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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Hawaii on
Q: Adopted daughter is 16 now. We got her at 14. Previously PTSD, child molestation, reactive attachment disorder issue.

Daughter now claims I sexually molested her. She is currently in the Philippines for a year. What is the civil and criminal statute of limitations in Hawaii to bring this false accusation on me? I looked it up. Could I be charged with 1st degree sexual assault, a Class A felony? I am contemplating... View More

Lauren M. Sharon
Lauren M. Sharon
answered on Jun 7, 2018

I would suggest having a full, thorough consultation with an attorney, as I am unclear as to the details.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Texas on
Q: My 14 yr old poured paint on another child at school. The child’s parent contacted my husband. She basically said pay me

Or I’m pressing charges. She wanted $300. When we didn’t pay her because there was no guarantee that after we did she wouldn’t still press charges, she did decide to press charges. We just got the misdemeanor citation to appear in court in the mail. Is this something we should bring up with... View More

Grant St Julian III
Grant St Julian III
answered on Jun 7, 2018

The misdemeanor citation is notice of the criminal charges already filed. People do not file criminal charges, police do. Once the police are called, the detective who investigates the matter decides if and what charges are to be filed. In your case, the police determined enough evidence... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Virginia on
Q: When a 14 year old gets arrested in the state of Virginia does the parent have to be present for the questioning?

Or Does the child have to ask for their parent or lawyer

Bryan J. Jones
Bryan J. Jones
answered on Jun 6, 2018

The parent does not have to be present for questioning.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can my buddy be arrested?

He is 18 asked a 13 year old girl out but that was before he knew her age. He then told her "if she wanted to date they could". He also sent her a picture with no shirt on but from the pecs up (nipples can't be seen, he also only had a shirt off). Now he is worried she could tell the... View More

Cary B. Hall
Cary B. Hall
answered on Jun 5, 2018

I believe I already answered this same question posted in another section here.

The general answer to "Can he be arrested?" is yes -- anyone can be arrested for anything. It happens all the time. Mistaken identity, false charges, etc. Just because someone is arrested...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is it legal for a 15 year old date a 18 year old
Cary B. Hall
Cary B. Hall
answered on Jun 4, 2018

Yes, it's legal -- which is to say the 18 y.o. will not be charged with Statutory Sexual Assault under Pennsylvania law.

That crime (a second-degree felony - no joke!) is committed when a person engages in sexual intercourse with a complainant to whom the person is not married who is...
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1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can my buddy be arrested for asking a 13 year old out, and sending her a picture with no shirt on but was from shoulder?

Alright so my buddy is 18 years old and he asked a 13 year old girl out (before he knew her age) also they never got together. Once he knew her age he said it was up to her and they could be friends till she turned 18. He also sent her a picture with no shirt on, but it was above like the upper... View More

Cary B. Hall
Cary B. Hall
answered on Jun 4, 2018

I think you're buddy's safe. I also think it's a GREAT idea for him to break off contact with the girl. That way, if the authorities ever question him, he can tell them he broke off all contact as soon as he found out she was a minor.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Texas on
Q: My son had a juvenile and in adult charge, he’s 17, if he convicted for the adult he has to go back to juvie?

The juvenile systems put him on probation and he broke and committed an adult crime, they arrest him, he put a bail but his probation officer take him back to juvenile center, after a mont the judge decided he need go to TJJD, Tx his attorney remove the bail at the county jail and the Marshall... View More

Grant St Julian III
Grant St Julian III
answered on Jun 4, 2018

It is possible for a person to serve time in the Texas Youth Commission (prison for juveniles) even after they turn 18. Stay in contact with your son's attorney. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: What rights do I have as a non wed mother who is letting son stay with father without courts getting involved?

Have been together 13 years and have a 11 y/o son. I can't afford a lawyer right now and my son wants to stay with his dad (which is fine) We once separated and I stayed with my mom and made plans for me to get my son for the weekend but he decided last minute his mother was more important to... View More

Kathryn Hilbush
Kathryn Hilbush
answered on Jun 3, 2018

You both have rights to be with your son but the best way to ensure that you're not in for a major battle every time you want to see him which he's with his father is to memorialize your arrangements in a court order. A notarized statement or agreement is not enforceable in the courts. Do... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Texas on
Q: My son got in trouble for smoking marijuana at school and I am within a few weeks from transferring to ATL can I move?

