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Washington Juvenile Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Civil Rights and Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: If I am 17 and I live with my sister, and neither of my parents have a permanent residence, can I choose where I live?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 12, 2023

In Washington State, if you are 17 and living with your sister because neither of your parents have a permanent residence, your ability to choose where you live may depend on several factors. Generally, until you turn 18, your parents or legal guardians have the authority to decide where you live.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law and Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: Am I able to travel outside the US with a sealed record from when I was under 18?

I have a sealed record from when I was under 18 and I am planning to travel to India for 2-3 months. This was originally a felony but got reduced to a misdemeanor and later sealed.

Also, Would I have to check the boxes that state criminal records? Because it is a sealed record?

Min Hwan Ahn
Min Hwan Ahn
answered on Jan 27, 2023

In general, if your criminal record has been sealed, it means that it is not accessible to the public, and it should not be considered when applying for most jobs, housing, or other opportunities. However, when it comes to international travel, the rules can be more complicated. It is possible that... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law and Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: Am I able to travel outside the US with a sealed record from when I was under 18?

I have a sealed record from when I was under 18 and I am planning to travel to India for 2-3 months. This was originally a felony but got reduced to a misdemeanor and later sealed.

Also, Would I have to check the boxes that state criminal records? Because it is a sealed record?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 26, 2023

The rules regarding disclosure of criminal records can vary depending on the specific situation and the country being visited. In general, if you are traveling to another country, you may be required to disclose any criminal history, even if the record is sealed or expunged. It is important to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Family Law, Juvenile Law and Native American Law for Washington on
Q: Never finding of found 19-0 past intakes same cps office closed out successfully 19x Police testified No pick up order

Do I just file everything I can to fight cps in court? I only communicate by email or txt. This dependency has gone on over 6yrs. The court has failed to make written findings on the record at any of the 6mo review hearings the 6th month review hearings all get continued to be set special set,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 7, 2024

It sounds like you've been through a long and exhausting journey with the court and CPS. When dealing with such a complicated case that involves your family, especially when it has gone on for years and involves issues like the ICWA, it's important to gather every piece of evidence that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: My case got picked up from CPS two days ago I signed the papers to the terminate my parental rights what can I do?

My kids were taken by CPS on July 19th 2019, I was required to do services and complete them and do random UA's cuz I had a drug problem. At that time it was hard for me to even get in to services due to the coronavirus recently started. When I was able to get in to Services I stayed doing... View More

Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Mar 3, 2023

I am a criminal defense attorney. From what you are talking about you need a dependancy attorney. Good Luck

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: to use a confession of a juvenile custodial interrogation as evidence does it have to be recorded?
Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on May 19, 2020

You need to get an attorney if you don't have one. This is a question for your attorney. One would have to have all the necessary information to answer this correctly and completely. Hire an experienced criminal defense attorney NOW.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Internet Law and Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: My 14 year old daughter has been charged felony harassment. This is her 1st offence. Will she be found guilty?

She had just got suspended from school for fighting the girl she sent the snapchat to. In the snapchat it states some people have "shooters". She was charged with felony harassment. What should be my next step?

Gary Kollin
Gary Kollin
answered on Oct 27, 2019

Stop talking and writing by everyone.

Retain an attorney

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: Is there a limit of how long they can hold a minor on probable cause in detention?
Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Aug 21, 2019

A detention hearing must be held within 72 hours. That time period may be extended if the arrest falls on a weekend or holiday.

At that hearing the Judge will release the juvenile unless there is finding that further detention is required to ensure their appearance in court or to protect...
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1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: If put on probation as a juvenile and go on warrant status for probation violation will it be carried over as an adult?

Already pleaed guilty to his charges but was put on probation till a month after he's 18 . Now he has a warrant for not checking in . Willl his warrant be dropped or will it be carried over as an adult ?

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Jul 29, 2019

Warrants generally freeze everything until they are quashed and the underlying issue addressed. The Court will continue to have jurisdiction over him even after he is 18.

