What happens to a 15 year old runaway?

If a minor runs away in California and is detained by a police officer, the minor has four legal options. The minor can be returned home, go live with a legal guardian, apply for emancipation, or become court dependent. In some states, though, runaways may receive a criminal charge.

What age are you no longer considered a runaway?

In most states, running away from home is not illegal. This is because the law provides that juvenile courts only have power over juveniles under 17 years of age when they run away or desert home. However, the law requires parents to continue supporting the runaway 17 year old until they turn 18.

What is the punishment for hiding a runaway?

The penalties for harboring can be extremely harsh and in certain cases steep fines may apply. A conviction for concealing a person from arrest can be punishable by up to one year of incarceration. If the person given safe haven is an escaped prisoner the penalty can yield a maximum prison term of three years.

Can I run away from home at 15?

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.

Is run away a crime?

Running away is not a crime. You cannot get arrested or charged with a crime for running away from your family. However – and this is a big however – some states consider running away a status offense. A status offense is something considered illegal because of a teen’s underage status.

Can they track your phone if you run away?

Yes and a warrant would not be required since it will be your parents that report you missing and, since they own the phone if you are a minor, they will provide permission for police to access the phone’s network information.