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Juvenile Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: What's the difference between a lock out and a runaway?

My son is 16 years old and lived with me for 4 years before moving back to his mother's in June 2019. His mother cut communication off between us in April.He was arrested in August and is due to be released from JDC next week. He has stated that he was homeless for two months after leaving his... View More

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Sep 4, 2020

Your son is a juvenile and cannot be allowed to roam the streets of Florida alone. If neither parent will step up and take full responsibility for your son, then he becomes what they call "a lockout." Once that happens the State of Florida, Department of Children & Families will take... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Louisiana on
Q: can i move out and live with a close family member at 16 without parental consent?
Ellen Cronin Badeaux
Ellen Cronin Badeaux
answered on Sep 4, 2020

No at 16 you are a minor and must obtain parental consent.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Missouri on
Q: My son is being accused of touching inappropriately his cousin, this supposedly happened 10-11 yrs ago at 10&14 yrs old
Steve D. Hardin
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Steve D. Hardin
answered on Sep 3, 2020

Your son needs to speak to a criminal defense attorney immediately. He should not speak to anyone other than his attorney or one that he is seeking to hire about this. Anything he says to anyone else may be used against him.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Kentucky on
Q: I have a friend who got kicked out of her guardians she is 16 what can i do to help her
Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Sep 2, 2020

File to modify guardianship to you.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: can a 17 year old legally move out of his parents house at the age of 17 with out his parents consent
Sheila Crumley Field
Sheila Crumley Field
answered on Sep 1, 2020

No they cannot. They can be charged with ungovernable or as a runaway. Good luck.

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 Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Texas on
Q: We have a young teen living close to us,, about 13 or 14, he sexually abused his 5yr old cousin. Can he be at school

He had court this past month. The family has kept it quiet.

But the boy goes to school, rides the bus, and plays basketball.

Is this allowed?

This is in concord arkansas.

Rick  Davis
Rick Davis
answered on Aug 31, 2020

Unfortunately, I can only answer questions that relate to Texas law. I suggest that you consult with an Arkansas attorney.

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 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

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 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, 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.

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.

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 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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