Can a detective take a statement from 16 year old without a parent?
Asked on Aug 31st, 2012 on Criminal Law - California
More details to this question:
My boyfriend was charged with csc2 with my daughter. When police came to house and took statement she said he raped her but days later at police station talking to detectives she changed her story and said that she came on to him and they had sex 2 or 3 times so she could leave house when Iโm on 3rd. And it happened a year ago, but she only said something when she got mad at him.
The police may question a witness that is a minor without the parents present. In a question of sexual abuse of the minor by a parent or live in adult the parents generally are not present.
Yes, the statement can be taken, and it could be admissible, at least under Michigan law. However, its credibility will come into question, and it may be coercive or deceptive. Its a question of credibility, and this should be reviewed thoroughly with your attorney.
In that situation, they can. There are lots of procedures they should follow to make sure the truth is told. Bad investigation seems to be happening here. Accused should get a good lawyer ASAP and not talk about the case w anyone else. Just say, I want a lawyer and nothing else. You do not have to speak w police or the prosecution about the facts or anything else if you do not want. All jail calls are recorded - do not talk on phone. This case can be won - angry teens lie to get what they want, even big lies.
Absolutely the police may interview a victim child without a parent. This is true in particular as here where the parent may defend the alleged perpetrator over the child. Your daughter is likely a victim and you both need professional help to support her story to bring him to justice. Do not choose your boyfriend over your daughter!
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