We all know kids like to get into trouble; it's just a part of growing up. Sometimes, this "trouble" is just a mischievous prank or a harmless nuisance. Other times it is a lapse in judgment or a serious crime they thought they could get away with. In either case, if your child ends up arrested, it could mean serious consequences that will haunt them for the rest of their life. When a minor is arrested, not only is a record made of the arrest, but also they will face criminal charges, sometimes at the adult level for crimes deemed particularly violent or serious. A criminal record will turn some youthful mischief into a branding that will stay with them for the rest of their life.

When Your Child Gets Arrested

Cops will be cops: when they arrest your child they will treat them the same as any other criminal suspect. Minors have special rights that are not entitled to adults, though they may not be aware of them when being confronted and bullied by police officers. Suppose your teenager is caught involved in some alleged criminal activity, when they are questions by the cops, they may not know that what they say can be used against them, or even that they have the right to the presence of an attorney or at the very least a parent before putting anything forward. Many juveniles that end up arrested oftentimes had no intent of any wrongdoing, and were likely just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Unfortunately, whatever their intent was, any involvement, however small, will get them into trouble with the law. Cops will try to intimidate and bully a confession or some incriminating information out of your child, regardless of their level of involvement; because of this, it is of utmost importance to keep your child informed, tell your child:

• Juveniles always have the right to remain silent. Many minors do not know that they do not have to answer or reveal anything that is self-incriminating. This is true for both police officers and school officials. Principals, teachers, or counselors are likely not familiar with police procedure, but will question students anyway while awaiting police arrival and will definitely reveal any information they obtained to the officers. It is best for your child to wait for your presence or an attorney's presence. On top of this, you should not encourage your child to answer to anything without consulting an attorney. Statements made in front of police officers can be manipulated and skewed to get charges and potentially a conviction.
• Juveniles can ask for their parents. Before the questioning can even begin juveniles have the right to ask that their parents be present before they begin making statements.
• Juveniles can ask for an attorney. Like anyone, a juvenile has the right to ask for an attorney to be present before any questioning begins. Because of their age and inexperience, your child may not know this when facing pressure from law enforcement.

When a child is facing juvenile criminal charges, it is important to get in touch with an attorney right away. There is no reason that a youthful mistake should follow your child around through their entire life. If your child is facing criminal charges, contact Steve Karimi today.