
In that answer, the attorney says: In the state of Georgia, a 17 year old is not legally a child and is not legally a runaway. So, a 17 year old suffers no repercussions for leaving home against the will of their parents. One way to view it is to see a difference between the age of "majority" and the age of "Emancipation."
What is the legal definition of a runaway?
A runaway is a minor (someone under the age of 18) who leaves home without a parent's or guardian's permission, and is gone from the home overnight. In most states, running away is not a crime; however, runaways and their parents or guardians can face legal consequences.
What is a runaway minor?
A runaway may include a minor in the company of another person or is in a situation the circumstances of which indicate that the missing child's or missing person's safety is in doubt, or a minor who is unemancipated as defined by the law of the state.
What happens if you help a runaway child?
Although these laws are not often enforced, assisting a runaway teenager may result in criminal charges for harboring a runaway or contributing to the delinquency of a minor. In other states, the runaway child’s parents can sue another person in civil court for harboring a runaway.
What happens if a runaway is stopped by the police?
If you are a runaway and are stopped by a police officer, do not physically resist. Physical resistance can lead to charges being filed against you, as well as injury. If you ran away from home to avoid abuse or neglect, tell the police officer about the abuse or neglect.
Who files runaway complaints?
Why do you need a juvenile lawyer in Georgia?
What is the CHINS code in Georgia?
What is truancy in school?
What does "unruly" mean?
Can a juvenile be charged with a status offense in Georgia?
See 1 more

What are the runaway laws in Georgia?
The Runaway Youth Safety Act, passed by the Georgia General Assembly in 2011 as Senate Bill 94, creates a limited exception to criminal liability for service providers that serve children under the age of 18 who have run away and/or are homeless.
What happens if you run away from home at 16 in Georgia?
YOUTH IN CRISIS LAW The law authorizes police officers to look for runaway 16- and 17-year olds. Police officers who find them may report their location to their parents, refer them to Juvenile Court, take them to an agency that serves children, or keep them in custody for up to 12 hours.
Is running away a status offense in GA?
Status offenses are offenses that are only crimes if committed by children, such as skipping school, running away, breaking curfew, and the possession or use of alcohol.
Can you go to juvie for running away in Georgia?
The short answer is no. Running away is not a crime. You cannot get arrested or charged with a crime for running away from your family.
What can I do if my 16 year old refuses to come home?
Call the police. - This sends the message to teenagers that it is not okay to leave home without permission. - The police are responsible for the safety of citizenry; your child is not safe if you do not know where he is. - Parents are responsible for what happens to their child even when he is not at home.
What can I do if my 16 year old refuses to go to school?
If your teenager is repeatedly refusing to go to school, communicate with teachers or school counselors so they know why your child is struggling to get to class and can provide extra support. For example, school staff may wish to discuss setting up a 504 plan.
Can a 17 year old run away in GA?
2 attorney answers A 17 year old can no longer be charged as a runaway.
Should you call the police if your child runs away?
As soon as you learn that your child has run away, report them as missing to your local police. Ask your police agency to conduct a search within a mile radius of where your child was last seen or believed to have gone.
What will happen if you run away?
Police Can Detain Runaways Regardless of whether a particular state recognizes running away as a status offense, police can always take runaways into custody. The options available to police include: returning them home. convincing their parents or guardians to temporarily let them stay with friends or family.
At what age can a child legally leave home in Georgia?
Who can be emancipated? Minors who are at least 16 years old and less than 18 years old may apply for emancipation in Juvenile Court. The minor must be a Georgia resident.
Where do runaways usually go?
Most stay in relative safety at a friend or family members home. However, some runaways lack safe living arrangements and stay on the street, in the company of a predatory adult, or in another situation lacking responsible adult supervision.
What do you need to run away?
Bring food, money, extra changes of clothing, a jacket or coat in case it gets cold, clothes with pockets, a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and anything else you will need. If you don't want to be recognized, take with you only the clothes you wear least often.
Is running from the cops a felony in GA?
A person found guilty of misdemeanor fleeing or attempting to elude in Georgia will be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. The accused will have a fine between $1,000 and $5,000 and a jail term between 30 days and 12 months. Jail time beyond 30 days can be probated by the judge.
Is leaving the scene of an accident a felony in Georgia?
Drivers who flee the scene of an accident may be convicted of a misdemeanor which comes with penalties of up to one year in jail and a fine of $1,000. Drivers may also risk the suspension of their driver's license and having their vehicle impounded.
Is hit and run a felony in GA?
The Penalty for a Hit and Run Conviction in Georgia If the accident was the proximate cause of death or severe injury, then the driver that knowingly failed to stop will be guilty of a felony. Their punishment will include a prison sentence between one and five years.
What constitutes a hit and run in Georgia?
Failing to stop after an accident in Georgia constitutes a hit-and-run. Georgia requires all drivers and other road users involved in car accidents to stop at the scene.
