Can police question juveniles without the presence of a parent?

In Minnesota, police can question juveniles without the presence of a parent, making this answer correct. The law recognizes that law enforcement has the responsibility to investigate crimes and can do so by questioning individuals, including minors. However, while it is legal for police to question a juvenile without a parent or guardian present, they are typically encouraged to inform the juvenile of their rights, including the right to have a parent or legal guardian present during questioning.

The law does provide certain safeguards to ensure that the juvenile's rights are protected. For instance, if the juvenile expresses a desire to have a parent present, officers often allow for this. However, the absence of a parent or guardian’s presence does not automatically invalidate the questioning or make it illegal.

In this context, it’s important to understand that while parental involvement is encouraged to ensure the juvenile's understanding of their rights and the situation, the police are not legally required to have a parent present to conduct the questioning. This nuance is crucial for understanding the broader implications of juvenile interrogations in law enforcement practices.