They also need to fully comprehend what waiving that right would entail... and clearly choose to do so before a proceeding continues without representation.
Those are among the main takeaways of a new ruling from the state Court of Appeals.
University of Michigan law professor Kim Thomas says she appreciates the court for highlighting the need to protect children’s rights.
Thomas also say, "I think that there are a lot of things individual judges can do to explain young people the rights that they have and make sure those are implemented in every single case even when it’s hard to do and so I really hope that that’s something we can take away."
The opinion also reaffirms that a parent cannot turn down a child’s right to a lawyer for them.