leaving state

[Unregistered]

im fourteen and needing to run away with my best friend whos also fourteen. we live in michigan. i was wondering if i leave state (to cali) would the charges (if either of our parents placed any) change? i understand its a status offence but would we be fined or anything if a police officer brought us back to michigan? would police really care to take us all the way back here?

[ccsmod9]

RE: Leaving State

Hello,
We are glad you reached out. It seems like things are difficult and you feel like you need to leave. We are not legal experts, but we can speak generally. You are correct, running away is a status offense. So what that means is if your guardian files a runaway report and you had a run in with law enforcement, they would return you back home. They can file a national report where you would be in a database for all of the states and you would be returned, even if you crossed state lines. Although you may be returned home, there are no legal consequences or fines involved.

If you have further questions or need help figuring out your options feel free to call us; we are a toll free, confidential and anonymous hotline that operates 24/7. You can reach us at 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929). Good luck.

NRS