Questioning a juvenile

[JennKaye]

I live in MI and my son was recently questioned by police. The officer asked to question him and I said you can do it in front of me and he preceeded to escort my son to his patrol car and question him without telling me why. After he was done he told me my son was being accused of CSC. The case concerns a 16 year old and a 14 year old who claimed that she was 16. While in the car, the officer told my son that they had his DNA so he better tell him what happened. The case didn't involve any situation where there would be DNA present and my son never had a DNA test. Is this legal? I am outraged!!!!!!!!!!!What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

[IsabellaSoriano]

Originally Posted by JennKaye

I live in MI and my son was recently questioned by police. The officer asked to question him and I said you can do it in front of me and he preceeded to escort my son to his patrol car and question him without telling me why. After he was done he told me my son was being accused of CSC. The case concerns a 16 year old and a 14 year old who claimed that she was 16. While in the car, the officer told my son that they had his DNA so he better tell him what happened. The case didn't involve any situation where there would be DNA present and my son never had a DNA test. Is this legal? I am outraged!!!!!!!!!!!What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

It's possible he was bluffing. he is allowed to do that. what did your son say?

[CdwJava]

I suggest you obtain an attorney for your son. I am not sure what "CSC" means, but I assume it has something to do with unlawful sexual relations - that can be bad.

I cannot say whether the law in your state allows the officer to interrogate a 16 year old alone against your wishes, but, absent some specific prohibition the officer likely has the right to do that unless the teen objects. This is a question you need to ask his attorney about as it might result in the suppression of any admissions he might have made.

You might also want to have "the talk" with the boy if he is already out fooling around with young girls.

- Carl

[JennKaye]

I had the talk with him, there was no sex involved, basically second base, she initiated the meeting, contact and also numerous attemps to "meet up again". He met her online while at a friends house. Online social network sites are blocked on my home computer for the kids. I wasn't even aware of the incident until the police man showed up. I know this is bad because in MI, any minor that is 16 can concent to sexual situations, she lied about her age and is only 14. My son found out her age afterwards.

[stealth2]

Carl... CSC = Criminal Sexual Conduct (yes, google is my friend).

Mom - this would be a good time to have another talk with your son. One that emphasizes the importance of knowing a person a bit better than he seems to have known this girl before getting physical.

Also, it would seem that blocking social networking sites hasn't worked that well for you. You may want to consider going a different route. Let them on, on the condition that you have their username and password, and the understanding that you will be monitoring their activities. I do this, and both of my teens know that I'm not going to flip out on them, but if I see something concerning, I'll be bringing it up with them. It helps them learn how to be responsible 'Netizens.