FAQs for Parents & Guardians

If my child is arrested, when will I be notified?

Law enforcement must notify a parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the arrest "without unnecessary delay." Law enforcement must also tell a parent, guardian, or legal custodian where the juvenile is and the name and telephone number of the JCCO who has been contacted. If the juvenile has been detained, the parent, guardian, or legal custodian must be told that a detention hearing will be held within 48 hours, excluding Saturday, Sunday, and legal holidays. See Process in a Juvenile Case for more information.

If my child is arrested, can I see or be with my child during questioning?

Yes. See Notice of arrest to parent, guardian, or legal custodian.

Am I financially responsible if my child injures someone or causes property damage?

A parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian of a child between the ages of 7 and 17 who lives at home is responsible for up to $800 in damages when the juvenile “willfully or maliciously” causes damage to property or injures a person. See 14 M.R.S. § 304.

Am I financially responsible for my child's actions if my child is driving my car?

State law provides that any vehicle owner who allows a juvenile to drive a vehicle on a public street is responsible for damages if the juvenile is negligent in operating the vehicle. See 29-A M.R.S. § 1651.

Am I required to attend my child’s court hearings?

Yes, unless you are unable to attend for a good reason and have received permission from the court before the court date to not attend. See Copy of summons to parent, guardian, or legal custodian.

When can I request a court-appointed lawyer if our family cannot afford one?

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you will have a chance to fill out paperwork asking the court to appoint a lawyer at the juvenile’s first court date. However, if a juvenile is detained before going to court, a lawyer will be appointed before the detention hearing. Even if the juvenile is not detained, you can ask that the court appoint a lawyer before the first court date. See Detention Hearing and First Court Appearance in "What Happens in a Juvenile Court Case."

Who is permitted to attend my child’s court proceedings?

A juvenile’s hearing may be closed or open to the public depending upon what offense the juvenile is charged with and the age of the juvenile. See "Confidentiality and Court Records."

What are the consequences if my child is adjudicated of a juvenile crime?

This is an important question, but the answer depends on many factors. Ask the juvenile’s lawyer. The juvenile’s lawyer can explain what the "collateral consequences" might or will be if the juvenile is adjudicated of having committed a juvenile crime, including the following:

  • Getting into college;
  • College or post-secondary scholarships, grants, or federally-subsidized loan programs;
  • Joining the U.S. military;
  • Receiving different forms of federal assistance;
  • Getting a driver’s license;
  • Having firearms;
  • Applying for a job with certain employers;
  • Renting an apartment; and
  • The juvenile’s immigration status, if the juvenile is not a U.S. citizen.

Can I participate in or be present at meetings between my child and the defense lawyer?

The attorney-client relationship in juvenile cases is between the juvenile and the juvenile’s lawyer. Therefore, it is up to the juvenile whether you are allowed to be in the room with the juvenile and the lawyer when there is a meeting. If a parent is in the room, the conversations may no longer be considered confidential.