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Juvenile Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: A 16 yr old boy and 15 yr old girl are dating, and have been dating for almost 11 months. When he is 17, is it illegal?

The girl just turned 15 and he will be turning 17 in a couple weeks. Is it against the law for him and her to continue dating when he is 17? How does the law apply to this type of scenario? If two people are dating and they are both minors, but one is older than the other by a year and a half, when... View More

Linda  Malek
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answered on Mar 25, 2024

Dating or having sex? Dating is not illegal at that age, obviously we are assuming parents are ok. However, when the young man turns 18, she will be turning 16, I am presuming shortly after…It would not be statutory rape because she is 16 (the age of consent). If she is 15 then it would be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Juvenile Law and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can my mom kick me out at 18 or is there anyway i’m protected from homelessness?

I’m from PA and i turned 18 about 4 months ago. my mom threatened to call the police on me to kick me out after an argument but when i told my friend he mentioned squatters rights would protect me so I was curious as to if that were true or if she can still kick me out within 3 days

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

In Pennsylvania, once you turn 18, you are legally considered an adult and your parents are no longer obligated to provide housing for you. However, if you have been living in the home, you may have some protections under landlord-tenant laws.

While your friend mentioned squatter's...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Michigan on
Q: i am currently 15 turning 16 in September my dad isent in my life anymore and my mom is really abusive

i have a safe place to go but anytime i leave she marks me as a run away

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 28, 2024

I'm very sorry to hear you are in an abusive situation. No child should have to endure that, especially from a parent. Here are some suggestions that may help provide you support and safety:

- Talk to another trusted adult like a teacher, school counselor, or your friend's parents...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Juvenile Law for Georgia on
Q: how do i go about filing an answer of a petion against me if no one informed me to respond in writing not even my caa
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 28, 2024

If you haven't been informed about filing an answer to a petition against you, it's important to take action promptly. Begin by reviewing any documentation or notices you may have received related to the petition. If you haven't received any information about responding in writing,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Juvenile Law on
Q: I needsupport with an injustice in my dependency case. Torrance police released my son to grandfather after i said not 2

I had a dependency case with wrongful removal and many legal malpractice contributions and has been closed with guardianship with no visits and no contact with me ...parental rights were not terminated and I had a 730 in my favor. No charges against me vague statements that we had domestic... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 26, 2024

In California, navigating the complexities of dependency cases and the decisions surrounding them can be challenging, especially when you feel that an injustice has occurred. If your case involves what you believe to be wrongful removal and legal malpractice, and it has resulted in a guardianship... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Juvenile Law, Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: What are my children and I’s chances of being reunified immediately w/adhering to case plan & all 3 entering Fam mh prg

Cps didn’t make me aware of the juvenile detention petition report until 11 days after that hearing took place, cps has had separate hearings without my knowledge with personal/professional misconducts. Intentional negligence and emotional distress for the well being of my children’s medical... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 25, 2024

Under California law, the chances of reunification with your children upon adhering to a case plan and entering a family mental health program can be significantly improved, as the system prioritizes the well-being and safety of children, aiming for family preservation whenever possible. Compliance... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Juvenile Law for Missouri on
Q: Can I represent my 17 year old son myself when he goes to court for truancy or do I have to hire an attorney?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

Representing your 17-year-old son in court for truancy may not be the most advisable course of action. While it's understandable to want to support your child, legal proceedings can be complex and require a thorough understanding of the law. Without proper legal training and experience, you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Colorado on
Q: My friend handed me a vape and the teacher caught me and now they want to charge me with possession

If the girl says it was hers and she handed it to me would I still be introuble

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

In Colorado, if you were caught with a vape by a teacher and it's determined to be in your possession, you could still face consequences for possession, even if another student claims ownership and admits to handing it to you. The key issue for the authorities or school administration is the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Illinois on
Q: im 16 turning 17 my bf 17 turning 18. he has an open case for weed and an air soft in the car. i was there when happened

my mother wants to put an order of protection on him, will this hold up in court. there has been no physical or mental abuse. no harassing or stalking etc. She simply does not want us to continue dating or seeing eachother. his ex also has an order against him for 6 months due to harsh language... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

In court, the validity of an order of protection depends on various factors, including evidence presented and the specific circumstances of the case. If there has been no physical or mental abuse, harassment, or stalking, and the only basis for the order is your mother's desire to prevent you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Juvenile Law for New Mexico on
Q: Is it illegal for a user to post a video on YouTube of a minor being interrogated without parental permission?

My son was 15 years old at the time of the recording of the video. I am also seen in the video. Can I take legal action to have the video removed? My son has been receiving death threats because of this video. I have filed a privacy complaint by reporting the video, but YouTube has yet to respond.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

Given the circumstances you've described, it appears that posting a video of a minor being interrogated without parental permission could potentially violate privacy laws. As a parent, you have the right to protect your son's privacy and well-being. You may have legal grounds to take... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Michigan on
Q: cops told me no contact with a guy the guy got into contact with me, i ding dong ditched his house can i get charged?

