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Tennessee Juvenile Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law and Civil Rights for Tennessee on
Q: Under my 4th amendment Rights can a juvenile court person enter my home without a warrant
Mr. William Ray Glasgow
Mr. William Ray Glasgow
answered on Feb 22, 2018

If exigent or particular circumstances make it necessary to enter your home on an emergency basis, such as to prevent harm to a child or stop a crime from being committed, then the answer is yes.

Usually the person that enters a home is a representative from the Department of...
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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can my 17 yr old grandson who is in juvenile detention since 02-16-2018 and turns 18 tomorrow be now tried as an adult?
Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Feb 20, 2018

Yes and it is likely. The Juvenile Court holds a Transfer Hearing and then sends the Case to the Circuit Criminal Court. Possibly the Juvenile Court might want to retain jurisdiction. Hire a competent attorney immediately.

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: My son will be 18 on May 4th. How long do we legally have to allow him in our home and support him?

He has damaged our home out of anger. He's broken into our bedroom and stole money and valuables. He's 6'1" and will get in our faces cussing and pushing us around. We have key locks on our bedroom bc we are fearful that he will harm us in our sleep and to keep him from... View More

Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Feb 12, 2018

You can tell him to leave as soon as he turns 18. If he is violent or destroying property before then, you can file a petition with juvenile court and charge him with assault, vandalism, or theft.

1 Answer | Asked in Federal Crimes and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: If you’re charged with drug possession schedule 6 and drug paraphernalia as a minor, what can you accpect to face?

Expect*

Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Feb 8, 2018

That depends on what your previous record is like, how you are doing in school, what your home life is like, etc. You should have an attorney represent you. If you can't afford one, ask for one to be appointed for you.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: Hey in Tennessee can they give you fake juvenile citation in middle school?
Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Feb 7, 2018

Who is "they"? If you received a citation from anyone that directs you to contact the court or show up for court, then you need to pay attention to that.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: Hey I just wanted to know can a juvenile citation blow over?
Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Feb 7, 2018

It depends on what the citation is for, what the history of the juvenile is, etc. The best chance of it "blowing over" is to hire an attorney to represent the youth.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: I have an 11 year old daughter that is an extreme bully. Can I have an officer come out and put unruly charges on her?
Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Feb 7, 2018

You can file your own unruly petition at juvenile court. Officers are often reluctant to get involved. If you do, however, you should know what you are getting yourself into. The juvenile court and DCS will be sticking their nose way into your life. They may also be able to help your child get... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: I have a 17 year old that failed a drug test and ran from probation. They r trying to push State custody how can I help

How can I keep her from going into state custody. Do I have a rehab setup prior to going to court? What do I do?

Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Feb 5, 2018

You should get your child an attorney. The attorney will maximize the chances that your child will not go into custody.

1 Answer | Asked in Education Law and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: I ran away at 17 from dcs custody but I want to self enroll myself back into school without getting reported.

What will happen? Will the school report me? I've read up on how if you say your homeless the school can enroll you, what do I do?!?

Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Feb 4, 2018

How old are you now? Were you committed to DCS as a delinquent or dependent/neglected? The school will report you if they figure out that you are a runaway. If you say that you are homeless and are under 18, they will contact DCS. I recommend that you contact an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: My son 13 year old and middle school gave him a juvenile citation will he to go to court

For assault

Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Feb 1, 2018

If he received a citation, it should have a court date on it. He will need to go to court along with a parent or guardian. He should have an attorney represent him. If you can't afford to hire one for him, then he should ask for one to be appointed.

1 Answer | Asked in Education Law and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: I have a 15 year old grandson who at 14 was kicked out of school for the year. After this he has spiraled out of control

Moved into a house with a 13 year old and has had a baby with her. His mother is a flake and has done nothing about it. DCS was called on them and he was ordered not to live there but to be at home. The problem being his mother is never there. My question is how do I go about getting him out of the... View More

Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Jan 31, 2018

You can file a petition for custody of him. You should consult a lawyer who can review all of the facts and advise you regarding your options.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: I have a court ordered no contact order on a classmate of my 12 year old daughter!

