14 In Utah

[Guest]

I'm 14 and content on running away only because emancipation wouldn't work considering my parent would never agree to it. I was wondering if I were to want to get my ID when I'm 18 would I still be able to be considered a legal adult and live freely? Also, if another person was wanting to come with would there be any negative consequences for that person and myself?

[ccsmod0]

Hello,
Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). It sounds like you have some questions regarding if the police would still look for you if you runaway and turn 18. To our knowledge the age of majority in most states is 28. This means that once you are 18 you are no longer considered a child and are able to come and go freely as you choose. Until you are 18 you would still be considered and minor. Leaving home without parental consent (running away) is not a crime, so the police will not arrest you. If you do leave home without permission your guardian does have the right to file a runaway report. Running away is not a crime it is a status offence (something that only a minor can get in trouble for: truancy, buying cigarettes, etc.) this means that if you have any interaction with the police they will simply return you home. On the other hand the people that you are found to be staying with could face legal consequences that vary depending on your state. You can find out more about how runaway’s reports are carried out by contacting your local police department. If you would like we could contact your local non-emergency number for you or with you. Just give us a call and one of our trained liners would be happy to assist you. 1-800-786-2929
We hoped this helped and if you would like to discuss your situation in greater detail then you can always give our hotline a call or you can chat with us on our website. We hoped this helped and we look forward to hearing from you.