Tennessee Juvenile Legal Questions

You need to immediately take your evidence to the police department and file a report. Criminal charges are generally brought as the state versus the person. If they are not helpful, there is a procedure where you yourself can go to a magistrate, but the better way to prosecute is through the police and the state prosecutors... Read Answer

Were you and/or your son appointed an attorney for the truancy case? Sullivan House is, I think, considered more of a mental health/counseling situation than a lockdown. I'm sure it feels like a lockdown punishment, but I don't think the State of Tennessee considers it one.  In my experience, program length can have to do with how well somebody adapts to the program. If your son is not taking too well to it, that may be why his time got extended. Your son's attorney would know if there is any legal step that can be taken, or if your son just simply has to complete the program. Juvenile Delinquency is different from adult criminal cases. Technically, once a chiid is delinquent, the Court can hold them unti they are not a child anymore. A '30 day' charge for an adult can lead to a lot more than 30 days for a child.... Read Answer

Tennessee has a unique legal statute on emancipation. The minor may have a next friend petition for the removal of the disabilities of minority in the chancery court in the county the minor resides. So, courthouse.   The petition must state, among other things, the reason on which the removal of the disability is sought. If a decree is rendered removing the disability of a minor, the decree will be rendered for a specific purpose and the purpose will be stated in the decree. The decree may be for the partial removal of the disability to enable the minor to do some particular act or for the general removal of the disability. I think this petition will require an attorney's help.   If general emancipation is granted, the minor will have all of the rights of an 18 year old, including the right to contract, sue and be sued, and buy and sell property. The court then decides on the Emancipation, and no minimum age is specified (§29-31-101 et seq.)... Read Answer

vacating the capias means that a warrant the court issued for nonappearance has been called back. Notice of a court date a year away sounds unusual, I’m sure you have carefully looked at the date but take another look. Maybe call the clerk of court and make sure your notice doesn’t have a typo... Read Answer