What Will Happen if I Run Away at 17

[Valval]

My question involves juvenile law in the State of: Oregon. I'm 17 years old and I live in the state of Oregon. My mom has been verbally and sometimes physically abusive since I was old enough to talk, but only towards me, not my brothers. I'm exactly 5 months away from being 18 years old, but I really need to go now. I want to run away with my boyfriend (who is 18) and if we go we both know we would go to Tennessee because that's where all his family is. I am very safe with him and his family. I'm still in school but I have the option of doing a 6 month online program and still getting my highschool dimploma. I'm afraid to call a local police station to find out what will happen. If I go and my parents file a runaway report, will the police search for me or will they only bring me back if I'm found unintentionally.? I do not want to be taken to a juvenile or foster home. I'm a good student, and a good kid. I've never been in trouble with the law, I get good grades, and obey rules. I also want to know if my boyfriend would get in trouble.

[cbg]

Given the circumstances you're describing, your boyfriend could end up in Federal prison.

If you wait the five months, you can go anywhere you want, no one can stop you, and no one can get into trouble with the law. As long as you are even one minute under 18, if you cross state lines with your boyfriend he is not only facing charges, he is facing Federal charges. And that is not pretty. We're not talking the county jail - we're talking big-boy prison.

[Valval]

What if I left and was not found until after 18 years old. What kind of trouble would either one of us be in?

[cbg]

Your turning 18 does not make his crossing state lines with you when you're 17 any less illegal.

[cdwjava]

Your boyfriend's crime would be the same whether you are 18 or not. If he assists you, aids you, or protects you as you flee your parents or cross state lines for illicit purposes, he can go to jail or prison.

Best to wait the next five months. Finish school, then walk out the door with whatever your parents will allow you to take. After that, you can go play house and make babies in Tennessee.

[CourtClerk]

But as I say.... just be prepared for the door not to open when you walk out of it. The chances that Romeo is going to be there 5 years from now is slim to none.

You'll need somewhere to live after that, and your mother's house won't be it.