Legal Question in Criminal Law in Minnesota

Re: Need info to help neice ASAP!

It's not uncommon in those situations (when an employee, particularly a juvenile) is believed to have committed a theft, for interrogation to take place without a parent. The employer, of course, has good reasons for that: the child is much more likely to give information they want without a parent/guardian present and the time delay it would take to get a guardian there would take away some of the immediacy that would motivate the child to "confess". Additionally, the parent, once notified, may insist that an attorney be present or counsel the child to NOT give a statement at all. The process is questionable. Particularly the younger the child.

Confessions, to be valid, have to be "knowing and voluntary". Much of that process - the backroom questioning surrounded by adults - suggests that the confession given by your niece may not have been completely voluntary, especially if she ultimately took responsibility for taking more money than she actually stole.

She, and/or her family on her behalf, should definitely consult with an attorney. I would talk with her at no charge. I believe many other attorneys who practice in criminal/juvenile law would do the same.

Feel free to call or email me.

Good Luck.

John Alme

Re: Need info to help neice ASAP!

This is a juvenile matter. The young woman is probably eligible for a

public defender. I strongly recommend that she apply for one. Doing

so will probably clear up a lot of this.

Re: Need info to help neice ASAP!

It is important that she have a lawyer represent her. She should be in juvenile court, which will appoint her a public defender (public-paid defense lawyer). She should discuss all the facts of her case with her lawyer.