Well, this morning at 5:45 as usual, I went out for a jog as I'm used to. I do it at 5:45 because during the time I have school I wouldn't have time if it was later than that. Well during my jog, a police car pulled up and a police man came out of the car, and asked me how old I was and I said 13. He then told me he would need to take me down to the station and asked me where I lived and I pointed to my house as I usually don't go far from there. I didn't understand what was going on at all. He then called my parents at the station, fined them 300 dollars and then told them about the youth curfew which apparently is(without an adult):
11 and under = 10pm - 7am
12-15 = 11pm - 7am
16 and 17 = 12pm - 7am
I never knew that and neither did my parents and well I don't think the curfew was fair or the fact that I had to go to a police station for being out early in the morning running close to my house and that my parents were fined 300 dollars. And I thought they wanted youth tobe active
2007-07-03 21:23:57 · 29 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Adolescent
Wow, that's hard to believe.
Fair or not, it's the law where you live. It's there to keep you safe, not just keep troublemakers off the streets. Imagine if the car that drove up wasn't a cop, but a pedophile. He could have possibly taken you without a trace.
Ask one of your parents to join you for your morning jog from now on, if you can't find a better time (after dinner, perhaps?). I think it's great that you're taking care of yourself and getting exercise, so I hope this hasn't deterred you from keeping your routine up.
2007-07-03 21:30:30 · answer #1 · answered by 1M9 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds ridiculously unfair! 7:00 A.M. is not that early in the morning. Most juvenile delinquents have gone to bed by then. I think the curfew should end at 5:00 A.M. What if you had a job in a bakery? They start baking much earlier that 7. I hope your parents can fight this. You sound like a very nice young lady that cares about school, fitness, and being safe. I can't imagine them taking you to the police station right in front of your house. If the curfew is that early though, then they were doing their job, although I think they should have just let you go, not even talk to you because it would have been painfully obvious that you were exercising ,not jacking cars. Maybe you will get your story in the paper and can cause this ridiculous curfew changed!
2007-07-04 04:39:05 · answer #2 · answered by checkthisout! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the cop was in a bad mood and missed Dunkin' Donuts that morning. I know that teenagers have curfews but as to what time and etc.. I don't have a clue. Your parents could try fighting it because they didn't know but it's not a guarantee they'll win. You have to see it from the police officers point of view and from a judges. They're gonna be wondering what parent would allow their 13 year old to be out at 5:45 in the morning. It's not safe either and that's another thing they'll probably bring up. Either way good luck : )
2007-07-04 05:10:46 · answer #3 · answered by glittereyedg 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most states have a curfew law. Some dont try to enforce it but others do. The fine seems hefty but the curfew itself has probbly been around longer then you have been alive. In my home town for instance the weather sirens go off at 10pm each night .. any child under 13 must be in their own yard or accomanied by an adult after the sirens go off. they actually do enforce this is my town. The fine however is $25 and 3 hours community service.
2007-07-04 11:00:53 · answer #4 · answered by kitkat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son is 17 and has a drivers liscense and even he cannot drive legally between midnite and 6 am unless its a medical emergency or for school! The city puts a curfew in place so that it protects you believe it or not! Alot of kids dont obey it- but those r usually the ones in trouble! What can u do at 2 in the morning thats NOT causing problems? lol True u were just jogging but alot of times women and girls are jogging when they are hurt or robbed or kidnapped so he really was just looking out for you darlin!
2007-07-04 19:57:26 · answer #5 · answered by cstinkerbell6969 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the penalty is a little harsh. I believe a warning would have been in order and not such a hefty fine. I don't know what your neighborhood is like, but I am sure one reason the curfew is in effect is to protect you. Not saying I agree with it, just someone at some time offered up the idea, people voted on it, and now you have to live with it unless,
you take up the matter to a new vote to change the current law
2007-07-04 05:15:10 · answer #6 · answered by John P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well the $300 was TRULY UN`fair !! ? !! Unless you've been caught outside the block or street in`which you reside !!But if it was the first you've even been confronted by the law about this!?! and if you've never had any curfew violations before.. I'd like to say that they should've let you off with a ..?.. I was going to say/type: [stern-warning]!! But I guess that was the warning!?! But then`again.. If you think long & hard about it... You might be both thankful & greatful for it happening like it did !?! I say this because: It takes but a momment to grab some female that's anyplace alone!! cover her mouth,drag her maybe into some woods,bushes,in that persons car!! If they do'nt first hit you in the head knocking you out just so they can rob,rape,cannibalize!?! & it may be a thing where your family may feel or think that you just may have ran into a buddy,friend,classmate!?! if they know that you go out jogging in the mornings !?!& if that had taken place; Do you know how much trouble & or heartache that may have put to pain more than just your family & or friends !?!I happen to know some people that might literally CRY!! if they may have heard about this on perhaps
2007-07-04 05:15:56 · answer #7 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He should have just take you home and give you a warning... because this is was the 1st time and obviosly u didn't know... neither ur parents. I can't believe he took you all the way to the station just for that... I hope the other police officers made fun of him for making such a big deal on your cituation.
sorry to hear this... Good luck on ur active sports between 11pm-7am!!
2007-07-07 12:24:56 · answer #8 · answered by ♥becauseisme♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That totally sux!
I have heard of bureaucrats gone nuts before this but never something so fundamental as to restrict the right to exercise young minds and bodies. I think you should challenge the fine in court... write to a whole heap of gyms for some sponsorship and big business.. write to the mayor... you local member of parliament .. there is an obesity epidemic and some fat donut eating policeman who has no discretion has taken community based law.. established to stop youths from loitering around late at night to prevent trouble but has turned it on so he could pick on a single individual.. one who is obviously jogging.. obviously alone.. obviously not creating any nuisance... and for what purpose and what gain? To raise $300 of revenue... shame... shame on them.. Sack that local government.. and quick... get it in the news... idiots run the country.
Rally up the protestors. My 60's generation would never have stood around for such a rediculous application of legislated law... and judges are from that generation..... put them to the test. Get some smart lawer to turn the words around. Legislation is always pin-holed and once you pull at a thred and pick at it.. you can find a way to twist it so that such innocence is protected. Judges and lawyers are good at spinning words.. and some policemen are just plain mean... and should find themselves another vocation... they let the criminals go about their business and pick on some poor kid instead.
What a total disgrace.
2007-07-04 05:36:27 · answer #9 · answered by Icy Gazpacho 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
well i guess they have the curfew in place for a good reason ignorance of the law is not and excuse but at the same time this was your first offense and you told them you didn't know about it and you were out jogging for goodness sake its not like you were doing anything wrong. they should have let you off with a warning instead.
2007-07-04 04:31:11 · answer #10 · answered by fairy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