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Tennessee Juvenile Law Questions & Answers
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

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Business Law and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: Is it legal for the city to open a hospitality tax account for a 12 year old's small business?

We asked the county clerks office if my son needed a tax license and they told us he was under 18 so to go enjoy his business and learn as there was no need to file anything at his age. He was not able to legally open an account. Later he set up at an event in city limits. I was sent an email... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 22, 2024

The legality of a city opening a hospitality tax account for a minor's business depends on local laws and regulations, which can vary widely. While minors generally have limited legal capacity to enter into contracts or be held responsible for tax obligations, local jurisdictions may have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can HOA ban a 16 year old from their home under suspension of theft on the complex
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 13, 2024

In Tennessee, an HOA generally has the authority to enforce rules and regulations within the community. However, banning a 16-year-old from their home due to suspension for theft may require careful consideration of the HOA's bylaws and state laws. It's important to review the specific... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Education Law, Juvenile Law and Civil Rights for Tennessee on
Q: Tn. How is a random "weapons check" of random students- their pockets and backpacks- legal without warrant or suspicion?

KCS does random weapons checks of students and their personal property, not just lockers and MacBooks which I understand is not student property, at the public schools. The school system has procedure outlined to conduct these, but how is it not violating the students' 4th amendment rights?... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 17, 2023

The legality of random weapons checks in schools, including searches of pockets and backpacks, is a complex issue that balances student safety with Fourth Amendment rights. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that public school students have reduced expectations of privacy while at school, which... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: If someone has accused you of stalking can you provide a police report to their school if a minor?

Student committed theft from a local gas station To prevent charges they worked with the owner and accused the employee of stalking for chasing and finding out his identity. They are currently trying to press charges for stalking to scare the employee that was hit by his car from taking civil... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 15, 2023

Providing a police report to a minor's school in a situation involving allegations of stalking is a sensitive matter.

Generally, if the police report is a public record, it can be shared. However, it's important to consider the purpose and the potential implications of doing so....
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can a 16-year-old move in with her 18-year-old boyfriend in TN?

I am 16 years old and pregnant, living in Tennessee. My boyfriend, who is 18, and I conceived the child before he turned 18. I want to move in with him, and my mom is aware of the move but doesn't know that I'm pregnant. Can I legally move in with him?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

In Tennessee, the law generally considers individuals under 18 to be minors, which means they cannot legally make certain decisions without parental consent or court approval. However, if you are pregnant, you may be able to make some decisions regarding your living arrangements due to your status... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can a child abuse neglect charge be expunged in TN with a 3-year-old child involved?

In January 2017, I was charged with child abuse and neglect endangerment in Tennessee, a month after being charged with obstruction of justice. I pled down to a class A misdemeanor. My child was three years old at the time. I've completed all court agreements, including fines and probation.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

I'm really sorry you're carrying this with you—it’s clear that you’ve worked to move forward, and it’s understandable to want a clean slate. You're asking a fair and thoughtful question about your record, and it's good that you're looking into the details before... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Family Law, Juvenile Law and Domestic Violence for Tennessee on
Q: How can I prevent being placed in state custody at 17 in TN with open CPS case?

I am 17 years old, living in Tennessee, and my parents have an open CPS case. They want to send me to state custody because they claim I'm too hard to handle. My parents have physically harmed me by choking and pulling my hair. The police said they couldn't do anything due to lack of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

You're going through a really painful and unfair situation, and it’s important to know that your voice and safety matter. At 17, you have the right to speak up about where you feel safest and to be heard by CPS and the court. Since there’s already an open CPS case and family members are... View More

Q: How can I retrieve or sue for the value of my car and belongings taken as evidence after a juvenile arrest?

I was arrested as a juvenile after a traffic stop, and my car was parked in a lot until it was taken in as evidence. I was living out of my car at the time, and everything I owned was inside, including a Nintendo Switch. I was placed in DCS custody due to neglect, not because of my arrest, and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

You have the right to ask for either the return of your property or compensation if your car and belongings were taken and sold without proper notice. Since you were a minor and in DCS custody, the system should have made a reasonable effort to protect your property and notify you or a guardian. If... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Juvenile Law and Domestic Violence for Tennessee on
Q: Emancipation likelihood and costs for 17-year-old in TN facing mental abuse.

