When you Turn 18 There are many important issues to be aware of when you turn 18. The following are some of the most important ones:

Legal Adulthood At the age of 18, you are now a legal adult. Decisions you make have much further reaching consequences than when you are a minor. Your parents are no longer legally responsible for you.

Contracts You can now enter into a legally binding contract. Your signature can now be enforced by the law and you can be mandated to follow through with what you sign, SO READ EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU SIGN IT. Most contracts have a 3 day rescinding time frame. Car sales do not.

Relevant Legally Binding Contracts Buying and selling property (Real Estate) Stocks Marriage Lawsuits Wills Medical Treatment Military Service

Court System You are no longer protected by the juvenile court system. You will now be tried as an adult regardless of the crime.

Driving and Curfews You do not need parental consent or any formal drivers training to obtain a license. The 6 month rule is now reduced to 2 weeks. You no longer have a curfew.

Tickets You are now responsible for all of your driving tickets as well as carrying insurance. Not having insurance is a violation of the law. Additionally, you are personally responsible for any accidents you are involved in and can be sued in your own name.

Alcohol Possessing or consuming alcohol, even away from a vehicle, can result in loss of your license. Drinking and driving will have far reaching consequences that will stay with you for a long, long time.

Moving Out Renting an apartment requires signing a lease. If you do not pay your rent on time, you will be given a “3 day notice to pay.” If you do not pay, your landlord can begin the eviction process. Your landlord is required to keep the premises in “reasonable conditions.” However, you are required to pay for anything you damage.

“Having Fun” You can be given a “disturbing the peace” ticket for any of the following: -fighting -playing loud music -rowdy behavior -parties You can be given a trespassing ticket for “crashing a party.”

Hazing Hazing: Any method of initiation into a student organization which is likely to cause physical harm or personal degradation. Hazing is punishable by up to a $5000 fine, jail time, and potential civil damages.

Drugs Possession of drugs is a felony charge. These drugs can include marijuana, LSD, heroin, cocaine, barbiturates, steroids, and some prescription medications. The first offense is usually referral to a treatment program. The maximum penalty is up to a $50,000 fine and five years in prison. If under the age of 21, your license can be suspended for up to one year.

Sex Consequences for sex with a minor are severe, even if the sex is with consent. Statutory rape will require to to register as a sex offender. It can carry fines and prison time.

Pregnancy Males who get females pregnant can be required to pay child support until the child is 18. This law applies even if you don’t want the child, or even if the girl lied about protection.

Military Service The Military: All 18 year olds must register with selective service in order to qualify for federal and state financial aid, and certain job training. Register at sss.gov Failure to do so can represent penalties up to five years in prison and fines up to $250,000.

Weapons A handgun cannot be purchased until the age of 21 and requires a gun license in which there is a 7 day waiting period. It is illegal to leave a loaded gun where a child can have access or possess any firearm within a thousand feet of a school. Additionally, it is illegal to possess any of the following: blackjack, billy club, explosives, switchblades, stun guns, tasers, or metal knuckles.

Hunting If you are going to hunt, you need a hunting license, plus a certificate of competence regarding “hunting safety.”

Summary Decisions you make now at 18 carry further reaching consequences than under the age of 18. Your parents cannot bail you out and you are not protected by the juvenile justice system. Make wise choices and remember that things that seem harmless at the time can last a life time if you are not smart. Make wise choices and stay away from dangerous situations.