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Criminal Law/Runaways or missing persons

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Expert: - 7/21/2008


Question
If a runaway or missing person was under the age of 18 and finally located, would their guardian legally have the power to force them to come home if they didn't want to? I understand that having decent living requirements also contributes. So if this runaway/missing person had decent living conditions and is under 18, but does not wish to return to the guardian would the parent win or the child?

Answer
Before I answer the question I have to explain to you that there are fifty states and each state has its own set of laws.  So what might be the law in state #A might not be the law in state #B.

In MY state anyone under the age of eighteen is required by law to be under the control of their parents and live at home under their supervision.  They cannot leave, runaway, or live somewhere else unless the parents agree to it and it doesn't happen in all situations.  

This does NOT necessarily mean it is the law in YOUR state.

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. Only a judge could answer a question like that. I am also NOT a probation officer or parole officer so I cannot answer questions that relate to parole or probation. Also please keep in mind that every state has different laws. If you are planning to ask a question about a specific law or criminal charge that pertains to your state only it could be difficult to answer. I also cannot give you legal advice on what to do or what not to do in court. Retired police officer with 26 years experience. Worked in the patrol division as well as over 14 years in the detective bureau. Investigated a wide range of crime such as murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, missing persons, and other very sensitive crimes. I am available to answer your questions about criminal law and especially as it applies to police work. I taught at the police academy for several years and am especially knowledgeable about search and seizure. Any question about criminal law is welcome! Please don't ask me to do your homework or ask me questions that obviously come from your teachers or professors. I also do not do online interviews or surveys. Young people need to gain face to face interviewing skills. Local police officers usually are very agreeable to assist in these assignments.

Experience

I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience. I investigated almost every type of crime including murder, rape, theft, missing persons, fraud, and domestic abuse. I am very knowledgeable about search and seizure and taught at the police academy for several years on a variety of subjects. I can answer questions that a lot of attorneys cannot since they do not have "street experience".

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Science degree in Criminolgy from the University of Maryland.

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