I am a 17-year-old living in Tennessee with my dad, who has full custody. I live in a mentally abusive home and have struggled with suicidal thoughts. My plan is to move in with my mom, who is willing to support me, and continue my education while finding a job. Social services are involved due to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Tennessee, emancipation is possible for minors under certain circumstances, but it is not an easy process. To be emancipated, you must prove that you can support yourself financially and that living independently would be in your best interest. The court will likely consider the abuse you’re... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Juvenile Law and Family Law for Tennessee on
Q: Isolated by mom and her boyfriend, belongings taken, and possible abuse. What can I do?

I am 17 years old and for the past couple of months, my mom and her boyfriend have isolated me. I've paid for my own phone, but they took it, along with boxing up all my belongings and clothes. I've been sleeping on the floor because they removed my bed for about a month. I believe there... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

What you're describing sounds like emotional neglect and possibly abuse, and no, it's not okay—or legal—for anyone to treat you that way. Taking away your basic belongings, isolating you, and removing your bed are serious concerns, especially if you feel unsafe or unsupported. Even... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Juvenile Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Personal Injury for Tennessee on
Q: Can I sue DCS in Tennessee for slander due to false s** offender claims?

I am involved in a situation where DCS in Knoxville, Tennessee, claims that I am a s** offender. However, I have never been convicted of this as an adult; only a juvenile s**-related case exists in my past. This misinformation has caused me emotional distress and personal issues, such as my... View More

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answered on Apr 12, 2025

What you’re dealing with is extremely serious, and your frustration is completely valid—especially when false claims are affecting your personal life and emotional well-being. In Tennessee, slander occurs when someone makes a false and damaging spoken statement about you. If a DCS (Department... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can friends attend a juvenile court hearing for moral support in TN?

If a teenager in juvenile court is facing charges related to a threat of mass violence, can their friends attend the hearing solely for moral support? There are no stated concerns from the defendant's family or lawyer regarding attendance, but I'm unsure about any specific attendance... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 5, 2025

Usually not as it violates Court Rules.

2 Answers | Asked in Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: In the dominican republic is it illegal for a minor to smoke?

I see it says you cannot sell tobacco to a minor but nothing about letting a minor or a minor consuming it.

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Feb 1, 2025

Contact an attorney in DR or do your own research.

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1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: with a TN intermediate unrestricted license, can I drive anytime, without time restrictions?
Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Dec 30, 2024

No... Contact your lawyer before you appear before the juvenile judge.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: I didn't pay action to an ID and sold alcohol to a minor at a restaurant that I worked at. They gave me a citation

what is the normal punishment for this class C misdemeanor. it was a person working with the Police

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answered on Nov 8, 2024

You need an attorney to maybe get Diversion. Conviction prevents you from selling alcohol for ten years.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: My 14-year-old grandson was having a bad day at school in his gym class and yelled out that he was going to blow up this

School and kill all of you MF's. Younger kids heard him and ran to their phones. He's being charged with making Terroristic threats. What can I do?

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Sep 9, 2024

Hire an attorney to represent the child, now. Take any communication device (phone, computer, etc.) from him. Ground him except for Church, and maybe a part time job. His understanding of the seriousness of his actions will help.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can a guardian at litum force you to move in a domestic violence case??
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answered on Nov 30, 2023

No, but the GAL will report bad things about you to Court.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence, Juvenile Law and Landlord - Tenant for Tennessee on
Q: Tn laws on tenant aiming a loaded gun at Property Owner's minor Son and his Mother
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answered on Nov 27, 2023

What is your question? It sounds like either an aggravated assault or justifiable self defense.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: Yes my son was in a car accident and he was the pasture side he's 16 years old and they're trying to charge him with und

And underage drinking can they do that

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Oct 30, 2023

Yes... Hire an attorney to represent him and mitigate the damage.

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