When You Become 18: A Survival Guide for Teenagers
Funded by the California Bar Foundation
Congratulations. At age 18, you've reached an important milestone. You are now ad adult in the eyes of the law. You can rent your own apartment, take charge of your finances and even buy a car on your own - all without a parent's consent or assistance. You can now enter into legal contracts and vote in elections. In short, you now have the right to take many important decisions about where you live, what you do and how you shape your future.
But adulthood also brings new responsibilities for paying your own income taxes. If you are a young man, you must register for the military. And if you commit a crime, you will not have the protection of the juvenile court and laws; you could wind up in jail or something that, at a younger age, might have resulted in no more than a stern lecture and a ride home in a police car.
This guide touches on some of the laws that may apply to you at this turning point. Keep in mind that laws are constantly subject to change. If you have a specific legal problem, you may want to consult an attorney.