Can the police legally question a 17 year old without a parent being present during questioning?

Question

Can the police legally question a 17 year old without a parent being present during questioning?

Answer 1

By looking at the other posts, it appears this answer may vary depending on the state.

In some states, a 17 year old accused of a crime is considered an adult, so it is not required to have a parent present.

For the other states I am familiar with, there is no legal requirement to have a parent present. If a juvenile asks for a parent, you must make a reasonable attempt to contact one. However, the request must originate from the juvenile. If a parent demands to be present, that does not have to be honored.

Answer 2

If the 17-year-old agrees to answer questions, then yes, it's perfectly legal.

It's not legal to question anyone against their will, regardless of age.

Answer 3

That is a very sketchy situation. A lawyer would best tell you. I think it depends upon the nature of the crime, but please ask a lawyer.

Answer 4

Yes, they can question a 17 year old without the presents of the parent.

Answer 5

from many years of watching law and order

no they can't question w/o the parent or lawyer

and if so what was said cannot be used

Answer 6

The answer is NO, NO, NO,  Unlike law & order on TV where the cops do what ever they want, a minor is still a minor. The minor has the right to have his/her parent present and also an attorney. First not like what they say could actually be used in court like TV but it can make life rough yapping without the parents or attorney being there.  

Answer 7

Depends on the situation. If the 17 year old is being questioned as a witness of some crime, then no parent is needed to be present. If the 17 year old is a suspect in a crime, then a parent would need to be present during questioning.