Can I get in any criminal trouble if I allow my 17 year old nephew to stay with us after running away from home?
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Can I get in any criminal trouble if I allow my 17 year old nephew to stay with us after running away from home?
My 17 year old nephew is having problems getting along with his dad and new step-mom, and he is threatening to run away. While I don’t condone the action I don’t want to push him away nor do I want to see him in a situation. He has asked if he can come stay with me, my wife and our children. I have no problem taking care of him as long as I am not breaking any laws in doing so.
Asked on June 18, 2012 under Criminal Law, Washington
Answers:
Kevin Bessant / Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You are not breaking any laws so long as your nephew is not a fugitive of the law and you are harboring him to hide him for any current crimes or criminal charges. Taking in a runaway is not against the law.
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