Whether a teen calls their parents after an arrest or local authorities make that call, learning about a young adult’s offense may make parents panic. However, they need to react rationally if they want to help their teen effectively address the issue.
Parents can support a young adult dealing with the criminal justice system while simultaneously holding them responsible for their misconduct. Instead of leaving the teen to their own devices to teach them a lesson about responsibility, parents can support them as they navigate the juvenile justice system, reinforce the importance of responsible behavior and help them learn from the mistake that led to their arrest.
What steps can North Georgia parents take to protect a young adult after their arrest?
1. Advise them to use their Miranda rights
When a teenager calls while in state custody or immediately before an arrest after their detention for shoplifting at a business, parents can warn the team not to speak to police officers. By instructing the teenager to use their Miranda rights by stating they intend to remain silent until an attorney comes, parents can help teenagers avoid high-pressure questioning tactics and common mistakes after an arrest, such as trying to befriend officers or explain away their misconduct.
2. Retain an attorney promptly
Parents likely need legal assistance to understand the charges and begin developing a defense strategy. Parents can secure an attorney to be present with a teenager during their questioning. A lawyer can begin gathering evidence, communicate with prosecutors and prevent young adults from making mistakes during questioning by law enforcement.
3. Arrange for prompt release
Some juvenile defendants get released without bond, while others may need to follow formal procedures to go home with their parents. The more time they spend in state custody, the greater the risk of them making statements that could complicate their defense later or experiencing something traumatic.
Following the appropriate procedures to secure a young adult’s release from state custody as quickly as possible after their arrest is critical, even if parents want the teenager to understand the severity of their situation.
After their release, parents can work with the attorney to develop a realistic defense strategy. They can also seek out services for the young adult that can help address what prompted the criminal accusations. Counseling could help young adults address the aggression that led to assault allegations or identify the underlying cause of their substance abuse issues.
Knowing what steps to take after a teenager’s arrest can help parents support their children effectively. Teenagers facing juvenile charges usually need a combination of discipline and support to ensure that they learn from their mistakes – or misunderstandings – without consequences unreasonably limiting their future opportunities.