My girlfriends ex was harassing us, i told him i would defend myself if he took it any further because he tried to meet up. he called the cops on me and the cops told me not to get into contact with him and he cant with me or my girlfriend anymore, he eventually broke that rule 2 months later and... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Feb 22, 2024

Big life lesson here: why are you fighting stupid with stupid? He already called the cops on you; what makes you think he wouldn't call again? What did you think was going to come from you going to his mom's house? You are needlessly putting yourself in situations you don't need to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Internet Law and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I have a friend who admitted to viewing CP many years ago who lives out of country. I did not report him. Am I at risk?

Do I need to report him to avoid consequences?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 25, 2024

I understand the difficult situation, but not reporting knowledge of past child abuse imagery viewing does carry risks legally and ethically. Here are a few considerations:

1. In many jurisdictions, not reporting knowledge of felony sex crimes against minors is itself a criminal offense. So...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Texas on
Q: My son is in custody at Harris County He was out on bond for priors.He is being charged with aggravated robbery with.

deadly weapon.I have talked to his lawyer 2 times and he really has not talked to me.I saw the video and he was on the property but he didn't have the weapon and didn't go in the store.The attorney jas put out 5 years deferred adjudicated probation or 15 years. I feel that is not right I... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 19, 2024

Since your son is in custody, it seems likely that law enforcement believes that your son is the actual person who committed the crime. If you have information that a specific other person actually committed the crime, you should share that information with your son's attorney.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Iowa on
Q: Are there any legal consequences if me 17M and my girlfriend 22F, have a kid?

I’m turning 18 early July. I’m asking as if she got pregnant now.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

If your girlfriend were to become pregnant while you are still 17 and she is 22, there could be potential legal consequences depending on the laws in your jurisdiction. In many places, the age of consent for sexual activity is 18, so if you engaged in sexual relations before reaching that age, it... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Texas on
Q: I’m 17. I don’t want to live with my toxic mom anymore and i told her that im moving out and she got mad and said that s

I’m 17. I don’t want to live with my toxic mom anymore and i told her that im moving out and she got mad and said that shes not giving me permission to be emancipation and i said that i dont need her permission and she got mad. I been doing my research and it says in dallas texas that i have to... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 19, 2024

In a suit for emancipation of a minor, a parent of the minor must verify the petition. Your attorney will need to ask you questions proving that you are able to support yourself and manage your own financial affairs. You may want to introduce evidence of your job and earnings to show you have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for California on
Q: Cps took my kids in 2021 and I’m still going to court on the matter. One of boys which is 13 yr old is a placement

Facility just started doing weed while there. I talked to cps work and I was told that my son walks out facility every other day without permission to go get weed. I don’t understand how is cps looking out for my son if he is still being able to walk away from their care to go get weed. Keep in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

I'm very sorry to hear about this difficult situation with your son. You raise very valid concerns about your son's safety, wellbeing, and illegal activities while under CPS placement. Here are a few options you can pursue:

1. Escalate urgently within CPS. Contact your case...
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1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Business Law and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: Is it legal for the city to open a hospitality tax account for a 12 year old's small business?

We asked the county clerks office if my son needed a tax license and they told us he was under 18 so to go enjoy his business and learn as there was no need to file anything at his age. He was not able to legally open an account. Later he set up at an event in city limits. I was sent an email... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 22, 2024

The legality of a city opening a hospitality tax account for a minor's business depends on local laws and regulations, which can vary widely. While minors generally have limited legal capacity to enter into contracts or be held responsible for tax obligations, local jurisdictions may have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Juvenile Law and Native American Law for Oklahoma on
Q: Can regain your parental rights after your rights have been terminated?

I had my rights terminated when my daughter was 3 now she's 15 almost 16 and is having issues in the home with her adopted parents and I was wondering if there's anything I can do get my rights back?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 25, 2024

In Oklahoma, once parental rights have been terminated, the decision is generally considered final and irreversible. This means that the legal relationship between a parent and a child is permanently severed, making it extremely challenging to regain parental rights after termination. However, each... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Juvenile Law for North Carolina on
Q: Can a minor sue for a hospital, Pediatrician, dss having the wrong child's drug screen at birth?

Which in turn causes dss to remove children and place into foster care.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

As a minor, you may have legal standing to sue for damages resulting from negligence or wrongful actions by a hospital, pediatrician, or Department of Social Services (DSS). If a hospital or medical provider erroneously administered a drug screen to the wrong child at birth, leading to DSS... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Child Custody, Civil Rights, Juvenile Law and Family Law for Illinois on
Q: If my ex-husband knowingly lied in a order of protection that he filed, can I get the order dismissed?

My ex-husband filed an OP against me to keep our children from me and he knowingly lied and stated that our daughter lived with him which she did not. Also, the judge had put on the OP that one of our children's names is Kimberly and I have no child named that. Our son also does not live with... View More

Cheryl Powell
Cheryl Powell
answered on Feb 11, 2024

Are you talking about the Emergency hearing? If so, you put your witnesses on for the plenary hearing that tell the truth. You can subpoena neighbors of yours, his, bus drivers, teachers, your sister, etc. Should be easy to prove with school aged kids.

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