Not all teenagers are angels, and it is common for your child to make mistakes or be caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. If your teenager is arrested, the last thing you want to do is ruin your child’s criminal defense. It is essential to take the necessary steps to protect your child’s future.
1. REMAIN CALM
If you receive a phone call from the police that your teen has been arrested, it is important to remain calm. No parent wants to receive that phone call and you’ll probably be angry, confused, and upset, but in order to handle the situation appropriately, you must maintain your composure. Don’t be quick to make judgments about your child or the police who arrested him. Find out where your child is and go there.
2. BE RESPECTFUL
Tell your child this critical advice before they are arrested or interviewed by the police. If you talk to the police, be respectful, polite, and courteous. If your child is asked for his name and the name and address of his parents, he should provide this information. However, you should instruct your child not to answer other police questions until there is a lawyer present. If you speak with anyone at the police station make sure that you remain respectful as well.
3. DON’T PLAY LAWYER
Parents can sometimes hurt their child’s case by inadvertently waiving their child’s rights. Resist the temptation to act as your child’s representative. The best rule is not to say anything until a lawyer is present.
4. CONTACT A LAWYER
In Maryland, juveniles are required to have legal representation. Any person under 18 years of age is charged in the juvenile justice system. Hire the best lawyer you can.
5. SHARE INFORMATION WITH THE LAWYER
If you have information that may help your child’s case, make sure to share that with your child’s lawyer as soon as possible. The lawyer will need all the information to provide the best defense. So for example, if your child has a mental illness or learning disability, explain this carefully to the lawyer. The resolution of a case may take this information into account.
CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED CRIMINAL LAW ATTORNEY
A criminal record can negatively impact someone’s life. If your child is arrested, be sure to protect their future and hire a lawyer to look out for their interests and provide the best defense. Contact the lawyers at Alpert Schreyer, LLC or call us at 301-321-7277.