As a proud teen parent, the chances are that you spend most of your time thinking about how you can help your baby prepare for adulthood. Sadly, as the tumultuous teen years get underway, many parents find that things don’t quite go according to plan.
Psychologically, these are years throughout which your teen is going to test the boundaries. Some manage to do so with little more than a few years on the wild side but, for those who get in with the wrong crowd, it isn’t often long until the police get involved.
This is distressing for everyone, not least you who are stuck at home having nightmares about what your youngster could be getting up to. And, if you’re unlucky, those nightmares will come true with a call that your teen has been arrested.
Sadly, an astounding 2.1 million youths under the age of eighteen are arrested in the US annually. Still, the majority of parents don’t have a clue what to do if that dreaded phone call comes through, and many of them make mistakes that could harm, rather than help, their teen’s chances of release. To make sure you avoid doing the same, keep reading to find out what you definitely shouldn’t do if the police take your teen into custody.
Rushing to the station
Your first instinct will be to rush to the station and sit on those police interviews with your baby. But, let’s face it; you’re not a legal expert. While you may assume your defense is the only one your teen needs, that’s far from the truth. Instead, you should seek expert legal defense as found from firms like Wasatch Defense Lawyers before you even think about heading to the station. This way, your teen has a specialist on their side from day one, making it far less likely that their arrest will lead to a conviction.
Assuming guilt
If you’re having difficulty with your teen, you may assume that they’re guilty of whatever crime. Your assumption alone can do significant damage to both their mentality and police outlooks. Instead, remember that teens are arrested for all kinds of misunderstandings, including being in the wrong place. With that in mind, you should always assume the best, and go in there believing that your child is innocent so that everyone else believes it, too.
Letting police stay in the room while you talk
Lastly, you’ll want to talk to your teen when you arrive, and you’re well within your rights to do so. Note, though, that this should be a private conversation. If you let the police listen, they may record or otherwise take incriminating notes. Instead, insist on a private audience and get the full story from your teen so you’re in the best position to help.
Arrests are any parent’s nightmare but, as the states show, they do happen. The only thing for it is, therefore, to avoid these mistakes, and instead do whatever you can to get them back home safe and sound.
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