Are juveniles entitled to legal counsel in court?

Yes, juveniles in Washington are entitled to legal counsel in court. Under the Washington Juvenile Crimes Law, all minors charged with a crime are provided with an attorney at all stages of the criminal proceedings. This includes both in the courtroom and during pre-trial proceedings. Minor defendants are typically provided with a public defender or appointed attorney who is familiar with juvenile criminal proceedings. The right to legal counsel ensures that juveniles charged with a crime are represented and have their right to a fair trial upheld. This is especially important for juveniles who may not fully understand the court proceedings or their legal rights. With an attorney present, a juvenile can be more confident in the decision they make and can feel more comfortable speaking in court. It is also important to note that juveniles are also entitled to certain rights in the courtroom that are separate from those of adults. These rights exist in order to protect the juveniles from overly harsh sentences and to ensure their safety and well-being. These rights include the right to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all court proceedings, the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses, the right to a jury trial if the juvenile is charged with a felony, and the right to challenge the evidence used against them.

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Are juveniles entitled to legal counsel in court?

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