If charges are "on hold" and then they press charges, when I'm 18, are they dropped?

[ChanelJolley]

If charges are "on hold" and then they press charges, when I'm 18, are they dropped?

These charges were in Montana. Here's what happened: My mom kicked me out and I lived with my boyfriend for six months. She was emotionally, mentally, and at times physically abusive. One day I went to visit her because I knew she wasn't in a good place, and she jumped on my car and I thought that if I drove, she would get off. I didn't go very fast or intend on hurting her, and it didn't occur to me that if someone jumped on my car I would be charged with "criminal endangerment", a felony and two misdemeanors (PDFMA, I dont know the other one) I am 15. My boyfriend's family became my family, loved me, and took care of me and I was finally happy. Then long story short, I ended up with my dad who hasn't had much to do with me most my life. He said he never wanted to see me again due to cutting and depression. They're fighting over me for the sake of child support now, (700$ a month, my mom was still collecting it for the 6 months I was gone). The charges are now on hold, for a year and they say that the charges will be pressed if I run away. I haven't seen anything on held charges, I'm not even positive they're a real thing. So, if I run away until I'm 18, What will happen to those charges? Will they be dropped?

 

[LdiJ]

These charges were in Montana. Here's what happened: My mom kicked me out and I lived with my boyfriend for six months. She was emotionally, mentally, and at times physically abusive. One day I went to visit her because I knew she wasn't in a good place, and she jumped on my car and I thought that if I drove, she would get off. I didn't go very fast or intend on hurting her, and it didn't occur to me that if someone jumped on my car I would be charged with "criminal endangerment", a felony and two misdemeanors (PDFMA, I dont know the other one) I am 15. My boyfriend's family became my family, loved me, and took care of me and I was finally happy. Then long story short, I ended up with my dad who hasn't had much to do with me most my life. He said he never wanted to see me again due to cutting and depression. They're fighting over me for the sake of child support now, (700$ a month, my mom was still collecting it for the 6 months I was gone). The charges are now on hold, for a year and they say that the charges will be pressed if I run away. I haven't seen anything on held charges, I'm not even positive they're a real thing. So, if I run away until I'm 18, What will happen to those charges? Will they be dropped?

I am going to suggest that you speak to a school counselor or perhaps a local pastor if there are no school counselors available this time of year.

Your situation is quite serious and serious enough that it could effect you legally for the rest of your life. At the same time, it appears that you are also a 15 year old in need of serious help. An internet forum is not the place for you to get the kind of help that you need.

 

[justalayman]

If you comply with the demands out in place they say they'll drop the charges. If you break the rules they will press charges.

No, running away until your 18 will not get the charges dropped. Based on what you said it will get you prosecuted. Be smart; follow the rules. You really don't want criminal record, especially with a felon, at
This young age.

 

[ChanelJolley]

I am going to suggest that you speak to a school counselor or perhaps a local pastor if there are no school counselors available this time of year.

Your situation is quite serious and serious enough that it could effect you legally for the rest of your life. At the same time, it appears that you are also a 15 year old in need of serious help. An internet forum is not the place for you to get the kind of help that you need.

The school counselor was of no help, cps sent me with my boyfriend's family and the counselor called my mother (legal guardian) to get me

 

[ChanelJolley]

If you comply with the demands out in place they say they'll drop the charges. If you break the rules they will press charges.

No, running away until your 18 will not get the charges dropped. Based on what you said it will get you prosecuted. Be smart; follow the rules. You really don't want criminal record, especially with a felon, at
This young age.

I really can not stay here. I lost my jobs, car, home, family, and even my dogs. My dad won't let me see them and I cannot prove that he is unfit, however when I was 5, he lived with my cousin and I would go to visitation with him. The cousin raped me (multiple times), and he didn't do a thing. Another incident is when I was 8, he was drinking and showing me how to use guns.. My sister and I were quite scared of him so we locked the doors and he busted in, pulled a gun on us and laughed. I've considered emancipation, but let's face it.. It would not work.

 

[cbg]

You're out of your mind if you think running away is going to make anyone say, "Oh, well, nothing we can do," and drop the charges. Running away (i.e. flight) can, in your state, be considered evidence of guilt. That's a really good way to make them decide to prosecute you.

I know. You're thinking, "But they won't be able to find me. I'll be able to hide from them - I know how to do it and I'm too smart to get caught." Of course you are. All 15 year old think that. Don't believe it. In this day and age it's WAY too easy for them to find you and drag your runaway ass back home to juvie or worse.

 

[ChanelJolley]

I am going to suggest that you speak to a school counselor or perhaps a local pastor if there are no school counselors available this time of year.

Your situation is quite serious and serious enough that it could effect you legally for the rest of your life. At the same time, it appears that you are also a 15 year old in need of serious help. An internet forum is not the place for you to get the kind of help that you need.

I would also like to say that I am not here asking for that sort of help, I am only wondering if I have any options for myself. Unfortunately im a minor, and nobody cares about minors. I also think it is with mentioning that I have situational depression, not chronic. I'm pretty sure nobody would be happy if they had been taken away from their family, not allowed to see them, and had to live with people only because they want child support.

 

[ChanelJolley]

You're out of your mind if you think running away is going to make anyone say, "Oh, well, nothing we can do," and drop the charges. Running away (i.e. flight) can, in your state, be considered evidence of guilt. That's a really good way to make them decide to prosecute you.

I know. You're thinking, "But they won't be able to find me. I'll be able to hide from them - I know how to do it and I'm too smart to get caught." Of course you are. All 15 year old think that. Don't believe it. In this day and age it's WAY too easy for them to find you and drag your runaway ass back home to juvie or worse.

The thing is, in Montana, at 16 they do not make you return home. Also, I would prefer to face the charges than to stay here for 3 years. They don't let me see my family, and I assure you it isn't as though they care about me, because there was a fine they said they never wanted to see me again until they saw the opportunity to get custody of me and recieve child support

 

[cbg]

There is absolutely nothing in the law of Montana (or any other state) that would prohibit either your own family or law enforcement from bringing home a 16 year old, particularly one who has some very serious charges against him or her.

 

[ChanelJolley]

Can they actually just put charges on hold and choose to press charges whenever they want? It's like blackmail.

 

[cbg]

Until the statute of limitations for the particular crime in question expires, yes, they can.

 

[Shellfly]

I would also like to say that I am not here asking for that sort of help, I am only wondering if I have any options for myself. Unfortunately im a minor, and nobody cares about minors. I also think it is with mentioning that I have situational depression, not chronic. I'm pretty sure nobody would be happy if they had been taken away from their family, not allowed to see them, and had to live with people only because they want child support.

Just curious, when your licensed mental health doctor formally diagnosed you with this condition, were you prescribed any medication for it? Are you currently taking medication for this diagnosed condition of situational depression, or adjustment disorder, as it's sometimes called?

I agree with everyone else, running away, especially at your age, and having these legal issues over your head is NOT the best thing to do at the moment.

 

[CJane]

Can they actually just put charges on hold and choose to press charges whenever they want? It's like blackmail.

Of course they can. It's like a deferment program. You toe the line, the charges are dismissed. You don't, they prosecute you. And running away is the exact opposite of toeing the line.

 

[LdiJ]

One thing that I would like to know is how is it that you could register a car and drive it if you are only 15?

 

[Zigner]

Until the statute of limitations for the particular crime in question expires, yes, they can.

Charges have already been filed - SoL no longer applies.