He was on deferred prosecution program from incident back in January and we signed the papers May 23 to end the program. On may 24th he was caught smoking in bathroom at school. I am weeks away from transferring to Atlanta for my job can they stop me from moving?

Grant St Julian III
Grant St Julian III
answered on Jun 2, 2018

No one can stop you from moving. Your son, however, may have issues. Call the attorney who represented him on the first case. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Domestic Violence and Juvenile Law for Texas on
Q: My neighbor's 14 yr old boy has been hitting and bullying my 10 yr old daughter can i press charges?
Kiele Linroth Pace
Kiele Linroth Pace
answered on May 31, 2018

You can report it to law enforcement, and perhaps you should. However, you should be aware that they will make the decision on whether or not to pursue it and, if they do, you can't dismiss the case if you change your mind later.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Juvenile Law for New Jersey on
Q: Is megan's law part of a criminal sentence? Can it be applied to a civil decision?
Leonard R. Boyer
Leonard R. Boyer pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 31, 2018

Sex offenders are required to register with their local authorities with their names, addresses, and places of employment after they have finished their sentences. That is a portion of the punishment they face upon their release from prison. Due to Section 170101(d) of the Violent Crime Control... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Missouri on
Q: If your 17 and a 15 year old wants to fight you, can you fight them?
Lydia Seifner
Lydia Seifner
answered on May 31, 2018

No, you can be charged as an adult. Try to resolve your conflict with words.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law and Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: A 15 yr old juvenile steals a car in the state of Georgia, in Gwinnett county.

What happens to the juvenile if they have no criminal record before the incident regarding the car. They have no history with law enforcement making this their first offense. Also what’s best/worst case for the juvenile when they’re given their consequence by the judge in juvenile court.

Titus Thomas Nichols
Titus Thomas Nichols pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 30, 2018

This is all dependant upon what charges are brought by the Orosecution. Juvenile Court is different because the primary goal is to rehabilitate the child, not so much punish.

The best course of conduct is to obtain an experienced attorney.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Georgia on
Q: Okay let’s say a 15 year old steals a car. It’s their first offense, they’re about to head to court soon as well.
Titus Thomas Nichols
Titus Thomas Nichols pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 30, 2018

What is the question?

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: If i were to leave my house at 17 years of age in OH and get a job and support myself. Do i have to be returned to home
Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on May 30, 2018

Yes, you could be returned home. Or you could go to juvenile detention as a runaway.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: Hi im 18 yo and I'm moving out of Ohio. And my girlfriend wants too come. She's 16. Can she leave her parents?
Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on May 30, 2018

No. They could report her as a runaway, and you could face charges for contributing to her delinquency.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Do both parties get in trouble for sexting, both are 14..

My 14 year old daughter was sexting with a 14 year old boy, he asked for inappropriate photos and sadly she sent them. The boy then turned her in because she wouldn't do anything else. I am told police confirmed the photos are still there (a week and a half later they interviewed the boy)... View More

Cary B. Hall
Cary B. Hall
answered on May 30, 2018

It depends on exactly what your daughter was charged with. When you say a "citation," that tells me that things may be happening before your local Magisterial District Judge ("MDJ") -- versus, say, a referral to juvenile court and a formal petition for delinquency. If so, the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: Will there be legal ramifications if I run away from home. I live in Ohio.

I am a 17 year old turning 18 in four months. I graduated from high school and live in a toxic environment that I wish to leave.

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on May 23, 2018

Your could be reported as a runaway, and that could be a problem for you and anyone who might help you. Talk to other family members or your local child services agency.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Personal Injury and Juvenile Law for Texas on
Q: Can a 15 year old daughter have charges pressed against her for punching her 53 year old Mom in the face several times?

The mother has a possible broken nose and her nose is really swollen as well with her left eye is swollen and cut

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on May 22, 2018

Yes. Sounds like the family needs a counselor too.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: I’m 20 and I moved to Florida after hurricane Irma. My mom lives in Puerto Rico and she wants to force me to move back.

Can she legally take me back? Even if she has a court order from Puerto Rico can she take me back? She threatened me to get a court order but I’ve been living in Florida 8 months. I turn 21 in two months.

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 21, 2018

In Florida you are emancipated at 18.

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