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If Child Is Arrested
If your child is arrested and taken into custody, he or she will be transported to the police station and booked. Booking consists of logging the name and the reason for the arrest in the record book. The child will also have a picture and fingerprints taken.
Next, if a minor, the child may be released into your custody. If the crime is more serious, he or she may be held in jail until arraigned. Arraignment is when the charges against the juvenile will be read, and the judge will ask how the juvenile pleads.
Juvenile court is less formal than its adult counterpart, but the accused minor is still entitled to most major constitutional rights. These rights include the right not to incriminate oneself, the right to be represented by an attorney, and the right to confront and cross-examine his or her accusers.
If your child has been arrested, find out why he or she was taken into custody and what needs to happen in order to be released. Ask that an attorney be present when your child is questioned. However, as parent or guardian, you have to agree with your child's decision to waive the right to an attorney. But remember, statements made to a law enforcement officer may be used against a juvenile. The right to an attorney should be waived only after much thought and consideration. You may wish to indicate to the police that your child no longer wishes to speak to them.
For more information on juvenile law, consult an qualified attorney.
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