What Happens to Truants and Their Parents in Georgia?
Under the “compulsory education” laws in Georgia, children between the ages of 6 and 16 must attend school or a home study program until they graduate (although 16- and 17-year-old students must meet certain requirements before they can legally drop out of school).If they aren’t eligible to leave school, students who skip too many classes could end up in juvenile court.
§ 15-11-2 - Definitions :: 2014 Georgia Code - Justia Law
Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version.Georgia may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site.
§ 15-11-2 - Definitions :: 2010 Georgia Code - Justia Law
Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version.Georgia may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site.
Is Running Away Illegal? Can a Police Officer Take a Runaway Teenager ...
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available for people in suicidal or substance use crisis or emotional distress and loved ones who want to help them. It's free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To connect with a trained counselor who can help, call or text 988. Crisis Text Line is a texting service for any emotional crisis.
Student Attendance Protocol - Georgia Department of Education
Student Attendance Protocol In order to receive maximum benefit from the instructional activities, students are expected to be in school each day unless excused for legitimate reasons.
GA Runaway Laws | Georgia Firearm Forums - Georgia Packing
What are GA's current laws on runaways or 17 year olds moving out of their parents home? When I was 17 I moved out of my parents home to a home I had rented. My parents called the police and were told there was nothing that could be done. They would in no way help my parents bring me home. Is...
How to help a runaway?
If you are an adult who would like to help a runaway, you should talk to an attorney about how you can best assist the minor and protect yourself from allegations of harboring a runaway or contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
What is the National Runaway Safeline?
The National Runaway Safeline (NRS) serves as the communication system for runaway and homeless youth. NRS provides free, confidential advice and referrals to local services for runaways and their parents and guardians in all 50 states. Call 1-800-RUNAWAY for immediate assistance.
What is a throwaway?
The term throwaways (or thrownaways) refers to minors who have been forced by their parents or guardians to leave their homes without alternate care arranged. Because the distinction between runaways and throwaways is not always clear, this article uses the term runaway to refer to both situations.
How many children were missing in Runaway Train?
The song became a hit and led to the location and recovery of 21 of the 36 missing children featured in the video. For the 25th anniversary of the song, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) released "Runaway Train" with new artists and a music video.
How to contact police if a minor runs away?
Getting Legal Advice and Representation. If you are a minor who is thinking about running away, you should call 1-800-RUNAWAY for free confidential advice and referrals to local services. If you are the parent or guardian of a child who has run away, you should contact the local police.
Is it a crime to run away from home?
A runaway is a minor (someone under the age of 18) who leaves home without a parent's or guardian's permission, and is gone from the home overnight. In most states, running away is not a crime; however, runaways and their parents or guardians can face legal consequences. Adults who encourage or hide runaways can be charged with a crime.
Can police take a runaway?
Police Can Detain Runaways. Running away is generally not a crime, but as just described, it is a status offense in some states. Regardless of whether a particular state recognizes running away as a status offense, police can always take runaways into custody. The options available to police include:
Who files runaway complaints?
Most runaway complaints are also filed by parents. Most truancy complaints are filed by schools. When a CHINS case comes before the Juvenile Court, the Juvenile Court is required to ensure that the child is represented by an attorney. O.C.G.A. § 15-11-402.
Why do you need a juvenile lawyer in Georgia?
Because of the complexity of the Georgia Juvenile Code, it is imperative that you retain a Juvenile Lawyer in Georgia. The Georgia legislature's stated purpose in drafting the CHINS code is to acknowledge that, at times, children can engage in problematic behaviors that do not rise to the level of a criminal offense.
What is the CHINS code in Georgia?
The Georgia legislature's stated purpose in drafting the CHINS code is to acknowledge that, at times , children can engage in problematic behaviors that do not rise to the level of a criminal offense. The code is designed to give Georgia Juvenile Courts the authority to design a “program of treatment, care, guidance, counseling, structure, supervision, and rehabilitation that [a child] needs to assist him or her in becoming a responsible and productive member of society.” It also seeks to ensure that all agencies charged with implementing such a program and providing services to the child and his/her family actually does so. It also provides a level of accountability for parents, as parents may be ordered to ensure their child's participation in services or to receive services themselves. Parents who fail to do so may be held in contempt of court.
What is truancy in school?
Truancy – A child is “truant” when he/she has accrued 10 or more days of unexcused absences from school in the current academic year. O.C.G.A. § 15-11-381.
What does "unruly" mean?
Unruly/Ungovernable – This is defined as a failure to abide by the lawful commands of one's custodian.
Can a juvenile be charged with a status offense in Georgia?
Because of the complexity of the Georgia Juvenile Code , it is imperative that you retain a Juvenile Lawyer in Georgia.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/QPSHJZI7J5HWFB7VSAQFFPHG5Y.jpg)