A non-attorney parent may represent his or her child in court if the child is charged with a crime.

A non-attorney parent may represent his or her child in court if the child is charged with a crime.

• A. True
• B. Not Stated
• C. Not Applicable
• D. False

Answer: (D)

In court, representation must be by a licensed attorney. A child charged with a crime has the right to legal counsel, and the court will appoint an attorney if needed. A parent who is not a licensed attorney may not serve as the child’s attorney or advocate in the criminal proceeding, perform legal duties such as cross-examining witnesses, making objections, or entering pleas on the child’s behalf. The parent can still provide information to the attorney and support the child, and in some juvenile matters the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child’s best interests—separate from the parent’s role. Because a non-attorney parent cannot legally act as counsel in a criminal case, the statement is false.

In court, representation must be by a licensed attorney. A child charged with a crime has the right to legal counsel, and the court will appoint an attorney if needed. A parent who is not a licensed attorney may not serve as the child’s attorney or advocate in the criminal proceeding, perform legal duties such as cross-examining witnesses, making objections, or entering pleas on the child’s behalf. The parent can still provide information to the attorney and support the child, and in some juvenile matters the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child’s best interests—separate from the parent’s role. Because a non-attorney parent cannot legally act as counsel in a criminal case, the statement is false.