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Juvenile Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Illinois on
Q: My 14 year old son got charged with disorderly conduct and appointed a public defender.

The public defender says my son has to make his own appointment and I cannot be present during his appointment. Is that legal?

Juan Ooink
Juan Ooink
answered on Sep 1, 2020

The Public Defender can absolutely speak to your son alone. There is nothing illegal about an attorney speaking with their client in private. If you are not pleased with the Public Defender, you are always welcome to hire a private criminal defense attorney to assist your son with this matter.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for California on
Q: I’m taking care of a 14 year old and her parents don’t know who she’s staying with. What should I do?

She says her father kicked her out of the house but I think she ran away. She says her father is physically and verbally abusive and doesn’t feed her. She says this is the third time he kicks her out of the house. Her father is looking for her and I don’t know what to do. How long is she able... View More

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Aug 30, 2020

You could get into trouble since you are not the guardian of this child. If the parents are verbally or physically abusing the child, she should report it to the police, but this may lead to juvenile detention. She could file a petition to be declared an emancipated minor. She should, at least,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Georgia on
Q: If I am 17 years old and I have graduated High School, do need parental permission to get a job?

My birthday is 11/30/2002 and I am wanting to move out right at 18.

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Aug 31, 2020

Yes, you need parental consent until you reach the age of 18.

We wish you well.

-The Upshaw Law Firm, (770) 240-0922.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Texas on
Q: There is a40 year old woman who asked my 16 year old son and his 17 year old friend to spend the night? What can I do?

They have stayed at her house before as friends to her 18 year old daughter. But this time she asked them to stay, according to my son. We think she may be providing drugs to them but we have no proof.

Rick  Davis
Rick Davis
answered on Aug 29, 2020

You could prevent your son from staying there, unless he will not listen to you. You could also take your son to an independent lab and have him drug tested.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Personal Injury and Juvenile Law for North Carolina on
Q: Can i get emancipated from her?

Hello I have a mother who is borderline emotionally abusive, she tells me i make everyone miserable constantly, blames me for everything that goes wrong and more. I am 16, can I move out and live with a friend legally. Can i get emancipated from her?

Mr. Albert Loch Saslow
Mr. Albert Loch Saslow
answered on Aug 28, 2020

Maybe, but these aren't easy actions to 'win' and it would be something you wouldn't be able to do yourself. To able to file, you have to be 16 (check) and have lived in the same county for 6 months (don't know). To successfully emancipate yourself, you are going to have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence, Juvenile Law and Sexual Harassment for Georgia on
Q: A 37 year old is sending one of my 16 year old children lewd letters and calling them from jail.

I would like for this predator to stop talking to my child. What can I do?

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Aug 28, 2020

Call The Warden at the jail and file a complaint. That should make quick work of it. They may also be able to charge them with a policy violation or even new charges, depending on the dynamic. Thank you for protecting your child.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Minnesota on
Q: How do I prove in juvenile court I haven't abandoned my son to keep my rights without a lawyer?
Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Aug 26, 2020

There are books addressing that question. The most important thing is to get representation by a lawyer. Call the Public Defender's Office and ask about representation.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law, Criminal Law, Family Law and Domestic Violence for Michigan on
Q: Can I request that my fourteen-year-old daughter be locked up at the juvenile detention facility? Just for a short time?

Recently my 14 year old daughter has been acting out doing things such as getting aggressive with her younger brother and sisters she ran away this morning when I found her I was able to get her in the car and then she began hitting me and fighting me. What are my options as a parent what can I... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 26, 2020

Unfortunately, no, unless you are wanting criminal charges filed against her - which may become your only option at some point.

If you have the resources, you should look into counseling, perhaps even inpatient.

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Georgia on
Q: What can parents of an incorrigible child do? Child is own probabtion is destroying property at home; terrorizing home.

This 13-year old does not obey parents, threatens them and dog with knife, steals. Has already been to juvenile facility for breaking mother's nose. Is currently hospitalized but being released to mother today. Mother does not want to accept child but fear abandonment charge. Other... View More

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Aug 24, 2020

It is best to contact the police, child’s probation officer and/or the juvenile court where the child’s cases have been handled. Generally, there are conditions of probation and from the sound of things, the child has committed additional offenses that would normally be considered violations.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Georgia on
Q: What can I do for a teen who wants to run away because they don't live in a safe home. Courts and cops don't care.

