Runaway teenager (now found), potential charges from police/father

[Clockwork]

State: Virginia

This is a long story but I took my girlfriend to homecoming dance (both of us are 16). We snuck her out because her parents are extremely strict and (i dont know if this is related, but physically abusive.)

It went downhill and we were stuck in traffic around 12 o' clock as her parents called her dozens of times and she was too scared to pick up the phone.

I was dropped off at my house around 12:45 am, and immediately went to bed, no contact with anyone except my mom. I assumed my girlfriend was dropped off at her house by a mutual friend.

This said mutual friend is 20 years old and was the last person with her before she ran away. She came into a police station around 8 pm the next day, after missing a total of around 20-26 hours.

I told the police everything that I could (I was extremely worried about her) and they have yet to contact me about anything that might be charged (they thanked me for my help... ?). The mutual friend is facing potential obstruction of justice (he lied to the police to keep me out of this), and aiding/abetting a runaway charges.

My question is what charges could we be potentially face from the father (me, the mutual friend, etc)

I'm just scared... there was no sex (during the night or total), no drugs/alcohol or anything like that at the dinner/dance or any period in our relationship.

Since I'm completely new, any dumb-downed explanations would be appreciated.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[OHRoadwarrior]

I think you will find your friend is in big trouble. As long as you told the truth and your story agrees with the story everyone else tells, I suspect you will be fine.

 

[Silverplum]

The Lesson: You Aren't In Charge Of That Girl; Her Parents Are.

Teenagers =

State: Virginia

This is a long story but I took my girlfriend to homecoming dance (both of us are 16). We snuck her out because her parents are extremely strict and (i dont know if this is related, but physically abusive.)

It went downhill and we were stuck in traffic around 12 o' clock as her parents called her dozens of times and she was too scared to pick up the phone.

I was dropped off at my house around 12:45 am, and immediately went to bed, no contact with anyone except my mom. I assumed my girlfriend was dropped off at her house by a mutual friend.

This said mutual friend is 20 years old and was the last person with her before she ran away. She came into a police station around 8 pm the next day, after missing a total of around 20-26 hours.

I told the police everything that I could (I was extremely worried about her) and they have yet to contact me about anything that might be charged (they thanked me for my help... ?). The mutual friend is facing potential obstruction of justice (he lied to the police to keep me out of this), and aiding/abetting a runaway charges.

My question is what charges could we be potentially face from the father (me, the mutual friend, etc)

I'm just scared... there was no sex (during the night or total), no drugs/alcohol or anything like that at the dinner/dance or any period in our relationship.

Since I'm completely new, any dumb-downed explanations would be appreciated.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[Clockwork]

My story agreed with the mutual friends', and a few other individuals'.

The police informed him that they would try to contact the judge and drop the charges. Of course I have no idea how reliable this information is. What could be his sentence?

Is there anything the father would/could do (if i understand, this area is a huge grayscale of "if"s and "maybe"s)

 

[Silverplum]

Is there anything the father would/could do (if i understand, this area is a huge grayscale of "if"s and "maybe"s)

He can make you very, very unhappy.

Search posts in this juvie forum by "cyjeff." His "fatherly" posts are most illustrative.

 

[Clockwork]

The Lesson: You Aren't In Charge Of That Girl; Her Parents Are.

Teenagers =

haha I don't have a problem with being mocked, but I would prefer advice please. I never had the intention nor want of persuading her to run away, nor did I think myself as a superior replacement of her parents at any point in time (if that's what you're implying I was thinking.)

 

[Proserpina]

haha I don't have a problem with being mocked, but I would prefer advice please. I never had the intention nor want of persuading her to run away, nor did I think myself as a superior replacement of her parents at any point in time (if that's what you're implying I was thinking.)

Oh but you absolutely did have the intent of encouraging her against the wishes of her parents to leave the home.

Dad can file (and frankly should) to obtain restraining orders against all of you. And he'll get them.

