What are a child's rights when dealing with the criminal justice system?

Under the criminal justice system in New Mexico, children have a number of rights that must be respected. Some of these rights are the same as those for adults, while some are specifically designed for minors. First, a child has the right to an attorney. An attorney will be able to explain the child’s rights, and represent the child in court proceedings. Whether it is a public defender or a private attorney, the child has the right to have a lawyer present to represent them. Second, a child has the right to remain silent and not answer questions without their lawyer present. The child also has the right to ask for the lawyer to be present during any questioning. Third, a child has the right to know the charge they are facing. Lastly, a child has the right to be treated fairly and have a trial by a jury of their peers. This means that the child will be judged by a panel of their same age peers, or as close to their peers as possible. Child advocacy law is a crucial tool to ensure the rights of minors under the criminal justice system are respected and upheld. It is important that children understand their rights and are aware of the protections available to them under the law. By understanding and respecting these rights, children can access the proper legal channels to defend themselves and their interests.

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What are a child's rights when dealing with the criminal justice system?

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