If there is not more than 4 years of age difference, he will not be charged with statutory rape. There could be other charges that could result from their relationship though.

She can't leave without her parents' permission unless she is emancipated. In order to be emancipated, she will need to petition the court and demonstrate that she is capable of supporting herself independently and making adult decisions. She should consult an attorney if that is... View More

Yes, your parents can file a runaway petition against you if you leave without their permission. If you truly feel like your situation is not appropriate for your baby, then you can call DCS. Otherwise, you should make the best of the situation until you turn 18. A baby and you don't... View More

Any guilty plea as a juvenile doesn't count as a conviction. If you are asked on an employment application if you have ever been convicted of a crime, you can answer honestly no. If the application asks about juvenile offenses (which they usually don't), that is a different story. In... View More

If you have your parents' permission, it is not illegal, but DCS may get involved if there is not appropriate supervision of you and your boyfriend.

I am not sure what other actions you mean. Mitigated statutory rape applies to an adult engaging in "sexual penetration" of a minor who is at least 4, but no more than 5 years younger than the adult and is at least 15. Aggravated statutory rape is sexual penetration by an adult who is... View More

The answer depends on how he was committed to DCS and specifically which facility he ran from. If he was committed to DCS because he committed a delinquent offense, then the juvenile court can exercise jurisdiction over him and keep him in DCS custody until he turns 19. If he ran from a YDC, he... View More

You can when you turn 18. Until then, you will need your parents permission or to ask a court to emancipate you. In order to be emancipated, you will have to be able to show that you are capable of supporting yourself financially, living independently, and making mature, adult decisions.

Eventually, it would be dropped if the officer doesn't sign it. However, I wouldn't count on that happening. You need to have an attorney represent you on these charges. If you can't afford to hire one, ask the court to appoint you one.

No, not the same charges. Once the child is adjudicated delinquent on those charges, only the juvenile court has jurisdiction over them. The juvenile court can exercise jurisdiction over the child until he or she is 19.

If you mean you turn 18 in a week, then you should not be charged with statutory rape. In TN, there must be a 4 year age difference to qualify. However, you could put yourself at risk for other charges, like contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

They could face probation or even removal into DCS custody. Removal into DCS custody is usually only for situations where services have been provided and the youth is not improving his or her behaviors. However, once the juvenile court is involved, the entire family is under the microscope and... View More

Without knowing the facts and circumstances of the situation the answer is it depends. Can the police handcuff a 14 year old? Yes. They can detain a person for many reasons even if ultimately there is no arrest.

You should be able to challenge the school discipline. Does your son have an IEP? Other due process protections attach if he does. You should consult an education law attorney to discuss challenging the school discipline.

Yes. Tennessee follows the mature minor doctrine, meaning that children over the age of 14 are presumed to be capable of making decisions regarding their health. They have the right to consent or refuse medical treatment.

No. You are considered an adult.

Date, yes, with her parent's permission. Kiss, touch, or have sex with--no. The 4 year age difference is grounds for statutory rape and other sex offenses. I highly recommend that you not date someone when there is that amount of age difference.

An 8 year old could be transferred to be tried as an adult for murder. I am not aware of any case where that has occurred. I am not aware of any cases where an 8 year old has been charged with murder in the juvenile system either, but I do know of a couple of cases involving 10 year olds.

Tennessee law does not require parents be present during police questioning.

Once he turns 18, the court loses jurisdiction to prosecute him for runaway which is a status offense (offenses that only apply to minors). However, if he commits any crimes or has any other charges against him (or was on probation), the juvenile court can exercise jurisdiction over him until he... View More