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1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Illinois on
Q: will me being blackmailed wave my crime?

I "stole" my friends car, he doesn't care but his mom does. She is making me pay her 300 bucks or she is telling the police for sure, if i pay her she may still tell. Obviously im in the wrong but now that she's blackmailing me will the crime be waved especially because my friend doesn't care?

Cheryl Powell
Cheryl Powell
answered on Mar 19, 2025

Don't pay blackmail, there is no end to that. If she turns you in, so be it. The timing of the police report will be taken into consideration. If it's your friends car and he gave you permission, what is the problem?

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets and Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: Will my 17-year-old face jail for reckless driving in WA?

My 17-year-old son was issued a criminal citation for reckless driving as he was caught driving 120 mph in a 70 mph zone. He has no prior citations or offenses, there are no additional charges, and he has a court date scheduled. Will he face jail time?

Antone Alfred Weber
Antone Alfred Weber
answered on Mar 17, 2025

Reckless driving is a gross misdemeanor. Maxim penalties are up to 364 days in jail, and a $5000 fine. If found committed, he will also have a 30-day license suspension and a mandatory 3-years of SR-2 (high-risk) insurance to have a license.

The reality is, as my colleague says, jail time...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can I report a minor stealing from CVS to police?

I witnessed a minor stealing an item from a CVS store. Am I legally allowed to report this incident to the police?

Kensley Barrett
Kensley Barrett
answered on Mar 14, 2025

Yes, you are legally permitted to report a theft you witness, even if the individual involved is a minor. However, it's important to keep in mind that incidents involving minors are often handled differently than those involving adults. Law enforcement typically approaches these cases with a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for New York on
Q: Should I go to probation if a police officer tells me to, after being arrested at 17? (NY)

I am 17 years old and live in New York State. I was arrested for criminal trespass and conspiracy, and I have not been to court yet for this matter. A police officer has told me to go to probation. Should I comply with this order, even though I haven't received any court instructions yet?

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Mar 12, 2025

I understand that this situation must be stressful, and it’s important to approach it carefully, especially since you are under 18 and facing criminal charges. In New York, there are specific procedures and rights for individuals, especially minors, who are involved in criminal matters, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law on
Q: Is my teacher allowed to go through my search history if its my computer from home?

I go to a high school that is part of the Toronto District School Board and my teacher has been going through my search history as well as all my tabs on my computer. He does this to multiple kids in the class if he suspects that the are not on task (playing games, watching youtube, etc.) then he... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 7, 2025

For a young student, you demonstrate a pretty astute insight into the operation of privacy law. Based on the school district you describe, this sounds like something that attorneys in Canada (in particular, Toronto) are really best qualified to advise on. But your question remains open for a month.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Personal Injury and Juvenile Law for California on
Q: Tesla damaged by VEO bike; daughter coerced into admitting responsibility. Next steps?

My 17-year-old daughter accidentally knocked over a VEO bike while falling off her bicycle, which subsequently damaged a Tesla. The Tesla owner, who was inside the car, intimidated my daughter into texting him and taking responsibility for the damage, making her feel bullied. After the incident, I... View More

Patrick William Steinfeld
Patrick William Steinfeld
answered on Mar 4, 2025

Didn't directly hit the Tesla? She set it in motion so she is liable... whether she admitted liability or not. I would expect a typical driver to be rude after receiving a call like yours. You're refusing to take responsibility for your daughter's negligence that resulted in... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Juvenile Law and Family Law for Virginia on
Q: 17-year-old wants to drop charges against 23-year-old boyfriend in VA

In Virginia, my 17-year-old friend wants to drop charges against her 23-year-old boyfriend for having sexual relations, but her parents are insisting that she can't because they dislike him and believe she doesn't know what's best. What legal options does she have?

Elizabeth L Tuomey
Elizabeth L Tuomey
answered on Mar 4, 2025

Only the prosecutor can drop the charge. The case against the boyfriend is Commonwealth of Virginia v. [Boyfriend's name]. The prosecutor represents the state. Your friend can certainly give her input to the prosecutor and the judge; she has a right to give a "victim" impact... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Oklahoma on
Q: Will a charge for driving on a permit affect my son's licensing?

My 15-year-old son was caught sneaking out to see a girl and driving with only a permit. He was charged with driving on a permit. Will this prevent him from getting his license before he turns 18?

Charles Watts
Charles Watts
answered on Feb 22, 2025

The answer is 'yes it could affect things' - You need to contact an attorney in your area that specializes in traffic violations. First thing is plead 'not-guilty' -- but you need to get things in order first with an attorney, because under Oklahoma statutes for minor drivers... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: Can I get emancipated at 15 due to abuse and support from my baby's grandma?

I had a baby at 15 and experienced extreme verbal abuse from my parents during the pregnancy, which led to severe depression. There was also one instance where the abuse became physical. I am considering emancipation and currently have support from my baby's father's mom. I'm seeking... View More

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Feb 21, 2025

The best thing to do is have a few consults with some family lawyers to learn about the emancipation process in detail. It would appear you have the basic facts/justification, now it is about presenting that to the correct forum.

You may even find a charitable group to assist you, as many...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Juvenile Law and Gov & Administrative Law for New Jersey on
Q: Do I disclose past juvenile mental health commitment on NJ firearm application?

