Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Washington

Police Crossing the line with a minor?

How legal or ethical is it for a police office to state to my 17 year old son: ''I'll just wait till you're 18 and have you charged as an adult in this crime.''?

This after an officer came to my home today to question my son about a burglary my son was first informed of today. He was read his rights, but not arrested. The officer also stated he has a ''video tape'' of the three boys who committed the crime- yet he was trying to get my son to give him a name.


Asked on 1/10/03, 9:31 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: Police Crossing the line with a minor?

Of course the officer will do most anything in an attempt to extract a confession from your son. Speaking with him without a lawyer is foolish. Your son's age at the time of the offense is what controls, not the age he will attain on his next birthday. You are no match for this cop. Consult a lawyer at once to protect your son's rights. You local bar association can provide recommendations if you don't know someone.

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Answered on 1/11/03, 10:57 am


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