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Pennsylvania Juvenile Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: if I have a phone my friend gave me , can my mom take it from me ? if so can she bash it?
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Dec 15, 2017

May depend on your age. Parents are allowed a fair degree of control over what is possessed by their youths.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Sexual Harassment, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Found out my 16 year old son is having sexual relations with a 20 year old woman who's saying she's pregnant.

She's with another person and they have children together and I fear the repercussions on my son because she claims she's pregnant to him but has not shown proof of pregnancy and claims she's around 4 weeks. Is there something I can do as a parent?

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Dec 15, 2017

He's at the age he's past the age of consent but possible she could be charged with corruption of a minor. As far as the pregnancy, a blood test would be in order if she conceives.

Most important thing right now is to speak with a counselor about how to handle it--you don't...
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1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law and Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I'm from PA and am 18 and I'm talking to 15 year old. His mom found out and threatened to press charges. Can she??

Legally in the state of PA, a 15 year old can be with a 18 year old. However, because he is a minor, can she interfere and press charges? We've never had physical contact. We've only texted and called. I'm currently in college to become a Physicians Assistant and my life could be... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Dec 9, 2017

I don't see that you can be charged merely for texting. If it was "sexting...." --well that's different. You need to watch what you text and post.

A parent can interfere, just like anyone can try to interfere with anyone else. Whether they succeed is different but I...
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1 Answer | Asked in Education Law and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: My son made a comment after a girl student bumped into him and touched his private area. He said don't touch my genitals

He got 1 day OSS for sexual harassment. How is this sexual harassment when he said Dont or stop?

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Nov 15, 2017

It isn't. He can appeal or ask to have his record corrected. Contact the Education Law Center in Philadelphia for mroe information.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Juvenile Law and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Pennsylvania on
Q: What most likely will happen?

let my daughter visit her father in PA. He's been stalling with her for 2 weeks now to find out he filed for custody and for emergency petition. I have legal custody of her. He never established paternity and denied me every time I ask him to. I have a paternity petition going in my state... View More

Kevin E. Flynn
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Kevin E. Flynn
answered on Nov 14, 2017

So sorry, your question was posted to PATENTS (INVENTIONS) by mistake, you may want to change the topics associated with this question. I hope you find the answers you need.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I do my high school online and I live in the state of PA I turn 18 in Apri can i move out if I'm still in school

Could my parents legally force me to still live with them, it's not a good environment.

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Nov 11, 2017

You may emancipate yourself but understand that this will remove their support obligation. You should understand and consider the consequences, and I'd suggest working it through with a counselor, because there will be fallout for you to process.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is there a legal dating contract for two families to sign regarding their kids relationship?

Im a 14 year old girl and he is 17. His parents are worried that once he turns 18 my parents will try to sue him. His parents said for us to take a break from seeing eachother because of this. He heard about some contract that both families would sign that would allow us to legally date and both... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Oct 25, 2017

The parents can agree but if there was hanky panky the state could try to claim it was statutory rape. Your parents have a point.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Daughter wants to bring a friend on vacation. Friend's Dad said yes but Mother said no. Can I still take her?

They are divorced. According to Dad there is no written custody arrangement or court ordered custody. Daughter spends most of her time at her Dad's because her mother smokes and it bothers her, but she still does see her mom. We really want her to come along, but I don't want to get in... View More

Kathryn Hilbush
Kathryn Hilbush
answered on Oct 4, 2017

Tough call. I'd say try to speak with mom to see if you can sway her toward letting you take the daughter. If you take her, have both parents write and sign a statement expressly saying that you're doing so with his/her permission. If mom won't agree, I can't tell you to just... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Does A 14 Yr Old Have To write A Statement. Was Told If Didnt Shed Be Charged With conspirering

She was not charged never identified accused of being passenger in quad that fled want her to say was rider and who driver was ...if not would be charging her

Ryan L Hyde
Ryan L Hyde
answered on Sep 14, 2017

What does her attorney say?? You have a right to remain silent, you also have a right to counsel. They can't force you to give a written statement. They can and will use that written statement against you. Hopefully, she has an attorney representing her that she can rely on for good advice in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can a parent legally kick out a 19 yr old who is still enrolled in High school? Does the child have legal recourse?