I am a police officer in New Jersey looking to apply for an initial handgun firearms permit. Over 10 years ago, as a juvenile, I was committed to a mental health medical center by my parents. Do I need to disclose this commitment on my firearm application?

Louis A Casadia
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answered on Feb 19, 2025

Yes and you are actually statutorily barred from having a Firearm ID Card unless you get that civil commitment expunged. Frankly, I am amazed this has not interfered with your career. Did this come up at all during your background check? You should seek legal counsel right away.

N.J.S.A....
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: Can a 21-year-old be prosecuted for getting a 17-year-old pregnant in Florida?

I'm 17 years old and currently living with my 21-year-old boyfriend in Florida. We are in a consensual relationship with my parents' knowledge. If I become pregnant, will my boyfriend face any legal issues or prosecution?

Rocky Brancato
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answered on Feb 14, 2025

You two fall under the "close in age" section of Florida law. Your boyfriend will not be prosecuted so long as the activity is consensual. Here is an excerpt from our firm's blog:

A narrow exception exists under the “close-in-age” exemption found in Section 794.05,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets and Juvenile Law for Virginia on
Q: I’m on good behavior in a different county will a Fta misdemeanor cause me to violate

The good behavior is for two felonies POs. Of scheduled 1 or 2 on my juvenile record I caught the charges at 16 charges with them fully at 19 I was give 2 year 2 years suspended one year good behavior my new pending charge is a shoplifting misdemeanor for 10 dollar sunglasses and I accidentally... View More

David G. Parker
David G. Parker pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 5, 2025

Good behavior violations are not governed by sentencing revocation report guidelines. If you were still under a term of good behavior when you committed a new violation of law, it's possible that you will face a good behavior violation on your old case. But not all good behavior violations are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Georgia on
Q: Will a 12 year old gets punished if his mother is involved with his spying and those spying group are criminals
Anthony Kozycki
Anthony Kozycki
answered on Dec 18, 2024

In Georgia, a 12 year old can not be punished for a crime. O.C.G.A. § 16-3-1 states: A person shall not be considered or found guilty of a crime unless he has attained the age of 13 years at the time of the act, omission, or negligence constituting the crime.

This statute allows for a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Education Law, Juvenile Law and Sexual Harassment for Pennsylvania on
Q: is it illegal for school staff to watch students use the restroom?

I am in PA and my school has started to have teachers and other school staff stand in the bathrooms and hold the doors open and watch kids as they use the restroom as a way of stopping students from vaping. It is really uncomfortable to try to urinate while your math teacher is watching you, they... View More

Tony Chiaramonte
Tony Chiaramonte
answered on Dec 10, 2024

This response is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Students have certain privacy rights under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. In schools, these rights are balanced against the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: What happens to someone that makes a false police report and get a Innocent person that’s already on after care arrested

The after care is a requirement for the juvenile to be at home

Mr. Kent Thomas Jones
Mr. Kent Thomas Jones
answered on Nov 28, 2024

Believe it or not, this happens all the time. Typically, the scenario is this. Someone abuses or threatens another person. Usually, it is a spouse or boyfriend or girlfriend. The person who did the abuse gets scared and calls the police and tells them that they were abused. This can be tough... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Georgia on
Q: Took paternity test now I have court for initial periodic review. Does that mean I’m the father?
Kedra M. Gotel
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answered on Nov 16, 2024

A genetic test/DNA test/paternity test are all terms used to connote when males are seeking to determine the blood relationship between themselves and a child. After you submit to the test which should be conducted by a qualified immunologist, you will receive the results.

A periodic...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Appeals / Appellate Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: I Was being abused at the time of my son’s birth. He is now 6 and I want dna pushed to get my ex out of our life.help!

Paternity affidavit was filled out but I was threatened to sign it. How can I get this redone.

Elizabeth  Milliken
Elizabeth Milliken
answered on Nov 14, 2024

I need to know more details about your case to be sure, but, if you have good reason to suspect that your ex is not your son's biological father, then you may have a legal basis for asking the Court to rescind the paternity affidavit.

Ind. Code 16-37-2-2.1(r):

Before a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Indiana on
Q: Is it OK for a 15 year old to be putting their hands on a 4year old and they are leaving marks on them

It's my 15 year old daughter doing it to my son I'm just over her doing that to him she is always mean to him and she does it on purpose

Elizabeth  Milliken
Elizabeth Milliken
answered on Nov 14, 2024

Based on the facts you gave, I would say it is not okay. In fact, if your daughter is intentionally hurting your son, she could be charged with a criminal offense. Additionally, you are obligated by law to protect your son from being harmed by your daughter. This means if DCS were called due to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Juvenile Law for Texas on
Q: How do I know if it’s discipline, or neglect/abuse?
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Nov 11, 2024

Whether acts or omissions constitute discipline or neglect/abuse depends upon the specific facts and circumstances presented by the competent and admissible evidence in a lawsuit which will be adjudicated by a finder of facts (either a judge or a jury).

Generally, reasonable discipline...
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1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Texas on
Q: I’m a 17 (18 in feb) year old female, who is finding interest in a 22 year old. are we allowed to date? Sexual relation?
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Nov 8, 2024

Yes. The age of consent in Texas is 17. That being said, if you're just in the "finding interest" stage, you should consider whether it may be too early in the relationship to be having sexual relations. Just because something is legal doesn't mean you should do it. A lot of... View More

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