Was the police allowed to question a 13 year old without a parent present?

Was questioned once buy mall security them the police. Mall security took her phone so she couldn't call me herself and they didn't call me waited 2 months sent me a letter told me that if payed over 500 they not prosecute her I asked what proof she was involved or knew that the girl was with, who plead guilty to stealing pair 35$ pants and an adult she was 18 mine 13 they told me unless I get a lawyer I can't have access to the video they said had after I started fighting it they only have employees word but not close enough to hear anything said. My daughter told the girl to stay there, was going to get money from family friend who was at front of mall she then followed my daughter out anyways told them both be in held for shoplifting the police questioned her was 2nd time done and was told that if didn't admit to it couldn't leave all case based on what said to police officer this happened week after the same county shot an innocent unarmed 18 yr old. My daughter was young and scared never been in trouble in life.