19 yr old boy to be a senior this school year. Unemployed, just moved, no DL nor car. Can a complaint be filed to make the mother take him back in?

Kathryn Hilbush
Kathryn Hilbush
answered on Aug 3, 2017

In PA, a parent's legal obligation to a child ends at 18. If we were talking about a child support case, the support obligation can continue until the later date of the 18th birthday or graduation from high school. I suggest that the 19 year old either work it out with his mother, which will... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Do I have consent to date an 18 year old if I am 16?
Kathryn Hilbush
Kathryn Hilbush
answered on Jul 10, 2017

In PA a 16 year old can legally date an 18 year old, if that's what you're asking. How your family feels about it may be a different story.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: When I'm 18 years old in Pennsylvania, can my parent stop me from buying the car of MY choice?

Wanting to buy a 1957 Bel Air later in my life (Already saving money; About 3/16 the way needed) but worried parent won't allow me to buy it when I'm 16 or 17. When I'm 18, does my parent have the right to restrict my choice of car?

Kathryn Hilbush
Kathryn Hilbush
answered on Jul 9, 2017

No, but they don't have to let you garage it at their house or help pay for the restoration and insurance either.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: My friend is 18 and is moving out without her parents permission. Can they call the cops?Harm her?
Dawn Padanyi
Dawn Padanyi
answered on Jun 28, 2017

Individuals over age 18 are adults and unless they are deemed a ward of the state or have a guardian appointed on his/her behalf, the individual is able to decide where he/she lives. Contact a local attorney to speak in greater detail the situation.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI, Civil Rights and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: My 13 and 8 year old sons were in a vehicle that was pulled over. My 8 year old was patted down, and my 13 was serched

Without any parental consent.is this legal

Ryan L Hyde
Ryan L Hyde
answered on Jun 19, 2017

Probably. It doesnt have anything to do with parental consent. If the stop was legal the officer has a right to briefly search occupants to ensure his or her safety.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Family Law, Health Care Law and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can a foster child leave foster care when they turn 18 by their choice?

My girlfriend is 17, in high school, and in a foster care home. (I'm 19 and graduated last year) She feels just as mentally abused in that home as she did with her real parents, and some of the other foster children are trying to sexually abuse her and she is terrified in that home. She... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jun 9, 2017

Yes, but more importantly if she feels she is threatened with abuse now she needs to reach out to a counselor or other person in a similar position. She wouldn't lose all state assistance but really needs to talk to a social worker or similar.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I am 15 on juvenile probation and I'm dating a 18 year old. What would happen if I got pregnant ?

I have parent consent for the relationship and everything I'm just curious

Ryan L Hyde
Ryan L Hyde
answered on May 15, 2017

He probably gets charged with something. He might have defenses but the charges would be pretty serious. Parental consent is not a defense to anything he can get charged with. He should fammiliarize himself with 18 Pa.CS 3122.1 and related charges within that section.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Juvenile Law and Sexual Harassment for Pennsylvania on
Q: How long do you think my boyfriend would be looking at it he's being charged with statutory sexual assault?

He has previous charges of indecent exposure of a minor and is currently on probation.

Mark McCulloch
Mark McCulloch
answered on Apr 20, 2017

This is a serious offense. Because I don't know all the details, it is very hard to say but based on the two pieces of information you have listed, a prior sex charge and being on probation, you would be wise to immediately find a qualified criminal defense attorney. There is no easy answer to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I file DACA and DAPA if we have been living in the United States some April 2011
Kyndra L Mulder
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Kyndra L Mulder
answered on Mar 1, 2017

Much more information is need to know whether you qualify for DACA. There is no DAPA.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: This kid has been harrassing me everyday in school, I have cried i have left him alone I've done everything he wont stop

My school has spoken to him but thats all they do. I want to press charges on him for this. But I dont know how to. Can you help

Jennifer Price
Jennifer Price
answered on Feb 15, 2017

In order to press charges, you need to call the police or go to the police station.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: im 18 was kicked out of my house, but because im still in school for 4 months my parents have rights over me.

how do i take there rights over me away?

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Feb 15, 2017

You can file to become an emancipated minor. That may cut off their obligation to care for you. If you have health insurance you need to find out if that would be cut too.

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