The Juvenile Justice System in Washington State can sometimes be more lenient than adult court. However, the assumption of leniency is often responsible for the mishandling of juvenile cases.
In Juvenile Court, the penalties, goals, and procedures are very different than adult court. Far too often, inadequate legal representation by public defenders or attorneys lacking Juvenile Court experience results in penalties and guilty pleas that could have been significantly reduced or eliminated.
Can juveniles be legally questioned by Washington police?
Before law enforcement can legally interrogate a minor in WA State, the juvenile must first speak with an attorney. There is an exception for situations where there is an imminent threat. However, there are documented cases where law enforcement has adjusted their tactics to get around this rule.
It is a common mistake for a parent to allow their child to be interviewed by law enforcement. The reality is that the police will not reward teens for their honesty. They will very likely turn the statements over to the prosecutor so a case can be built against your child.
Unfortunately, there is no law stating that a police officer must be truthful when questioning a minor. We have found that it is common for the police to use scare tactics and trickery to force a teen into making harmful statements. This can result in the filing of more serious or additional criminal charges.
An experienced juvenile criminal attorney should handle all communication with law enforcement, prosecutors, and the court. This will ensure that your teenager has the best opportunity to avoid a juvenile conviction and the life-changing consequences that can result.
Special Jail Alternative Juvenile Programs
There are many special programs in the courts of King, Snohomish, Pierce, Thurston, & Kitsap County that are geared towards rehabilitation, as opposed to jail time. These programs can be especially valuable in cases where there was an admission of guilt to law enforcement or there is strong evidence against your child. The circumstances of your child’s case as well as the negotiating skills of your juvenile defense attorney will determine if a favorable program is available.
Special Programs include:
- Mentoring
- Community Service
- After School Programs
- Alcohol & Drug Treatment
- Aggression Replacement Training
- Mental Health Counseling
- Youth Workforce Development
The Best Possible Result
Cristine Beckwith is a Seattle juvenile lawyer who has a proven track record for successfully defending minors in Puget Sound courts that include Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma, Olympia, & Kent. She defends charges that range in seriousness from felony sex crimes and assault to theft, drug charges, and alcohol related crimes.
Cristine is also a parent who understands that teenagers can be impulsive and that good teens make mistakes. Regardless of the circumstances, we will do a private investigation to uncover any issues that will be helpful to the criminal defense of your child.
We understand the importance of keeping a juvenile conviction off of your teen’s record. Our ability to find evidentiary issues and negotiate with prosecutors can often result in a case dismissal or acceptance into a program that prevents a juvenile conviction and the resulting penalties.
We have law offices in Seattle & Tacoma, and we compassionately fight for juveniles in the courts of King County, Snohomish County, Pierce County, Thurston County, & Kitsap County.
You can call us any day of the week (including after-hours) for a free consultation.