Is it illegal for a 17 year old to "run away" from home?

Question

I am 17 and all I want is a little space! A little, as in, I would go away (on my own) for a weekend and then come back. Would that really be illegal and make me go up to a judge? Even though, I told them after I left that I was going to be back...would I still get in trouble with the state of California?

Answer 1

If your parents are aware of where you're going its not illegal. Just tell them you'll be 18 soon and they can't boss you around anymore. Tell them you want to test the waters by going out on your own to prepare yourself for when you turn 18. This is on a small scale but its a beginning! You won't go before a judge as such a case is dismissed before it even gets to court or while you're in court. The State of California won't bother with you as you have the age of 18 coming up that will work in your favor! Good luck and enjoy that space.

Answer 2

its illegal since you are under the custody of your parents and no your

not yet independent unless your 18!! haha. if you are gonna, don't forget your bean bag, thanks ;)

Answer 3

Stay home is warm there

Answer 4

You have nowhere to go. Don't forget, your parents own you until you are 18, if they see you are trouble, say hello to foster care.

Answer 5

maybe if the cops ask you what your doing then yeah

Answer 6

Y'know, I'm 17 as well and I'm no expert in law, but I don't really think that your parents could press charges on you for leaving home for a while. If it's only for a weekend then you're technically not really 'running away' persay, you're just going on a trip.

Overall, if you need some space and time for whatever reason, it might be good for you to take some time for yourself. I don't know what your situation is like or home life, so don't take me too literally, but I really don't think going away for a weekend at 17 would be anything illegal. If it was it would make me laugh.

Answer 7

Illegal and stupid...

Answer 8

DONT DO THAT TO YOUR PARENTS ...LISTEN TO WHAT THEY SAY, YOU DONT SEE EYE TO EYE BECAUSE THEY WERE YOUNG ONCE ALSO... IM A FATHER OF THREE A FEW YEARS AGO I CALLED MY PARENTS ANDAPOLOGIZEDD FOR WHAT I MAY HAVE PUT THEM THREW

Answer 9

yes its illegal

Answer 10

Well, in Michigan, you can live wherever you want when you're seventeen.

However.

Don't steal a car or anything. And don't be surprised if your parents don't want you back.

=(

But no, I don't think it's illegal.

Answer 11

In texas you're considered an adult at 17, though federally you cannot be bound to any legal documents (essentially, you're not considered an adult) until age 18. However, your parents are responsible for your health and welfare until 18, so unless you can arrange for another place to live you'll have to tough it out like the rest of us.

Good luck, it seemed like 18 would never come.

Answer 12

You won't get in to trouble, they'll just try to find you and drag you back home. They'll want to know why you ran away and all that gibberish.

I ran away when I was 15, and then emancipated when I was 17. Lived on my own ever since. I live in Southern california