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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
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    228

    Default Can Parents Access Their Children's Juvenile Court Records

    My question involves juvenile law in the State Wisconsin

    Hello. I am asking for a friend because she is unable to access this site for some reason.

    Her question is regarding police reports for minors, are they public record?

    My 16 year old son received a Disorderly Conduct w/a motor vehicle citation (city ordinance) from our local police department from an "incident" that happened in the high school parking lot. It was reported by a staff member to the high school principal. High school principal called the police department because it was a "safety concern". Officer showed up at the high school two days later and issued him a citation. I requested from the principal the parking lot camera footage and he told me that he could not turn it over to me but would give to the police department and I could request it from them. I called the police department on two occasions to ask for a copy of the police report that week and spoke to two different part time police officers who both told me that they did not have access to other officer's reports and that I would need to contact the chief who was on vacation. I contacted him yesterday and he told me that he "doesn't usually" give out police reports and that if it all, I could request it after the court date. The reason I am asking for the report and camera footage in the first place is because I want to review and decide whether I want to fight it or not. He also told me that they never received any footage from the principal. (I will be contacting him again today as well, as I do not know if he didn't send it or if it's because there is no footage). The chief then told me that I would need to contact the city attorney and she would decide whether I can get a copy of the police report or not. What rights do I have here? My son is a minor, why WOULDN'T I be allowed a copy of the report??

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    California
    Posts
    20,594

    Default Re: Can Parents Access Their Children's Juvenile Court Records

    Her attorney can get the report through discovery. The police are under no legal obligation to provide a report or any evidence to the defendant or his parents.

    The school is likewise under no legal obligation to provide reports or other evidence to the parent beyond that which they might be required to as part of a suspension or expulsion hearing.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
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    228

    Default Re: Can Parents Access Their Children's Juvenile Court Records

    She does not have an attorney, they cannot afford one. Is that likely why they directed her to the city attorney?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    California
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    20,594

    Default Re: Can Parents Access Their Children's Juvenile Court Records

    Quote Quoting Chede
    View Post
    She does not have an attorney, they cannot afford one. Is that likely why they directed her to the city attorney?
    It is likely that the city attorney will be the prosecuting office. If they choose to release the reports, so be it. Though, as I said, they are not likely to be required to provide diddly until requested by legal counsel.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
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    228

    Default Re: Can Parents Access Their Children's Juvenile Court Records

    Thank you!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    OH10
    Posts
    17,019

    Default Re: Can Parents Access Their Children's Juvenile Court Records

    From briefly perusing a few of the city statutes, they seem broad in nature. You should consider the following information, as a part of your decision. Depending on what your son told the police officer, at the time he was issued a citation and school administration, when questioned, he may have given evidence for the officer to use against him. Many times, the police may not obtain the video evidence, prior to a trial, unless they need it in their possession to protect it. Assuming your son did not provide testimony to convict himself of the statute, to school authorities or the police, prosecution will possibly require video and supporting testimony from a witness, depending on the allegation. You should also consider whether your son actually did the action and should pay the consequences. You can always exclude him from your insurance, to keep rates from going up. Good Luck.

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