With warmer temperatures just around the corner and the urge to stay out late during summer break, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind teenagers that a curfew law does exist.
There are many reasons for establishing a curfew for teenagers. For just as many reasons in favor of curfews there will be objections. However, no matter the number of objections, teenagers should view the curfew law as both a moral and legal responsibility. If a teenager under the age of 18 receives a summons for violation of curfew, their parent or guardian is also required by law to appear in court.
“It shall be unlawful and a Class II Petty Offense for any person under the age of eighteen (18) years to loiter on or about any street, sidewalk, curb, gutter, parking lot, alley, vacant lot, park, playground or yard, whether public or private, without the consent or permission of the owner or occupant thereof, during the hours between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m., according to the applicable time standard then in effect for Unincorporated Douglas County, unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or other adult person twenty-one (21) years of age or older.”
This Section shall not apply, and no person shall be charged with a violation of this Section or arrested therefore, if such person was:
- In a parked, standing or moving motor vehicle while accompanied by a parent, guardian or other adult person twenty-one (21) years of age or older.
- ii. In a motor vehicle in interstate travel.
- iii. Engaged in any employment, school, religious or athletic activity or going to or returning from any such activity, or going to or from any other activities of any kind which are supervised or directed by a parent or adult person twenty-one (21) years of age or older.
- iv. Married or an emancipated minor.
To view the full County Ordnance, please see that attached document orvisit http://www.douglas.co.us/documents/o-012-002-curfew-for-minors.pdf. If you have additional questions, please contact the Community Resource Unit at 303-660-7544.