Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

I live in virgina and I am 18 and my 16 year old friend and I snuck out of her house past midnight. I didn't drive and a friend picked us up. Her mom called the cops and I was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile beacuse she was out past curfew. On the date of the charge I had turned 18 exactly a week before. She turned 17 four days after. I don't understand why I got charged with anything because we were spending the night together and were just hanging out with some friends. The only issue is curfew, no drugs, alcohol or anythign illegal. Do I need a lawyer?


Asked on 4/21/10, 7:52 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jonathon Moseley Moseley & Associates Law Firm

Are you in Virginia? The zip code seems to be DC. The reason I ask is that I am only licensed in Virginia and cannot give advice aobut matters in DC.

Are the charges in Virginia?

Yes, I think you need a lawyer. Remember that this could potentially get you listed on the sex offender registry (even though the "delinquency" was simply being out late).

By "curfew" are they claiming that the city has a LEGAL curfew, or her parent's famly curfew?

I believe what they are arguing is that being out past curfew is itself illegal so you got her to break the law (curfew).

So you say it "isn't anything illegal." They will argue that breaking the curfew was the illegal part.

Still, I think with a decent lawyer this should be easy to beat.

Remember that if you cannot afford a lawyer, the Court will appoint one for you.

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Answered on 4/27/10, 11:05 am


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