Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois

18 yr old dependent rights

There was a fight at home. My mom hit me and i pushed her in retaliation. My dad came in and threw me across the room (not the first time), i started screaming. He started choking me to get me to stop. Parents thought neighbors would hear and call the police so they called instead- thought it would look better to the police if they called. Police came and told me that b/c i was living in their house, despite being 18 they had the right to punish me- they didn't believe me about my dad's abuse towards me. They left by giving me a warning that if it happened again I would go to jail.

What rights do I have in this situation? I was protecting myself! By living in their house, do i lose all of my rights?! The police were jerks and didn't listen to anything I said. My parents' idea worked great for them- by calling the police themselves they didn't look like the predators at all, I did. What could I have possibly done in this situation? What are my legal rights?


Asked on 8/04/07, 12:59 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Joseph Michelotti Michelotti & Associates, Ltd.

Re: 18 yr old dependent rights

Next time he hits you, call the police first.

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Answered on 8/04/07, 2:05 am
George Zuganelis Zuganelis & Zuganelis, Attorneys at Law, P.C.

Re: 18 yr old dependent rights

I have been a criminal defense lawyer for 29 years and a father for 19 years. I can tell you that you did something to set off your parents. A parent has the right to reasonable corporal punishment. If you don't like their rules, move out. Otherwise, follow the rules and you'll find your life easier.

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Answered on 8/06/07, 4:59 pm


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