Juveniles' rights during questioning

Juveniles have the same rights as adults, with one important exception: they do not have the right to a trial by jury. Instead juvenile cases are heard in juvenile or family court by a single judge. When a child is arrested, the police should immediately inform the parents or guardians. The child has the right to remain silent during questioning, and the arresting officer must inform the child of his or her rights. Statements made by juveniles to probation officers or juvenile intake officers before their arrest can't be used against them in court. However, statements made to the police following arrest may be used as evidence in court. Like an adult, the child has the right to an attorney, and if either the child or the parents can't afford a lawyer, the court will appoint a public defender. Both child and parents must be informed of the child's rights at various stages of the criminal process, and the child is not allowed to waive any rights without permission from a parent or guardian. Children also have the right to subpoena witnesses and to cross-examine prosecution witnesses. Until they're released on bail, or to the custody of a parent or guardian, children are generally held in custody in a juvenile detention center.