Understanding the Legal Situation When Your Teen Is Arrested Out of State

First and foremost—take a breath. This isn’t the end of the world. Arrests happen, especially among young people who are still learning life’s boundaries. But it’s serious. Whether your teen is facing charges related to underage drinking, disorderly conduct, drug possession, or even theft, the consequences could follow them home—even if it happened hundreds of miles away.

Each state has its own criminal laws, procedures, and penalties. Your child may be held in custody before a bond is set, may have to appear in court out of state, and depending on the severity of the allegations, the offense could affect their criminal record—even in Michigan.

What’s more, many spring break incidents happen in states like Florida, where laws related to alcohol and behavior, especially for minors, are strictly enforced in tourist-heavy areas. Even a prank that seems harmless can be elevated by law enforcement into a serious charge.

Common Spring Break Charges Teens Face While Out of State

Here are some of the most common offenses we see Michigan teens charged with while out-of-state:

• Underage Drinking: Many states carry strict penalties for possession or consumption of alcohol by minors.
• Fake ID Usage: Using a false identification to buy alcohol or gain entry into clubs can result in criminal fraud charges.
• Public Intoxication: Being visibly drunk in a public space can lead to arrest, even without any other misconduct.
• Disorderly Conduct: This catch-all charge covers everything from loud behavior to resisting police orders.
• Drug Possession: Even possessing a small amount of marijuana in a state where it’s illegal can result in a misdemeanor or felony, depending on quantity.
• Shoplifting or Theft: Sometimes poor judgment in souvenir shops leads to claims of theft.

The important takeaway is this: Even if the conduct wouldn’t necessarily result in arrest here in Michigan, another state may take a much more aggressive approach to charging and prosecuting young offenders. And once arrested, your teen is subject to that state’s legal process—not Michigan’s.

First Steps to Take If Your Teen Is Arrested While on Spring Break

Your teen calls you in the middle of the night: “I’ve been arrested.” What now?

1. Get the Facts

Try to collect as much information as you can. Ask them:

• What exactly happened?
• Where are they being held?
• What are the charges?
• Have they spoken with a lawyer?

If possible, write down the arresting agency, the city and county, the case number, and whether bail has been set. The more you know, the more a defense attorney can work with.

2. Remind Them of Their Rights

Before they say too much to anyone—especially law enforcement—remind your teen that they have the right to remain silent. Anything they say could be used against them later, and young people often make the mistake of trying to “explain themselves” to police. This rarely helps.

3. Contact a Local Criminal Defense Attorney

You need someone licensed in the state where the offense occurred. This attorney can help navigate the local legal system, appear in court, and advise on how to proceed. Just like you’d want an experienced Michigan attorney here at home, you need someone in the jurisdiction of the arrest who knows their stuff.

How an Out-of-State Arrest Could Affect Your Teen’s Record in Michigan

One of the biggest concerns parents have is whether a charge from another state can follow their child home. The answer: Yes, it often can.

Michigan—and nearly all other states—are part of various information-sharing compacts. An out-of-state conviction could impact your teen’s record in Michigan and hurt chances for employment, college applications, scholarships, and more.

If the crime involves driving—such as a DUI or driving on a suspended license—Michigan’s Secretary of State will likely be notified. That could lead to license suspension, points added to a driving record, or even revocation depending on the severity and whether it’s a repeat offense.

Handling the Return Home to Michigan After an Arrest

One of the trickiest parts of an out-of-state arrest during spring break is how to handle court if your teen has returned to Michigan. In most cases, a court appearance will still be required in the state where they were charged.

If your teen fails to appear, a warrant may be issued for their arrest. This could escalate a minor charge into something far more serious—and your child may be subject to extradition. Never ignore a court hearing just because it’s inconveniently located.

A good defense attorney in the charging state may be able to waive your teen’s presence for some of the court dates and resolve the case with minimal disruption. However, if the case goes to trial or requires active defense strategy, travel may be necessary.

How a Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney Can Still Help

You may be wondering: “But we live in Michigan—how does a Michigan-based defense attorney like Aaron J. Boria help in an out-of-state situation?” Let’s explain.

We help Michigan families manage this overwhelming process by working alongside licensed attorneys in the charging state. We’ve handled dozens of cases where a Michigan teen made a mistake out of town—and we’ve successfully worked with local counsel to reduce the impact at home, keep things off their record, and help families get the support they need.

If your teen is facing criminal charges from outside of Michigan, our team at Boria Law will review your case, help you understand the legal exposure, and coordinate an effective strategy. We’re your advocate here in Michigan, and we’ll keep communication open with everyone involved.

Contact Criminal Defense Attorney Aaron J. Boria at (734) 453-7806 for a free consultation.

Protecting Your Teen’s Future

The truth is, most of our clients are good kids who made a mistake. Getting drunk at a party, throwing a punch, trespassing, or even shoplifting for a dare—these aren’t acts of hardened criminals. But they can have real consequences.

In many cases, we’ve helped teens avoid convictions through diversion programs, reduced charges, and dismissed cases. Especially for first-time offenders, many courts—particularly in tourist-heavy areas—want to give young people a chance to clean up their records. But you can only get these outcomes if you act fast, get help, and take the charges seriously.

When to Reach Out for Help

If your child was arrested during spring break and is now facing criminal charges outside of Michigan, now is the time to act. Contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney is the fastest way to prevent a single mistake from becoming a lifelong issue.

We’ve helped families across Michigan who found themselves in this exact situation. We know how scary it feels, and we’re here to guide you through it—step by step.

To speak with criminal defense lawyer Aaron J. Boria, call our office today at (734) 453-7806. We offer a free consultation and will help you develop a clear plan of action.

Conclusion

A spring break arrest isn’t the end of the road—it’s a bump in the journey. Whether your teen got caught drinking underage, used a fake ID, or was involved in an unfortunate mistake, you have options. Acting quickly, hiring the right attorneys, and making the right choices now can mean the difference between a fleeting mistake and a lasting stain on your child’s record.

At Boria Law, we’re here to help Michigan families when their kids get in trouble—even when it’s hundreds of miles away. Our experience, relationships with out-of-state attorneys, and deep understanding of Michigan criminal defense law make us uniquely positioned to protect your teen’s future.

Call attorney Aaron J. Boria today at (734) 453-7806 for your free consultation. Let’s take this one step at a time—together.