half a year before I turned 18. I’m just worried bc of consent laws me and her never do anything tho
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answered on Apr 1, 2025
Date someone 18 or older. She's too young.
I am 16 years old and have been living with my guardian for 16 years in Greenville, South Carolina. I would like to gain more freedom and seek emancipation. I am able to support myself financially. Where can I find and print the forms needed for emancipation?
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In South Carolina, the process of emancipation isn’t as straightforward as it is in some other states. There’s no formal set of statewide emancipation forms that you can simply print and file. Instead, emancipation in South Carolina usually happens through a court process, often tied to getting... View More
I am a school employee assisting a 17-year-old minor in Indiana who is seeking emancipation due to neglect and being required to babysit full-time. She plans to move in with her older sister, who is aware of the situation and can support her financially, while the minor looks for employment after... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Indiana, a 17-year-old minor can petition the court for emancipation if they can prove that they are capable of supporting themselves and managing their own affairs. To begin the process, the minor will need to file a petition for emancipation in the local juvenile court. The petition should... View More
I am considering filing a petition for the declaration of emancipation, even though I am still living with my parents. They are supportive of this decision. My question is, should I leave the section regarding the date of living apart from my parents blank on the form, given that I am still... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
When filing a petition for emancipation, it's important to be accurate and transparent on the forms. If you are still living with your parents, you should not leave the section regarding your date of living apart blank. Emancipation laws in many states typically require you to show that you... View More
I am 16 years old, soon turning 17, and I'm trying to obtain a copy of my birth certificate and Social Security card. My mother abandoned me years ago, and I've been without these documents. Although I had them before, I have no legal guardian to assist me. I remember the state where I... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
To obtain your birth certificate and Social Security card in Florida, you will need to go through a few steps. Since you're a minor, the process might be a bit different, but it's still possible to do on your own, especially if you have some information about where you were born and where... View More
I'm seeking information on how extended foster care benefits juveniles aged 18-21 in Alabama. What are the specific advantages or support services provided to this age group under extended foster care?
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Alabama, extended foster care provides significant support to youth transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. This program allows young adults aged 18 to 21 to remain under the care and supervision of the Department of Human Resources (DHR), offering a range of services designed to promote... View More
I am 17 years old and for the past couple of months, my mom and her boyfriend have isolated me. I've paid for my own phone, but they took it, along with boxing up all my belongings and clothes. I've been sleeping on the floor because they removed my bed for about a month. I believe there... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
What you're describing sounds like emotional neglect and possibly abuse, and no, it's not okay—or legal—for anyone to treat you that way. Taking away your basic belongings, isolating you, and removing your bed are serious concerns, especially if you feel unsafe or unsupported. Even... View More
I am turning sixteen next month and live in an emotionally and sexually abusive household in Texas. My mom threatened to kill me after I reported my stepdad's abusive behavior. She won't let me get a job to maintain control over me financially. I've had five or six cases with child... View More
answered on Mar 28, 2025
With notice to your parents, you can file suit to be emancipated. You will need to prove you have the financial ability to support yourself.
I'm 16 years old and currently living with a guardian in Greenville, South Carolina. I'm looking to gain more freedom and would like to know where I can get the forms for emancipation to print them myself.
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In South Carolina, you can get emancipation forms from the South Carolina Judicial Department’s website. These forms are typically available under the Family Court section, and you’ll find both instructions and the necessary documents to submit a petition for emancipation. Make sure to... View More
I am involved in a CINA case in Iowa. Despite no drugs or abuse being found, my court-appointed attorney isn't helpful—they're often unavailable and don't consult me or offer options. I want to file various motions pro se, such as for financial assistance, modification of case plan... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Iowa, you have the right to represent yourself and file motions pro se, even if you have a court-appointed attorney. While your attorney is supposed to advocate for you, you can still file motions directly with the court if you believe your concerns are not being addressed. However, it’s... View More
I am 17 years old and have been out of my guardian's care for over a month. They won't communicate with me or go to court to change the guardianship arrangement, and they do not provide any financial support. The change was supposed to happen in December. I have ongoing issues with... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
It’s important to address the emotional and physical abuse you're experiencing as soon as possible, especially since you’ve been out of your guardian’s care for over a month. The first step is to reach out to a trusted adult, such as a teacher, school counselor, or family member who can... View More
My 15-year-old son was contacted by the police after being found on an 18+ website, where he allegedly agreed to meet someone posing as a 15-year-old girl, who was actually a cop, for inappropriate activities. I am unsure if he has been charged or is under investigation, and there hasn't been... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
Your son's situation is concerning but not necessarily guaranteed to result in criminal charges. Police sting operations typically involve undercover officers posing as minors to identify individuals who might commit sex crimes, but law enforcement must prove the person knew they were... View More
If a minor is disowned by their parents and the parents take away items such as devices and car keys, which were bought by the minor or gifted by friends, would the parents be legally required to return those items to the child in California? There are no formal agreements documenting ownership,... View More
answered on Mar 26, 2025
"Child" ?? I'm assuming it's the "child" who is posting this question? Are you 18 or older? There is no legal concept of "disowning" a child. Without knowing what the legal relationship is between you and the parents in this scenario, without knowing your... View More
I am 14 years old and being charged with unruliness. My guardians are trying to take away all the belongings from my room because they say I'm not "thankful for it." Do they have the legal right to do this?
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answered on Mar 26, 2025
Yes.
I am a 16-year-old living with my mother in Idaho, and I am seeking emancipation due to neglect and emotional abuse. I have not yet taken steps towards emancipation, but I have a job and am looking for additional employment to support myself. I have photo evidence and witnesses to support my claims... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Idaho, there is currently no specific law that allows for general emancipation of minors through a court process like in some other states. That means you cannot file a petition to become legally emancipated just because you are 16 and able to support yourself. However, there are still options... View More
I'm 16 and living with my parents, who are verbally and emotionally abusive, and one parent has recently become physically abusive. Yesterday, the physical abuse was severe. I haven't sought outside help yet because attempts to communicate with them made things worse. I have another... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
If you are experiencing physical abuse, your safety is the top priority, and there are legal steps you can take to protect yourself. In Wisconsin, at 16, you are able to seek help from authorities, such as law enforcement or child protective services, to intervene and remove you from an unsafe... View More
My son is being accused of a crime committed when he was a teenager. Recently, at age 19, he was brought in by police for questioning. He informed the detective that he would not speak without his lawyer present, and his lawyer was already in contact with the office. Regardless, the officer claimed... View More
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answered on Mar 25, 2025
It very well could be. If the questioning and the demanding of the cell phone password occurred after your son invoked his right to counsel, then it's potentially a violation of his 5th and 6th Amendment rights. However, an experienced attorney would need to review the evidence before drawing... View More
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