Juveniles can be approached informally without a parent present or Miranda warnings. True or False?

The statement that juveniles can be approached informally without a parent present or Miranda warnings is correct. In the context of juvenile interactions with law enforcement, officers may engage with minors without requiring the presence of parents or guardians, particularly in situations where the encounter is consensual and not coercive.

The legal standard for whether Miranda warnings are necessary depends primarily on whether the juvenile is in custody and subjected to interrogation. If the juvenile's encounter with law enforcement does not meet these criteria—meaning they are free to leave and are not being interrogated in a way that compels a response—then Miranda warnings are not mandated. Furthermore, law enforcement often seeks to establish rapport and maintain a non-adversarial relationship with youth to facilitate communication, which can entail informal approaches.

It is also worth noting that certain protective measures, like the right to have a parent present during more formal questioning, come into play during specific stages of the legal process, particularly when a juvenile is taken into custody or during interrogation. However, during initial contacts or informal interactions, the requirement for parental presence or Miranda advisements does not necessarily apply.