BECOMING 18 YEARS OLD

When you turn 18 years old, the law looks at you differently.

They expect you to know the law and abide by it.

Before going into some of the new rules, responsibilities and privileges, there are a few things you should consider.

Sorry officer I made a mistake

When being questioned by the Police the best thing you can do is be polite.

The Police might give you a warning if you are polite, but will surely write you up if you argue with them.

There are things you need to know:

"Life is not always fair."

"Sometimes the good guys lose."

“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t true.”

There are lots of people and businesses that want to take advantage of you.

There is no such thing as a free lunch.

When in doubt, check it out.

“Ignorance of the law is no excuse.”

The police expect you to know right from wrong.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” If you wouldn’t want it done to you, don’t do it to them.

The following are some things that will be different once you turn 18.

Part A


You can now vote.

  • If you are a US citizen.
  • Registered to vote 30 days before the election.
  • Not in prison, on parole for a felony.

You have to register for the Selective Service if you are a male.

You are no longer a minor, you are now an adult.

You lose the protection of the juvenile court system.


Committing a crime can cost you a fine or place you in the county jail or state prison.

You must pay state and federal income taxes.

You do not need a work permit and can perform any legal occupation and work any hours.

You can be independent of your parents.

Your parents are not legally required to support you.

 You can make a contract.

You can sue or be sued for damages or failure to fulfill a contract.


  • Your signature is your word that you’ll honor the contract.

Caution :Do not sign unless you understand the contract completely. Be sure you keep a complete signed copy of the contract.

Contracts are for:

  • Installment payments.
  • Loans.
  • Apartment rental.
  • Equipment rental.
  • Employment.
  • Insurance.
  • Medical payments.
  • Work to be done.
  • Services such as phone, garbage, utilities, etc.

You can rent an apartment or house.

  • You can be held to a lease, even if you have to move.
  • If you break a lease, you could be responsible for:
  • All unpaid rent.
  • Advertising expenses and other costs of re-renting.
  • Any physical damage, including cleaning.
  • Attorney fees
  • You should have everything in writing.
  • You should buy renters insurance.
  • You are responsible for damage you do to the property.
  • You are responsible for health concerns due to sanitary conditions.
  • You cannot cause disturbance to your neighbors.
  • You must allow the landlord access to the premises upon 24-hour notice.
  • Must pay rent on time or landlord can give you three days notice to leave.
  • You must give one-month notice before moving out.


You can get car insurance.

  • Must have a driver’s license to drive on public streets.
  • You have liability for your own traffic violations or accidents.
  • Must have proof of insurance.
  • Have proof of registration and ownership (pink slip) to sell a vehicle.


Part B

You can enlist in the military without your parent’s permission.

  • You may have to go to war.

You can be charged with rape even if it is a friend or date.

You can be charged with sexual harassment for offensive remarks, gestures or advances.


Know the different levels of crimes.

  • Felonies are the most serious and can result in commitment to state prison.
  • Misdemeanors are less serious crimes and cannot result in commitment to state prison, but rather sent to county jail for not more than one year.
  • Infractions are traffic tickets for which you may have to pay a fine or have your license suspended.


Speed contests with another vehicle or speeding over 100 mph is a misdemeanor.


Evading arrest is punishable with a fine up to $1,000 and/or jail up to 6 months.

  • Evading with willful and wanton disregard (disregard for safety of persons or property) you could be fined up to $2,000 and/or up to 1 year in jail.
  • If a death is involved you could get up to a $10,000 fine and/or up to 4 years in prison.
  • If arrested, after identifying yourself, you have the (Miranda Warning) right not to speak to anyone without your attorney present. If you can’t afford an Attorney, one will be appointed for you.


  • “Three Strikes and You’re Out” means if you are convicted of two violent felony crimes and then you commit a third felony (violent or non-violent) you will go to prison for twenty-five years to life.


You can be required to serve as a juror, unless you:

  • Are related to or know someone involved in the case.
  • Have financial interest in the case.
  • You are biased or prejudiced.
  • It will cause undue hardship.
  • You are not a US citizen.
  • You are unable to read.
  • You have been convicted of a felony.


Part C

You can marry without consent of your parents.

  • You need to know about community property laws:
  • All assets and wages earned or obtained during the marriage belong equally to both man and wife.
  • You are equally responsible for bills and liabilities acquired by your spouse.

You can get a divorce through the courts.

You must pay child support if you do not take care of the minor children for the majority of the time.


Your parental rights can be terminated if:

  • You have abandoned the child.
  • There is a continual need for protection or services for the child.
  • You become incompetent or severely disabled.
  • Show continual abuse.
  • Failure to assume parental responsibility.


Banking and financial matters become your responsibility.

  • You can get a credit card.
  • You need to pay a minimum amount of the balance each month. Interest on the unpaid balance is usually very high for credit cards.
  • Parents do not have to help you out when you get in debt over your head.
  • If the card is stolen and you don’t report it, you could be responsible for up to $50.00 of the charges.
  • You begin a bad credit history when you are late or don’t pay the minimum amount.
  • You can get a checking account.

You can buy a rifle or shotgun, (21 years for handgun).

  • You must wait 15 days.
  • You can’t be a convicted felon.
  • Leaving a loaded gun in a place where a child can have access to it is illegal.
  • Using tear gas weapons like pepper spray is a felony except in self-defense.


You can now buy tobacco.

  • It is unlawful to sell or give any tobacco product to minors under 18.