Can law enforcement interrogate a minor without an adult present
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Can law enforcement interrogate a minor without an adult present
My wife is accused of letting a 20 year old man have sex with our 13 year old daughter. My wife could not be present because she was listed as an offender in the case. However, my daughter was interviewed and recorded by a sexual abuse caseworker at school and by a county investigator. I’m her father and was not asked for my permission to interview or record her.
Asked on December 1, 2016 under Criminal Law, Arkansas
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
It is perfectly legal for the police to question a minor who is not in custody without a parent being present and without thier consent. This often happens when an officer has a reasonable belief that a minor has violated the law. In that case, the officer can detain the minor in order to conduct an investigation. Further, during this initial detention the police are not required to let the minor call their parents. However, if the minor is in custody then they do have have the right to call their parents and have their them present during questioning. Typically, custody means arrest but if a child is questioned at school it has been argued successfully that this constitutes "custody". Basically, anytime that the minor's Miranda rights are implicated they have a right to speak with their parents and have them present. That having been said, since your daughter was more of a victim then a perpertator in the alleged incident, that might make a difference in this situation as well. At this point, you should consult with a criminal law attorney on your daughter's behal; they can best advise you both further.
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