North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

At what age can a juvenile waive their rights and make a statement without a parent or guardian present?

1. 14 years

2. 15 years

3. 16 years

4. 18 years

The correct answer is: 16 years

A juvenile can waive their rights and make a statement without a parent or guardian present at the age of 16. This is significant because it acknowledges a developmental stage wherein the juvenile is considered capable of understanding their rights and the implications of waiving them. At this age, individuals are legally permitted to provide statements to law enforcement on their own accord, provided that the waiver is made voluntarily, knowingly, and intelligently. The law recognizes that by 16 years of age, many juveniles possess a higher level of maturity and comprehension about their rights and the situation they may encounter with law enforcement. However, it is essential for law enforcement to ensure that the waiver of rights is clear and that the juvenile comprehends the consequences of their statements, reinforcing the importance of protecting the individual’s legal rights during interrogations.