[Trio3b]

My question involves juvenile law in the State of: Texas

Caught 18 yr old boyfriend of my 17 yr old daughter in the house. He is NOT allowed. Called police. First squad car arrived AFTER he snuck back out. They informed me that next time I catch him to notify him that I intend to charge him with criminal trespass.

30 min. later he's in front of the house ringing the phone off the hook. I call the police again and this time a different officer arrives, catches the bf and I meet them out front. I tell the officers that I wish to pursue the trespass option. Imagine my shock when I am notified that since my daughter is 17, she can invite whoever she wants into the home. She does not pay rent or any bills.

I was also advised to kick her out if I don't want the bf there. I have seen quite a few posts about emancipation or 17 yr olds moving out, but what rights do the parents have regarding their own property?

Thanks

[HawaiiMom]

I won't even pretend to know the laws in your state regarding this, but somehow I think you must have been mis-informed by the 2nd cop, and I hope you got their name and badge number. I don't know of ANY state that gives a teenager more legal rights over their parents.

In my house, I am the law as far as my underaged kids are concerned, and what we as the parents says, goes. Especially since they don't pay rent or pay any bills. And if they don't like it, they are more than welcome to turn that little knobby thing on the door, push it open and walk through, and hopefully it won't hit them you know where on the way out!

Sorry I couldn't provide any legal advice, but you most definately have my support as a fellow parent to teenagers. Good luck, and stick to your guns!

[BOR]

30 min. later he's in front of the house ringing the phone off the hook. I call the police again and this time a different officer arrives, catches the bf and I meet them out front. I tell the officers that I wish to pursue the trespass option. Imagine my shock when I am notified that since my daughter is 17, she can invite whoever she wants into the home. She does not pay rent or any bills.


Thanks

I surmise the 2nd officer was wrong, not intentionally as to say, who cares, but as a point of law.

You will, on ocassions, yes, have officer's conflict in legal opinions based on probable cause.

Texas:

§ 129.001. AGE OF MAJORITY. The age of majority in this
state is 18 years.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Until she is 18, she is a minor. I am NOT saying this age applies to criminal prosecutions, as some states set that at 17, so that is aside.

Even when she is 18, I am not saying that changes things, since she is still under your roof, but at age 17, IMO, YOU are correct.

If you are of a mind to keep him out, pay a visit to the police station yourself and file a trespass complaint and note the other officers opinion you had no legal grounds, therefore he declined to take a field report.