Your Right to a Lawyer in Juvenile Court

If you are a minor (under the age of 18) and you have been charged with committing a delinquent act, you have the right to a lawyer in juvenile court.                                                     

Your rights:                                                             

  • You have the right to a lawyer at every stage of the juvenile court proceedings.
  • Your parents, guardians or custodians can never "waive" (this means to "give up") your right to a lawyer.
  • You  can "waive" (give up) your right to a lawyer only if :
    • A petition is filed with the court, and
    • You have spoken to a lawyer and
    • While your lawyer is in the room, you tell the court you want to give up your right to a lawyer and
    • The court decides that (1) you understand what the request means and that (2) you were not forced to make the request.  ( The request is voluntary.)

Md. Code Cts. & Jud. Pro. § 3-8A-20

Source:  Maryland Legal Assistance Network, updated by the Maryland State Law Library (MSLL).                                                                                                     Last legal review: 3/24/08 (PLL/M.A.J.)

Is this legal advice? This site offers legal information, not legal advice.  We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information and to clearly explain your options.  However we do not provide legal advice - the application of the law to your individual circumstances. For legal advice, you should consult an attorney.  See our section on Finding Legal Help.

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