Get free answers to your Juvenile Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
My son just started dating a young girl and she is 16. He is 19. I know about the Romeo and Juliet law in Texas but if he turns 20 before she turns 17, is that against the law?
answered on Jul 22, 2019
Romeo & Juliet only protects him if he is 3 years TO THE DAY older or less. If he is 3 years and 1 day older than she is then he can't use that defense for Sexual Assault of a Child or Indecency with a Child.
WARNING: He could be prosecuted for Sexual Performance of a Child until... View More 
I have the 17 year old best friend of my daughter currently living with me. One of her parents is incarcerated, the other on drugs. Her grandmother has guardianship of her but can no longer care for her and is willing to relinquish those rights to me. In Texas, I’ve been told that minors in... View More
If a 17 year old leaves home, can they be persecuted in Texas? If they are living in a non dangerous environment and the people they are living with are willing to take them in. Is there different laws for this in different towns in Texas?
answered on Jul 12, 2019
The people the 17 year old is living with could be prosecuted for the crime of Harboring a Runaway Child.
See: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.25.htm#25.06
answered on Jul 1, 2019
You could report it to law enforcement, but they will decide whether or not to pursue the matter. However, you should be aware that you lose control of what happens when the state gets involved. Only the prosecutor can decide what punishment to seek and whether or not to drop charges. I guess I... View More
If the child (17) does not want those charges to be placed, does the parent have to have their child (17) agree to placing the charges? Or can the parent just place them regardless if their child (17) wants them or not?
answered on Jun 29, 2019
Your parents can't PLACE charges on anyone... all they can do is report a crime and then law enforcement will decide what (if anything) to do about the situation.
He is texting me that "i know where he lives just saying" and "when I think I can take come try"
answered on Jun 24, 2019
The short answer is, it is possible. You would go to a juvenile court, though. Don't talk to the stepdad and let the dust settle.
I keep calling the number on the back of my citation/ticket and they keep telling me my information is not in the system..
answered on May 21, 2019
That happens sometimes. Consider putting a recurring event on your calendar that reminds you to call them every Wednesday at 10am. If you are bad at using your calendar perhaps set an alarm on your smart phone for that purpose.
I know the age of consent in the state of Texas is 17. However does that mean that they are free to have a consentual sexual relationship with anyone of any age or is there a specific maximum age gap?
answered on May 15, 2019
Texas Penal Code
Sec. 43.25. SEXUAL PERFORMANCE BY A CHILD. (a) In this section:
(1) "Sexual performance" means any performance or part thereof that includes sexual conduct by a child younger than 18 years of age.
(2) "Sexual conduct" means sexual... View More
TIL SHE CALMS DOWN AND THE SHE GETS UP AND PUNCH ME IN THE FACE BECAUSE I PICK UP HER STUFF AND TELL HER SHE GOING HOME CAUSE SHE DIDN'T ASK ME TO GO ANYWHERE AND I HIT HER BACK CAN I GET IN TROUBLE AND SHE HAS A HISTORY OF FIGHTING GROWN UPS SHE CLAIMS I HIT HER FIRST BUT I DIDN'T I... View More
answered on Apr 10, 2019
Anyone can get in trouble for anything. A more important question is can you get OUT of trouble. In this situation it sounds like you may have justifications for self defense in Penal Code 9.31 and possibly also discipline of a child under PC 9.61 (if her parents wanted you to look after her.)... View More
Can I file a charge for 18 yo male for sexual advances to my 16 yo daughter?
answered on Mar 7, 2019
It depends on what exactly you mean by "sexual advances" but the potential offenses are Sexual Assault, Indecency with a Child, and Sexual Performance by a Child. You'll need to compare what actually happened to the definitions of those crimes in the Texas Penal Code to determine... View More
The parents of the girl do not want to press charges. The 16 year old boy says she was with multiple friends of his at time of conception. 16 year old says he was with her almost a month after conception
answered on Jan 24, 2019
Yes. You can be charged with and arrested for statutory rape. Since you are 16 years old, you will automatically be charged as an adult.
answered on Jan 11, 2019
If your son has no previous record generally the State will recommend a deferred adjudication meaning if he completes probation successfully the charge will not be on his record. Juvenile records are sealed and can only be opened under limited circumstances. Probation for a juvenile is generally... View More
Judge demands I have one but theres no way I can afford it and she doesnt care. What do I do?
answered on Jan 9, 2019
Inform the court of your inability to pay and you may be able to get court appointed counsel for no charge.
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answered on Dec 15, 2018
Please note that once a person turns 17 they are considered an adult in Texas. A mutual fight is typically not a crime. Nevertheless, if one person goes too far with the assault or takes out a deadly weapon during an assault that started without weapons it could rise to the level of a crime.
I have evidence and witnesses who can give information. Also mother has been in trouble with oldest daughter who was molested. Other daughter allowed to have boyfriend move in and she was 14. She also allowed her to move out. Now its her youngest daughter who is i feel is being prostituted. Please... View More
answered on Oct 22, 2018
Report abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (aka CPS) by calling 800-252-5400.
Parents have consented to being together. I just wanted to find out about the sexual part.
answered on Sep 17, 2018
The felony crime of Sexual Performance By A Child applies anyone under 18 years old engaged in sexual conduct. The plain language of the law criminalizes the conduct itself, even if it does not occur as a performance. If there actually is a performance (or recording) then the parents themselves... View More
answered on Aug 30, 2018
Of course, but no "hanky panky". Sexual contact is illegal so no sexting either.
So my friend is 20, he was talking to a 16 year old .
Invited her over . She was on her way over when she got into a car crash
BUT
she was driving without insurance .
So her parents are making him pay for the damages . Like the car and such so they don't take it to the cops .
answered on Aug 22, 2018
Your friend is not legally responsible for any damages arising from the accident you describe, but any sexual contact between a 20 year old and a 16 year old is a felony. See Texas Penal Code Section 21.11 - Indecency with a Child, Section 22.011 - Sexual Assault, and Section 43.25 - Sexual... View More
Like for example the males birthday is Oct 16,2001 and the females is July 15,2004. When is it illegal for them to be in a relationship.
answered on Aug 4, 2018
See Texas Penal Code Section 21.11 - Indecency with a Child, Section 22.011 - Sexual Assault, and Section 43.25 - Sexual Performance by a Child for the law on the subject.
answered on Jul 7, 2018
What you describe, in an of itself does not, in my opinion, any criminal act. Did anything else occur?
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