Who is responsible for advising a juvenile of their rights?

The responsibility for advising a juvenile of their rights falls to the juvenile officer or a trained designee because this individual is specifically trained to handle the nuances involved in dealing with juvenile cases. The juvenile justice system recognizes that young individuals may not fully understand their rights, and a trained professional is better equipped to ensure that the juvenile comprehends these rights and the implications of waiving them.

Juvenile officers are familiar with the laws and procedures relevant to minors, which can differ significantly from those applying to adults. They can provide appropriate counsel and guidance tailored to the developmental and educational needs of young individuals. This ensures that the juvenile's rights are upheld while also considering their emotional and psychological state during what can be a stressful experience.

While law enforcement officers may have general training that includes interacting with juveniles, not all are specifically trained to handle the communication of rights to minors in a way that is clear and appropriate for their age and understanding. Consequently, it is primarily the juvenile officer or their designee who takes on this critical role.