He should contact an attorney to schedule the warrant quash hearing and assist him in ending probation and closing the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: can I ask my daughters lawyer to schedual court date so my daughter can speak to the judge after she has been sentenced

She got 33 days because she rolled her eyes at the judge she was suppose to get 15 in custody and 15 on house arrest the judge got up set and said all 30 in costly can she right apologize letter and go back to court

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Dec 24, 2018

This decision should be made by your lawyer, and you may request that of the lawyer. Is your daughter a minor or an adult, however? More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney such as myself. You can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: getting into a fight with a 17 year old, but youre 18, they started it,and youre defending yourself. how much trouble?
Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Dec 24, 2018

Self defense may be a valid justification, but it depends on the facts. If you continued or escalated the violence beyond what was immediately and reasonably required to defend yourself from an actual attack, the justification may be invalidated. Assault on a minor is an aggravating factor in the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: My 14 yr old son was charged with 4th degree assault and arrested what will happen to him

My son got into a altercation at school where he was pushing another kid because the kid was bullying his friend. they ended up wrestling around and my son allegedly punched him in the face..they have a video of it but they cant say 100% that his fist hit the kids face..now he's charged with... View More

Jennifer Melissa Azure
Jennifer Melissa Azure
answered on Nov 14, 2017

Your son should qualify for a diversion agreement if he has no prior criminal history and no prior diversions. This would be completed instead of an actual court action against him. He may be required to attend a class, meet with a diversion board or some type of remedial service. The benefit of a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Education Law and Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: How old do you have to be to drop out of highschool on your own in Washington state?
Ryan Ford
Ryan Ford
answered on Jul 11, 2017

Like all other states, Washington State has a compulsory attendance law. For Washington, children from 8 - 18 must attend school with few exceptions.

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Family Law, Immigration Law and Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: can a child of a U.S citizen with an expired visa get emancipated if his parent is abusive?

the child is suicidal and the parent the primary cause. the child is 16 turning 17 in February 2018

Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Jun 5, 2017

The short answer to the question is yes. But please seek the counsel of an experienced immigration attorney to help you do so.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Personal Injury and Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: If you're siblings attacks you and your mom won't do anything about it, am I entitled to any rights to leave?

my younger sibling keeps hitting me and verbally abusing me and I refuse to hit her back unless I really need to defend myself and unfortunately the situation has continued and my Mom has not done anything about it. She claims she does but still not working. This happens when my mom is at work... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Feb 16, 2017

Talk to a counselor. Becoming an "emancipated minor " is tough and not always easy.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: Is it legal for a police officer to talk and question my 11yr old son about a family friend,without a parents consent.

The school didn't let us know,that they called him out of class and allowed a police officer to ask my son,how does he know a guy named Ben? My son said it's my dad's friend. Then he asked my son,where does he live? My son said next door to us. and my son said he asked another... View More

Brian Lehman
Brian Lehman
answered on Jan 16, 2017

Yes, police may question a child who may have witnessed or been the victim of a crime= just as the police may question an adult. The police do not need permission from a parent or a court first.

But if a parent is present then the parent may refuse to allow the child to be interviewed. A...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: I want to be emancipated but don't know if my case is strong enough?

I want to enlist for emancipation but I want to know if my case is strong enough to be granted. My mother is married to my step father and they have 3 kids and I'm extremely unhappy and put down by them. Im emotionally absuised and I don't want to be in this house anymore. I have my own... View More

Marjorie Simmons
Marjorie Simmons
answered on Jul 6, 2016

You can find some information about emancipation at http://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/search?q=emancipation. Consider your situation carefully, as you don't want to get caught up in a child protective services situation. Sometimes when we are pretty grown up but not yet of age, we can feel so... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: I'm 16 and 8 months pregnant can I do the fiancé visa with parents permission for my 25 year old boyfriend?
Shan Dimitris Potts
Shan Dimitris Potts
answered on Dec 30, 2015

You can but you would need a petition the court to get a special license to marry. I see your question is from washington where the legal age to marry with parental consent is 17, since you are 8 months pregnant it might a good reason to get the license which is given for people who want to get... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: In Washington State can a 16 year old live on their own if both parents pass away? (We are working on our will)

We'd prefer not to set up guardianship for our 16 year old since there is no one suitable to take her. We have a trust set up in our will with an executor to handle her finances from our estate.

Robert Jason De Groot
Robert Jason De Groot
answered on Sep 8, 2015

Probably not. Go to see an attorney about this for the specific legal advice you need.

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