Parents often worry about what happens if their child is questioned by the police. A common concern is whether officers can talk to a minor without a parent present. In Missouri, the answer is yes, police are allowed to question a minor without a parent or guardian there. However, certain legal protections apply to ensure the child’s rights are respected.
Do Minors Have to Answer Police Questions?
Just like adults, minors have the right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer before answering questions. If a minor is in police custody and being questioned, officers must inform them of these rights through a Miranda warning, which includes the right to stay silent and the right to an attorney.
Missouri law does not require a parent or guardian to be there during questioning. However, courts take the child’s age, understanding, and experience into account when deciding whether their statements can be used in court. If a judge believes the minor didn’t fully understand their rights, anything they said to the police may not be allowed as evidence.
What Should a Minor Do If Police Want to Question Them?
Minors, like adults, have the right to refuse to answer questions without a lawyer. It’s important for parents to teach their children about this right so they don’t feel pressured into saying something that could be used against them later.
Why You Should Speak to a Lawyer
If your child has been questioned by police or is facing charges, it’s important to get legal help right away. A lawyer can make sure their rights are protected and prevent any unfair treatment.
At Kranitz, Sadoun & Carpenter, we have experience handling juvenile cases in Missouri and are dedicated to helping families through difficult situations. If your child needs legal protection, contact us today to discuss your options.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘭𝘢𝘸𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘶𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪 𝘭𝘢𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦. 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺.