Can A Child Be Questioned Without A Parent?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Like adults, children may refuse to talk to the police. Even with a willing child, officers and investigators must be very careful not to intimidate or influence the child. …

Police can question a child without a parent present

and are not required to obtain permission from a parent before questioning the child.

What age can a child be interviewed by police?

California law prohibits police from interrogating a child

15 or younger

in custody until the child has consulted with a lawyer. The consultation may take place in person, by telephone, or by video conference. Neither the child nor his parent may waive this consultation.

Can police question a 15 year old without parents?

No. In California,

the police may generally question minors without their parents’ consent

. But, as noted above, a juvenile interrogation must be voluntary. If a child asks to have a parent present and the request is denied, a judge may decide the child’s participation was not voluntary.

Can a police officer question a minor at school without parental consent?

No. In California,

the police may generally question minors without their parents’ consent

. But, as noted above, a juvenile interrogation must be voluntary. If a child asks to have a parent present and the request is denied, a judge may decide the child’s participation was not voluntary.

Do juveniles have Miranda rights?

Minors accused of juvenile crimes

Is it illegal to interrogate a minor?


California law prohibits police from interrogating a child 15 or younger in custody until the child has consulted with a lawyer

. The consultation may take place in person, by telephone, or by video conference.

Can a girl refuses to go to police station?


Between 6 pm and 6 am, a woman has the right to REFUSE to go to the Police Station

, even if an arrest warrant has been issued against her. And if she is arrested by a male officer, it has to be proven that a woman officer was on duty at the time of arrest.

Can a school question my child?


School staff are allowed to question students

, and are not required to contact a child’s parents before doing so. Therefore, children should be cautioned that anything they say to school staff will be used against them either in a school discipline case or a juvenile court case.

What is the most common formal sentence for juveniles?


Incarceration in a public facility

is the most common formal sentence for juvenile offenders.

Can a parent invoke Miranda for a child?

While children, like adults, may invoke their Miranda rights, the Supreme Court has found that suspects, including children, can also

waive those rights and speak to the

police so long as the waiver is knowing, voluntary and intelligent (see Fare v Michael Cand Maryland v Shatzer).

What happens when juveniles convicted of serious delinquent offenses turn 18 years old?

There are many effects that being tried as an adult can have on a juvenile. Psychological effects can be anything from

juveniles losing faith in the justice system to experiencing trauma going through adult court

and being confined in adult prisons, and that trauma can cause various emotional disorders.

Do minors have the right to remain silent?

Minors accused of juvenile crimes

How long can police hold minors?

If a juvenile commits a serious crime before age 16, then he/she can be held as a ward of the state

until the age of 21

. If the juvenile was 16 years old or more when the crime was committed, he/she may be held in custody under the previously-mentioned judicial choice of custody until the age of 25.

What to do if you can’t cope with your child?

  1. Do what feels right. …
  2. Do not give up. …
  3. Be consistent. …
  4. Try not to overreact. …
  5. Talk to your child. …
  6. Be positive about the good things. …
  7. Offer rewards. …
  8. Avoid smacking.
Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.