Is this child allowed to ride the bus or go to to school with her

Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Jan 31, 2018

She should not be able to ride the bus with her, but will probably be allowed to go to school. You should make sure the school has a copy of the order and discuss your concerns. If need be, you should go back to the court to clarify the matter. I recommend that you consult an attorney for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: I can no longer take care of a child that I have custody of (from DCS) What do I do?

I work in a school and have custody of a child who was place with me by DCS. She is increasingly aggressive toward my other children and I can no longer have her in my home. I am not sure what my rights are since I have custody of her and am not a foster parent. I have tried to contact DCS but... View More

Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Jan 29, 2018

Contact the juvenile court that gave you custody if DCS is not calling you back. They should be able to help.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: In the state of Tennessee, if you are going to juvenile court for allegations or charges. Then 2 months later get charg.

In criminal court for the same thing. Can it be dropped and brought to juvenile court.

Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Jan 24, 2018

It depends on how old you were at the time of the offense. If you were charged for the same thing on different days and you were over 18 on one of the days and under 18 on one of the days, then you can face charges in both juvenile and adult criminal court. You should have an attorney represent... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: foster kid (dep/neg) ran aways after 17, got caught with drugs & ran away again. what happens when she turns 18?

can they charge her as an adult with the drugs, she was 17.5 yo? I think after she got caught it went from dep/neg to delinquent with DCS. she never went to court afterwards bc she ran from the facility....

does she go back to dcs? she will be 18 in a few months, can she stop hiding? She... View More

Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Jan 22, 2018

If she was charged with a delinquent offense, she can face juvenile court consequences until she is 19. If she wasn't charged, she still could be. She should contact an attorney to see if the charges can be resolved. She should also know that anyone who is helping hide her from DCS could... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: Is it against the law for a person to claim they are the stepmother of a child 15 yrs of age in order to.....

put the child on birth control without the consent of both legal guardians?

Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Jan 22, 2018

A 15 yo does not need parental consent to go on birth control They can consent themselves. So someone pretending to be a step parent is irrelevant. A step parent could not consent if consent were needed. If consent is needed, only a parent or legal guardian can consent.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: I am 16 and being beaten by my adopted parents and dcs is looking into it, is it illegal for me to run away?

They are threatening to beat me if I tell dcs the truth and they said they will beat the shot ou of me when they leave. I was wondering if I could runaway to my godmothers house.

Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Jan 21, 2018

You cannot run away. You should tell DCS the truth. You should also tell DCS about your desire to run away. This may get them to get you some help.

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law and Criminal Law for Tennessee on
Q: HiI’m asking this for a friend she’s 15 about to turn 16 she’s dating a guy who just turned 19 and she might be pregnant

What could happen to him or her if she is?

Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Jan 21, 2018

If there is not more than 4 years of age difference, he will not be charged with statutory rape. There could be other charges that could result from their relationship though.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Education Law and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: Could a friend of mine legally leave her parents house @ 17 and go to college if her parents dont approve?

She wants to attend UCF in Florida. She is a senior in high school, and graduates this year in May. She turns 18 in Sept, but school starts before that time. Could she legally leave her house and go to school if her parents want to keep her at home? She really wants to further her education, but... View More

Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Jan 20, 2018

She can't leave without her parents' permission unless she is emancipated. In order to be emancipated, she will need to petition the court and demonstrate that she is capable of supporting herself independently and making adult decisions. She should consult an attorney if that is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Tennessee on
Q: I am 17 and have a newborn baby. Can my parents charge me as a runaway if I leave Home and stay somewhere els

There is not enough room for me at the house. I do not have my room. I want to put my daughter in a better situation. I want to raise her freely. I will also continue my education.

Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
answered on Jan 16, 2018

Yes, your parents can file a runaway petition against you if you leave without their permission. If you truly feel like your situation is not appropriate for your baby, then you can call DCS. Otherwise, you should make the best of the situation until you turn 18. A baby and you don't... View More

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