One type of criminal charge that you might encounter without ever expecting it is a charge of harboring a runaway. This is a serious criminal charge that you don't want on your record, so it's important to take the necessary precautions to avoid a charge of this nature. And, should you get charged with harboring a runaway, you need to speak to a criminal defense attorney promptly. A scenario that could potentially lead to this charge is when a friend of your teenager comes to visit and asks to stay for a few days. On the surface, this might seem like an innocent request akin to having a sleepover, but it's also possible that the teen has run away and is hiding from his or her parents and the authorities. Here are some steps to take before you consent.

Call the Parents

A teen who has run away from home and wants to live with you for a few days might be quick to tell you that his or her parents are aware of the teen's whereabouts, but you should never take this answer for granted. It's appropriate for you to call the teen's parents and confirm that they know that the teen wants to stay over at your house and that they're okay with this idea. If the teen's parents are divorced, it's smart for you to call both parents to ensure that they're on the same page.

Check Online

If a teenager has run away from home, his or her parents and friends will almost always take to social media to ask for help with finding the teen. All you need to do is search on a social media site such as Facebook for the teen's name. If you're unsure of the teen's full name—perhaps because he or she uses a nickname—don't be afraid to ask to see the teen's ID so that you can search for him or her correctly. A few simple searches on social media can indicate whether people are discussing that the friend may be missing.

Contact the Police

If you're somehow unable to perform the above steps or are unsatisfied with the answers that you've received, don't be afraid to call the local police department's non-emergency number. Explain your situation and ask if the police department has received a missing persons report for the teen, which is something that parents often do when their teen runs away from home. If you've thoroughly performed all of these steps and there are no red flags, it's a safe assumption that the teen isn't a runaway—so you can safely and legally have him or her stay with you.