Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

My daughter was 17 when she started seeing a 22 year old . She just turned 18 two weeks ago . I was going through her phone and found proof they were drinking together , doing drugs together , having sex , and found nude photos of the 22 yr old boyfriend . We live in Texas . Is there any way i could press charges on him with what i found in her phone ? & for her being 17 at the time ?


Asked on 8/22/14, 6:52 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Fran Brochstein Attorney & Mediator

17 is a difficult age. For criminal purposes she is an adult -- but for civil purposes she is a minor. A 17 year old can consent to sex.

But it is illegal for her to be drinking (and, of course) doing drugs. I suggest that you talk to a criminal attorney since your daughter participated in using drugs -- if you show it to the cops then she can be arrested too.

Obviously you have a serious problem in your home.

She is 18. You can kick her out with the clothes on her back -- no phone, no clothes, no furniture, no computer, etc. If she won't leave, then you will have to evict her. Feel frer to call your local policing agency (cops, constable and sheriff) and determine their local policy for this moment -- it changes from time to time. Call first to protect yourself and to let them know that you might be removing her from the home.

Then change your locks and alarm system. Often you will get broken into after you make a naughty child move. They will have their friends ransack your home & pick up her stuff. Yes, it happens all the time. Or one of her druggie friends will decide to rob you if she complains about you. Be careful.

Since she is now an adult getting her into a treatment program for drugs or alcohol might be a problem if she won't agree.

I suggest you talk to a therapist that handles drugs/alcohol for ideas on dealing with an out of control and druggie young adult.

If nothing else, you need help. It's tough watching your chid throw her life away. Unfortunately, if she is defiant or thinking you are being "square" there is no much you can do but watch her hit bottom. I've had this in my own immediate family. Watching someone on drugs & refusing to accept help or think that they have a problem is a nightmare.

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Answered on 8/22/14, 9:01 am


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