Is a parent required to provide an attorney to a 19 year old child?
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Is a parent required to provide an attorney to a 19 year old child?
My son was arraigned on 2 violations and 2 misdemeanors. What happens if we do not get him a lawyer?
Asked on September 16, 2011 under Criminal Law, New York
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
A parent of a 19 year old is under no obligation to provide them with an attorney or anything else for that matter. Once they reach their 18th. birthday they are an adult in the eyes of the law. That having been said, your son needs to have legal counsel here; he is facing misdemeanor charges to which jail time may attach.
If you are unwilling or unable to help him retain a lawyer, then he may be appointed one by the court, depending on his income.
The fact is that having an attorney will be of the most benefit to him. An experienced criminal law attorney may be able to have some of the charges thrown out or at least reduced.
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