[megoodgal1]

My daughter was "arrested" in late June. I say "arrested" because the first I have heard about it was this morning when the juvenile court services called and asked why I missed an appointment this morning.

I missed the appointment because I have yet to receive the letter asking me to be there. It was mailed on the 1st of September, and it is a holiday weekend, so it should be in the mail this afternoon. In any event, court is on Friday.

My daughter was arrested for malicious mischief. The Oak Harbor, WA police department did not call me when this happened, apparently made no attempt to even get my phone number from my daughter. They interviewed her a couple of days later and had her sign a statement, though she "waived" her right to an attorney.

I'm not doubting my daughter's guilt, she probably did do it. But I am a little miffed and WAY wary of her going up to the court building - by herself - (which was recommended by the probation department because my husband and I are at work and can't get there with her right now) to sign legal documents.

Does anyone have any advice on what I should do, especially since this was the first we've heard about it? Doesn't the court/police have an obligation to contact a parent when their minor child is involved in getting arrested?

My next question was on serving order to appear. The probation lady said we (my husband and/or I) HAD to get my daughter to the court building today or tomorrow at the latest to serve her for her Friday appearance. For traffic cases, you have to serve the police officer at least seven days in advance, this doesn't count for juvenile court matters??

Thanks in advance to all who reply!

[aaron]

Does anyone have any advice on what I should do, especially since this was the first we've heard about it? Doesn't the court/police have an obligation to contact a parent when their minor child is involved in getting arrested?

You should consider consulting a local lawyer. Requirements to notify parents vary significantly by state, and by the actions of the police (i.e., notice is more likely to be required in advance of a custodial interrogation, as opposed to where a minor is arrested, processed and released).

My next question was on serving order to appear. The probation lady said we (my husband and/or I) HAD to get my daughter to the court building today or tomorrow at the latest to serve her for her Friday appearance. For traffic cases, you have to serve the police officer at least seven days in advance, this doesn't count for juvenile court matters??

There are a different set of court rules and procedures for criminal proceedings than for traffic proceedings.

[megoodgal1]

Apparently, after she was arrested and let go with no notice to me, they called her at home (my house, so they had my phone number) and asked her to come to the police station, which she did. This was about a week after the incident.

At that time, she waived her right to an attorney, and gave a statement to the police. Had I been notified that they were going to question her, I would have told her to get an attorney at that time and not to waive any rights.

They are basing their charges on her statement. Like I said, she did it, so that's not what I'm arguing. I just don't like the fact that minors can be questioned and charged without any parental or legal input. She's a 16 year old girl who really doesn't have much of a clue and I feel that was taken advantage of.

Thanks for the reply.