Cross Country, Illegal?

Question

I'm 15, and I want to walk to Texas from New Jersey. I'm not emancipated from my parents or whatever. So is it illegal to just get up and start walking, or will just my parents be looking for me? Don't annoy me with your morals, because honestly I don't give a **** about them, I just want an answer.

Answer 1

You can try it.  If you parent report you missing/runaway, you will be brought home or they will be made to come get you. Until your 18, you will be brought home every time.

Answer 2

At 15 years of age, you've not even reached the "Age of Consent" let alone the "Age of Emancipation."

As such the law considers you a runaway or child at risk.

Using your good common sense...

If you were a police officer and saw a young person walking the roadways, wouldn't you stop and check them out?!

Once stopped, the officer will eventually learn who you are and find out your runaway status.

They are required to insure you're returned home!

Sometimes certain issues can cloud our judgement and I would offer that you think seriously about running away versus talking to your parents! But don't just talk to them....listen to them as well.

Acting mature will get you alot further than arguing with them.

Best wishes.

Answer 3

Doubtful you will make it to the City or State lines.

Answer 4

Sorry, your folks can report you as a runnay!

Bad move on your part!

Bad people just waiting for kids like you.

Want proof, watch Nancy Grace HLN.

Answer 5

Yes, running away is a status offense. If caught you will be returned home.

The police from your state wouldn't have jurisdiction if you leave the state, but officers in the next state certainly would and they would be more than happy to return you home.

Kids these days think you just go and fill out some paper work to be emancipated. In reality, in order to do so you have to:

Get married or

Join the military or

Prove to the court that you are financially able to take care of yourself.

Answer 6

No, it is not legal and you would be considered a "runaway". Once you have been labeled a runaway, law enforcement will become involved. Please don't try to walk from New Jersey to Texas. It is a long way and there are some pretty bad folks out there these days. At 15 years of age, I am worried your chances of making it that far without something bad happening are not good. Good luck and best wishes with your decision.