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Criminal Law/harboring a runaway

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Expert: Jack Toomey - 10/28/2009


Question
k so word on the street is my friends boyfriend is a run away an she is letting him stay there at night but her mom doesn't know and she is sixteen what kind of trouble can they get in if caught is it possible jail time im trying to find out for her to warn her and can the cops search the place to find him and can they charge them on evidence such as his belongings lying around i just think they should;d know what they're getting into but please answer the best you can ASAP i understand if theres questions you cant answer but ya oh and he kept his old job but his employers don't know he a runaway can they get in trouble if caught to?

Answer
Kelsey,

That is the longest run on sentence that I have ever encountered!  A little advice for the future.  Break your thoughts up into small sentences so the reader can understand what you are saying.

I do find it odd that you are inquiring about your friend's boyfriend.  However the answer is yes, both of you can get in trouble.  The police can also search the house.   I think that your best course would be to tell your boyfriend to go home or at least leave your house.  You are going to get into a lot of trouble when this all ends.

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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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