I am family to the child who wants to run away.

The courts and cops seam to not do there job on keeping kids safe now adays, what I am to do. She is 16 years old and very responsible. She can't stay in that home.! She wants to be with me but the courts don't like me.

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Aug 24, 2020

If you believe the child is in danger, you may contact Child Protective Services. Without legal intervention, you have no legal right to determine where the child lives; the child’s parent and/or legal guardian must consent.

We wish you well.

-The Upshaw Law Firm, LLC. (770) 240-0922.

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Louisiana on
Q: Can a minor age 14 get emancipated from one parent in Louisiana?

A minor who is 14 yrs old, can they get emancipated from one parent when they have the other parents consent? This is in Louisiana.

Mr. James Zitzmann
Mr. James Zitzmann
answered on Aug 20, 2020

No, 16 is typically the minimum age now.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury, Juvenile Law and Libel & Slander for Maryland on
Q: My 14 year old son was accused of sexual assault in the middle of class. After the investigation and no evidence the

court dropped the case. That is including no witnesses. Her parents petition and had it reopened. There is no new evidence and we moved from Maryland to Texas. At what point does this become harassment or slander? At the beginning of this we were upfront with the planned move. So it wasn't... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 29, 2020

A Maryland attorney should advise you on this, but your question remains open for two weeks and time is likely of the essence in any reply or appearance you might need to arrange for. While this is not something you don't already know, it would be advisable for you to consult with an attorney... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law and Juvenile Law for Georgia on
Q: Can a minor child seek medical attention from a physician for sexually transmitted disease without parental consent
Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Aug 18, 2020

The answer is yes. However, the doctor may still contact the parent/legal guardian about the care or treatment the minor received.

We wish you well.

-The Upshaw Law Firm, (770) 240-0922.

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Arizona on
Q: Can my parents legally keep my money after I move out?

My mom started a savings account for me when I first started working and has been taking all of not most of my paycheck (against my will) and putting it in the savings account. Now that I’m 18 and moving out she still refuses to give me the money saved up under the grounds of “I don’t trust... View More

Mike Branum
Mike Branum
answered on Aug 18, 2020

Wages earned while a minor may be controlled by a parent. Obtaining the age of majority does not change the nature of those wages any more than it truly makes one an adult other than in the eyes of the legal system. Children are extremely rarely able to earn a wage which could contribute more than... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: I want to get emancipated. I live in Ohio i am 16 but I have questions to see if I have a chance.
Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Aug 17, 2020

A minor cannot be emancipated in Ohio. It is normal for there to be friction between teens and their parents. Talk to your parents, other family members, a teacher, or other trusted adult if there are problems. Here is a link to more information about emancipation in Ohio:... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Georgia on
Q: I have a case in juvenile court where my uncle was the juvenile judge for 20 years is this a conflict of interest
Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Aug 17, 2020

Presumably there would be a conflict of interest if your uncle is the judge presiding over your present case. However, more information is needed before a determination can be made about him or any of the other judges. It is always best to consult with an attorney who can assess the specifics of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Juvenile Law and Libel & Slander for Arizona on
Q: I want to press charges for perjury but the person I would go to the Attorney General is the defendant's lawyer already

Perjury is a criminal offense. To press charges you would make a police report and go to the Attorney General. However, in the case where the person committed the perjury the lawyer for that person is the Attorney General. So me going to the Attorney General would be a conflict of interest so how... View More

Mike Branum
Mike Branum
answered on Aug 17, 2020

If I understand you correctly, you are accusing someone in the attorney general's office of perjury or possibly accusing a state employee in their official capacity of perjury. Either way, it is almost certain that the person you are wishing to have charges pressed against for perjury would be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: I’m about to be 18 on August 18th and I want to move out with my fiancé . Dad doesn’t want to let me. Can I do this
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Aug 15, 2020

Yes, 18 is the age of majority. You will be an adult then.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Illinois on
Q: can i runaway at 16 in illinois? if not what other ways can i leave my house without consent??

I am not in immediate physical danger but my home is mentally unhealthy and unstable.

Cheryl Powell
Cheryl Powell
answered on Aug 15, 2020

No dice. Unless you have enough on your parents to make a police report and take the risk of going into foster care, you are stuck with your parents. Sometimes parents will agree to let a child stay with an aunt or grandparents, etc. If you run away, anyone who hides you is committing a felony.

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