Personally I believe it depends on several factors and my first question before passing judgement on you or the situation is how old are you? No she isn't legal but fact is if you are only a couple years apart in age I don't see a problem with the 2 of you being together. Now as to the main matter, there is not much you can do but she has a few options. If step-granny is abusive towards her she can report her to CPS, call the police or even run away to a safe place shelter. SHE CAN NOT RUN AWAY TO YOU! There are many places deemed to be safe place shelters and all of them have a sign posted. There is a legal way to handle this and being she is 17 years old, if they found she was being abused or in a home where there was evidence of neglect a judge could easily decide she is old enough to not have a foster family or be in the custody of any adult. Basically they would say she is an adult and give her the same rights we all get when we turn 18. If she was granted that then she could do what she wants and no one, including you could stop her. The judge is not just going judge this based on her words, the judge will look at the girls history to see how responsible she is, if she has a juvenile record or history of problems with other adults (ie her parents, teachers, other grandparents and so on) If she has a good record, stayed in school or did well in school, has worked, not been in trouble with the laws and has no history of problems with authority she stands a chance but will have to prove her case. If you are dating a 17 yr old girl who acts like she's 14 and defy's authority, is self destructive, doesn't work and/or has not attended or completed school and so on then fact is she is childish and probably needs a good butt kicking like step granny is giving her in order to make her grow up and act like a responsible adult and if you are a responsible adult that loves this girl you will do whats best for her no matter how much it hurts you and no matter how much she hates you for it. Sometimes you have to give tough love when you want the best for the people you love and if that's what she needs then stop being selfish just cause you want her with you and make her face facts and when she is 18 maybe you'll find she's a better person for it. If you feel she truly is being abused and can win a fight in court to gain her "freedom" so to speak then tell her to get the right authorities involved and handle this legally that way no one can throw you in jail for being involved with a minor. All her grandparents have to do is file charges on you and it's over buddy so be careful, she's not in charge they are at least until her birthday. Don't do anything stupid for your own sake and if you love her think about what's best for her even if it's not what you want right now.
