Minors have substantially similar Constitutional rights as adults. That means if your child is accused of a crime by police, they should be instructed, as adults should as well, to 1) remain silent and 2) request an attorney (and their parents).

Just like adults, what your child says in... View More

A juvenile probation officer can recommend, and then a judge order, that you be put in residential placement or detention. And so yes, a PO can override house rules and punishments.

Yes! And regardless of your consent. Your boyfriend may soon learn the hard way about perceptions sometimes being reality.

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answered on Mar 24, 2024

Dealing with neighbors who are monitoring your activities and relaying information can be both stressful and invasive. It's important to first assess the situation calmly and consider speaking directly to your neighbors about how their actions make you feel. Sometimes, open communication can... View More

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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... View More

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

Possibly, but you have to consider what it will cost you. One option is to try to arrange a free initial consult with attorneys to find out what it could cost to pursue. Such matters could involve speaking with students, reviewing videos, assessing school codes, etc. Attorneys don't generally... View More

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answered on Jul 3, 2023

The conditions of house arrest are set by the court and supervised by the probation officer. It is crucial to strictly adhere to the terms of your house arrest order until your probation period is officially over and your probation officer gives you permission to resume normal activities without... View More

Have you looked into guardianship? Practically speaking, if the mom is not raising an issue, and him being 17, he can stay as long as you'll have him.

Only the 12 people on that jury can answer that for you. The jury's job is to weigh credibility of witnesses. They can believe everything or nothing, or some combination thereof.

In CSC cases, it's not at all uncommon for testimony to be inconsistent as stories and memories... View More

The probation officer can't, but as Mr. Zichi indicated, CPS can. The probation officer can ensure that your son is not in the residence or having contact with your other children. This is likely already ordered as part of his pretrial release conditions; probation officers are charged with... View More

Your primary issue needs to be resolving any school administrative action or juvenile action against your son. Yes, schools can search students' personal belongings and lockers. The appropriateness of other actions described should be discussed with a local attorney.

Yes. And that is why each party has his or her own attorney.

Sounds like this is in the hands of the professionals; I would leave it there. If there's a genuine concern, CPS will take appropriate measures. For your sake, do not involve yourself in this situation in a negative way by having her stay with you.

For the uninitiated, you will find "threats" mean something different in the legal world. When CPS (or police, prosecutor, attorney) says "if you don't do this, I'll do that"...and the "that" is something lawful - meaning under the law, they, or a judge, can... View More

You can. But expect CPS to pay you a visit at the hospital or soon thereafter. There are some advantages to you in this situation because you voluntarily terminated. And that you have a different partner and apparently made some strides in your life further increases the likelihood that you can... View More

That's a tough situation. The siblings will be assigned an attorney - a lawyer guardian ad litem - who can help work through that issue.

You can likely look up public access records from the court he was convicted in. It's highly likely that a no-contact order with you remains in place through his term of probation or parole. It is also highly unlikely, given your age and nature of the offense, that a judge will grant your... View More

You should contact Child Protective Services. Depending on your profession, you may in fact have a legal obligation to do so (Mandatory Reporter). No, you can't just apply for guardianship though.

Yes. The child would have an attorney, and would be entering a plea with that person's advice, not a parent's. At times, when a judge believes a parent may be acting against a child's best interest, a GAL could be assigned to the case as well.