As a parent, finding out that your child was arrested can be overwhelming and stressful. Whether your son or daughter is a juvenile or an adult, knowing what to do first in these circumstances can be of the utmost importance, making sure their rights remain protected and that they have the best possible outcome.
Although receiving a call from the authorities about a loved one with distressing news of an arrest can be anxiety-inducing, planning ahead and understanding how to help your child after they’ve been arrested in California can make all the difference in navigating the challenges a situation like this brings.
Knowing when to step in and aid your young ones versus knowing when to back away and let them deal with the consequences of their actions can certainly be one of the most difficult things to determine when you’re a parent. However, as important questions as a matter of law arise, reaching out to a trusted and experienced legal professional can be an invaluable source of support.
YES, YOU SHOULD CALL AN ATTORNEY
If your child was arrested, “Should I hire an attorney?” was probably one of the first questions that came to mind. The answer is a resounding yes. A criminal defense attorney can provide expert guidance to your kin, ensuring their rights as a minor are not violated if they are less than 18 years of age.
Should it be your teenage offspring that was arrested for an impulsive mistake, you need to do everything in your power to help them avoid serious, long-term consequences, particularly if this was their first time in trouble.
If your child is over 18, the legal process will be different, and they may be tried as an adult in court. Regardless of their age, having a qualified attorney on their side is crucial when answering questions from law enforcement and going through a formal legal journey.
Understanding your rights as a parent and your child’s legal rights, whether it’s in juvenile court or facing the possibility of being tried as an adult, can prevent costly mistakes that could impact their future.
MAKE THIS A LEARNING LESSON
Your child was arrested. Now what? Hiring a criminal defense attorney is a proactive approach, primarily affording protection of their best interests and safeguarding their rights. However, it can transform this experience into a valuable learning lesson as well, serving as a tool of prevention against repeating the same mistakes that got your youngster into trouble in the first place.
Young people often don’t realize that a criminal record follows them for years, affecting their education and employment opportunities. If they are re-arrested, the consequences could be even more severe. Encouraging your son or daughter to reflect on their actions and make positive changes can shift their way of thinking about themselves and others, steering them away from future trouble with the law.
If you are in Orange County and need assistance from a professional specializing in criminal matters, contact us today. Give your child an opportunity to receive the best defense and learn from this experience in a way that supports their long-term success. The Lamoreaux Justice Center in Orange is a key location where juvenile defendants are represented, and having the right legal backing can make a world of difference.
Long before your child is a teenager who is more likely to get into trouble with the law, you need to instill in him or her that if they ever find themselves on the wrong side of the law, cooperation and respect toward the police officer will go a long way toward a more positive outcome. There are certain things you must know to help your children in the best way possible, including the following:
- Remember that even the best kids can occasionally make a mistake. Teens are notoriously impulsive and sometimes follow the crowd even though they know better. That being said, try not to be one of those parents who adamantly insists “not my kid.” Your child is not an angel, and you can better help him or her if you accept that right up front.
- While you — and your child — should always be polite and respectful toward the police officers, do not make the mistake of thinking they are on your side. A police officer’s job is to respond to complaints, and to do their level best to punish those they believe are breaking the law. Of course, police officers do not generally deliberately try to arrest innocent people, but it does happen.
- Understand that your rights as a parent may be limited. Under federal law, you do not have the right to be present when your child is questioned, although some states do require parental consultation prior to questioning a minor. Many departments will notify the parents, but it is not mandatory in general, for children over the age of 12.
- Although your child — like an adult — does have the right to request an attorney, it is the rare child or teen who is confident enough to tell a police officer they want an attorney and will not answer any more questions. Police officers are intimidating to most adults, so imagine how intimidating they are to a child or teen. It is a good thing to teach your children that the police can continue to question them after they ask for a parent, but not after they request an attorney.
- Contact an experienced Orange County juvenile criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible if your child is being investigated for a crime. Most police officers will be more likely to tell an attorney the details of the crime the child is being investigated for than he or she is to tell the parents.
Your child will be charged in juvenile court — unless the crime is a violent one and the child is older. Generally speaking, the court has broad authority to determine how your child will be charged, and whether he or she will be placed in a juvenile facility, at home with you, or with foster parents.
In the end, the best thing you can do for your child is not to argue with the police, but rather to contact a knowledgeable Orange county attorney immediately. You might also consider finding a support group to help you deal with the many emotions you will experience after your child is arrested.
