[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Among the many things parents hope their children never have to go through is being placed under arrest by law enforcement.\u00a0 But if the current national situation has taught us anything, it’s best to be prepared for the unexpected.\u00a0 And unfortunately, the possibility of having a child experience a police arrest isn’t remote.\u00a0 Studies estimate that 16 to 27 percent of children have been arrested at least once by the time they turn 18.\u00a0 That number jumps to between 25 and 41 percent for young adults under the age of 23.\u00a0 Teaching children and young adults about what steps to take should they find themselves in handcuffs can save them a lot of hassle.<\/p>\n
There should be no doubt for parents: police can and will arrest your children for minor offenses, and they may not even notify you.\u00a0 Children can be interrogated by the police without a guardian present, without knowing what to do.\u00a0 Teaching children what to do before any of this happens could prevent common criminal defense mishaps.\u00a0 First, it is important to teach your children that if they find themselves under arrest, they should insist that the police contact you and allow them to speak with you.\u00a0 As soon as a parent or guardian is notified, actions can be taken to benefit the detained child.<\/p>\n
Sometimes though, police will refuse or be unable to get in contact with a parent or guardian.\u00a0 In these circumstances, children should be taught to request an attorney.\u00a0 Requesting an attorney should stop or prevent any police interrogation designed to incriminate.\u00a0 Children placed under arrest may be confused and overwhelmed with the situation and may not know or remember their basic rights.\u00a0 However, with prior teaching, they should be able to remember the simple phrase “I want an attorney”.\u00a0 Should your child feel uncertain about anything during an interrogation, they should use that phrase to exercise their legal rights.<\/p>\n