Penalty for haboring a runaway in NM & what to do?

[Guest]

Hi im 14 and i hate it at home mom and stepdad always fight i have some where to go if i runaway but can i get in legal trouble making this decision on my own ?

[ccsmod9]

Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. It seems there is a lot that you are faced with right now and you’re feeling like leaving is one of your only options. It seems you want to know some information on runaway laws.
While we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent permission. If you are under 18 and leave home, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway and you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions. As far as the legal trouble for you running away is a statutory offense (ex: parking ticket, etc. ) so the consequences can be minor.
We are here as support to help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).
If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Hey, I hate my dad and i wanna leave. I am still considered a minor but i have talked to a friend and she said i could stay with her if i leave. Talking to my dad about this isnt really an option at this point, is there a way i can leave without my dad's permission?

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for contacting us, it takes a lot of courage to reach out and share your story. Running away is a big decision and it can be very stressful to figure out what you want to do. We aren’t legal experts here at NRS, but generally speaking, if you do opt to leave your home your dad can file a runaway report, which is essentially a missing person report. Running away is a status offense; this means that it isn’t illegal, but it’s something you can’t do while still a minor. If a runaway report is filed and you are located by the authorities you will most likely be returned to your dad.

It’s great to hear that your friend supports you. If you go to stay at their house without prior permission from your parents/guardians, your friend (or the adult in the household) could be charged with harboring a runaway, which is a misdemeanor. Penalties for harboring a runaway vary from state to state, police officer to officer, and how your dad views the situation.

If you’d like to go over what’s going on in depth, or if you’d like to explore other options that you may have available to you, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. You can also chat us by clicking on the “CHAT” button on top of our homepage. We’re open 24/7 and here to listen and support you in any way we can.

All the best,
NRS

[Guest]

I have 17 year friend who lives here in roswell nm and she has been abused physically mentally verbally and emotionally abused and came over to my house and broke down in tears that she fears for her life and doesnt want to return home and that her mother has threatened to use her lawyer boyfriend to force complacent behaviour out of her and yet he does not help or make it better he just does nothing i am just wondering what are her options because her mother has said she will call the police and cyfd has been called 2 times on the mother for the abuse so what can i do from a legal stand point because i do not want her ro back either

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for reaching out and sharing a little about what's going on, we know that it takes a lot of courage. It sounds like you care a lot about your friend and her well being. She does not deserve to be treated that way by her mother. You mentioned that child protective services has previously been involved but yielded no results. Despite previous reports being filed a new one can always be submitted. It oftentimes is very beneficial to an investigation if your friend documents the abuse or any injuries that she may have sustained due to the abuse. If you'd like more information about reporting you can go to childhelp.org.

If your friend does choose to run away her mother can contact the police and file a runaway report, which is essentially a missing person report. Running away is a status offense; this means that it isn’t illegal, but it’s something you can’t do while still a minor. If a runaway report is filed and she is located by the authorities she will most likely be returned to her mother. Since she is 17 the police may let her stay where she is - you can try calling out to 311 to verify your local police policy on 17-year-old runaways.

Of course, it may be beneficial for your friend to contact us directly so she can go in-depth about the situation and explore options that she may have available to her. She can reach us by calling1-800-RUNAWAY. She can also chat us by clicking on the “CHAT” button on top of our homepage. We’re open 24/7 and here to listen and support in any way we can.

Stay safe,
NRS

[Guest]

I'm 16 and my parents took me out of school because they dont want me seeing my boyfriend anymore that I've been with for about a year now. I ran away from home and stayed at his house for 4 days before my parents said that if I dont go home they'd call the cops on my boyfriend's mom. Would she get in trouble because I was staying with them because I dont want to cause her problems. My parents won't let me work or go to school all because they dont want me seeing my boyfriend anymore but they dont really have that control over me anymore. I just dont want his mom to get in trouble for letting me stay with them. what should I do?

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,
Thank you for reaching out to The National Runaway Safeline and sharing with us what has been going on in your life. It can be tough having your parent’s control who you date and even taking you out of school.
We are not legal experts but we do have some knowledge of the laws. If you runaway your legal guardian does have the right to file a runaway report. If the police do find you they most likely would bring you back home because you are a minor. Whoever you stay with could get in trouble for harboring a runaway. Usually that would be a misdemeanor or a fine that they would need to pay. You could consider calling the police and explaining your situation and see what your options are. Another option to consider would be emancipation which would grant you legal rights as an adult before turning 18. You can find out more about emancipation by calling your local court house or by calling us and we can provide you with legal aid numbers.
We hope this information will be helpful to you in your situation. If you have any other questions or would like to explore options please give us a call. We are here 24/7 to listen and provide support. Best of luck!
NRS

[Guest]

Hi so im a 17 year old male in the state of new mexico and i was wondering what would happen if i were to runaway and not want to go home. I love my parents to death im just so misunderstood i even was enrolled to mesilla valley for suicide and nothing in my enviornment has changed. Its not physical its only very intense verbal arguments and the cops have been called once. As a matter of fact yesterday was when my mother called the police on me and im just tired of staying there. Before i act in anyway i wanted to get some answer as to what would happen if i runaway from home. Would i be forced to go back home or would i be able to leave with a family member without getting them in trouble.