And then no girlfriend for you. (Well, at least not his daughter anyway)

 

[Clockwork]

Alright then. I made a mistake and I pay the price.

What does this restraining order mean (apart from the obvious) for me in the long run, concerning academic pursuits and employment?

 

[asiny]

Alright then. I made a mistake and I pay the price.

What does this restraining order mean (apart from the obvious) for me in the long run, concerning academic pursuits and employment?

Nothing. Just means there will be a restriction regarding you, and your proximity to her. Although it might prove difficult to enforce in a school setting.

 

[mistoffolees]

I'm just scared... there was no sex (during the night or total), no drugs/alcohol or anything like that at the dinner/dance or any period in our relationship.

And, of course, you don't know that. You can say that YOU didn't have sex, but you don't know what happened after she left you.

I think you've gotten the best advice you can get. You will probably not get in trouble, but the parents may very well get a restraining order preventing you from ever being near the girl again. And that would probably not have any long term consequences.

If they do charge you with something, you should probably get an attorney. If someone thinks that you were involved in kidnapping the girl, the charges could be VERY serious. It doesn't sound like it will go there, but if it does, GET AN ATTORNEY.

Meanwhile, you should not be talking to anyone about it. If asked to speak to the police again, I might even be tempted to have an attorney there.

 

[Clockwork]

Thanks for the advice.

The last time the police spoke to me was on Sunday night when she came into the station. I have had no contact from her family or the authorities since then.

kipnapping: okay I'm worried. How would this fit the legal definition of kidnapping? Not arguing a point but just wondering, as I'm so unfamiliar with these things...

 

[mistoffolees]

Thanks for the advice.

The last time the police spoke to me was on Sunday night when she came into the station. I have had no contact from her family or the authorities since then.

kipnapping: okay I'm worried. How would this fit the legal definition of kidnapping? Not arguing a point but just wondering, as I'm so unfamiliar with these things...

If your story is correct, then YOU are not guilty of kidnapping, but the 'friend' might be. If someone alleges that you and 'friend' together concocted the scheme so 'friend' could take the girl, then you could be charged as an accessory.

Now, I don't think that's likely and there's probably not a lot to worry about at this point, but follow my advice. Do not talk with ANYONE about it and if the police ask to talk with you again, consult with an attorney to see if the attorney wants to be there during your meeting with the police. And if you're charged with anything, see an attorney IMMEDIATELY.

Oh, and btw, you may not be able to see your GF until she's 18.

 

[cyjeff]

He can make you very, very unhappy.

Search posts in this juvie forum by "cyjeff." His "fatherly" posts are most illustrative.

Holy crap, I'm Famous!

 

[sbrooks]

Oh but you absolutely did have the intent of encouraging her against the wishes of her parents to leave the home.

Dad can file (and frankly should) to obtain restraining orders against all of you. And he'll get them.

Really? I mean I understand that legally you're right, but I hardly think filing a restraining order is normal disciplinary action. I mean I grew up in a pretty strict family and didn't really give my folks a whole lot of reasons to punish me so maybe I'm a little sheltered, but with how often that's mentioned on here you'd think people were getting restraining orders left and right. It doesn't sound like anything more than teenage rebellion gone a little to far - and chances are it'll get treated that way.

 

[Proserpina]

Really? I mean I understand that legally you're right, but I hardly think filing a restraining order is normal disciplinary action. I mean I grew up in a pretty strict family and didn't really give my folks a whole lot of reasons to punish me so maybe I'm a little sheltered, but with how often that's mentioned on here you'd think people were getting restraining orders left and right. It doesn't sound like anything more than teenage rebellion gone a little to far - and chances are it'll get treated that way.

I'm not about to speak for the father; we have no idea how he'll deal with the situation.

However I know what I would do if I discovered two people - one an adult - had encouraged and kept my minor child out overnight without my consent.

(Yes, I'm legally correct. )