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,

Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. It seems there is a lot that you are faced with right now, and you’re feeling like leaving is one of your only options. It seems you want to know some information on runaway laws.

While we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent permission. If you are under 18 and leave home, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway and you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions.
We are here as support to help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat at NRS. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon.

Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).
If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

What happens when a child who’s 15 runs away from the dad who has full custody, and goes to the mother?

[ccsmod4]

Thanks for contacting the National Runaway Safeline.

We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on.
Just so that you know we are not legal experts and only can provide some general legal information when it comes to someone running away or someone assisting/aiding a person running away.
Someone under 18 that leaves home, the parent/guardian may file them as a runaway and they may be returned home. Also, those that a reported runaway stays with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. Anyone found to be assisting or aiding someone to run away may also find themselves at risk legally. For more specifics on the law, you might consider contacting the local non-emergency number for the police. You might also look for a legal aid center in the area. They may be able to answer any legal questions on the subject.
If you would like to talk more in detail we are here as support to help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email to assist you.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).
Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

I'm 17 about to be 18 in February. I live in Lovington, NM. I am having terrible problems with my biological father and my soon to be stepmother, as they show bias towards me, and I feel like running away. Communicating with my Father doesn't work as he usually blows me off and he doesn't grant me the privacy I need despite me being old enough. I'm told I'm too young for certain things and I'm too old for others, and when I fall out of line the tiniest bit I get into trouble. If I were to runaway, would I get into trouble? I need to know if there's anything I can do to get away from the this toxic household, as all my belongings have been and are being stolen and nothing is being done to find out who did it, my soon to be stepsiblings have more privilege than I do, I feel as if I'm nothing but a failure due to my father telling me flat out to my face, and even "joking" about how much of a disappointment I am, everything being taken away for the tiniest little thing I did. I'm just so done trying to do anything as it seems I'd only screw up again. I need to know if I runaway, would the police care, would they force me to come back? I honestly dont ever wanna come back to this awful house I'm stuck in.

[ccsmod0]

Hi there,
Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. It seems there is a lot that you are faced with right now and you’re feeling like leaving is one of your only options. It seems you want to know some information on runaway laws.
While we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent permission. If you are under 18 and leave home, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway and you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions.
The easiest way to leave home is with your parents' permission. We understand that might be challenging, however, maybe there’s another family member, relative, or a family friend who could help to communicate how you’re feeling to your parents. The second way is through Child Protective Services if safety is a concern. Lastly, you can also look into emancipation options. In most states you need to be at least 16 to be considered and demonstrate that you can support yourself financially and independently. Emancipation often can be a lengthy process and may even cost some money for court fees. We would be happy to look into legal resources if that’s something you are considering.
We are here as support to help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button). If you would like to look into further emotional support options, you can text with a crisis worker at the National Alliance on Mental Illness 24/7 by texting "NAMI" to 741741.
If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

hi, im 17 and have been having problems with my mom for the past 3 years which resulted in me being kicked out multiple times as well as being reported as a runaway as a form of retaliation coming from my mom. i turn 18 in less than 6 months and i feel like cant deal with my mom anymore. i dont want to runaway and get any friends involved in my issues, but i feel stuck and need to get out.. please help!

[ccsmod3]

Hi there, thank you for reaching out. It sounds like you have been having issues with your mom and she has kicked you out multiple times and then reported you as a runaway. It also sounds like you want to leave, but don’t want to get any friends in trouble. The best way to legally be able to stay with a friend is with your mom’s permission, but from what you have said does not seem like she would give it. Your mom kicking you out is also a form of neglect and can be reported to Child Protective Services if you are interested in that. You deserve to be in a house where you feel safe. If you would like to discuss this more with us, please call our hotline 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or chat us online at 1800runaway.org. We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

i am a 15 year old wanting to runaway in New Mexico from my adopted parents and i have a place to stay when i run away but i want to know what the consequences will be for my friends for "harboring a runaway" in New Mexico or if its against the law and will they will face any fines?

[ccsmod3]

Hi, thank you for reaching out. It sounds like you have been experiencing verbal abuse at home and that is not okay and you deserve better. It seems like you are wanting to run away and stay with a friend and are curious if they would get in trouble or not. What we saw online for harboring charges it says “The police don't often charge people with “harboring” unless another crime is also involved”. Though we still always recommend reaching out to local police to find out what their procedure is and how they might respond as they would be able to give the best answers. If you would like to talk more about what you are experiencing or other options to help, we are here to support as best as we can. We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe,
NRS