§ 9-27-324 - Preliminary investigation. - Arkansas Statutes

9-27-324. Preliminary investigation.

(a) Upon receiving notice that a juvenile has been taken into custody on an allegation of delinquency, the intake officer shall also conduct a preliminary investigation.

(b) In the course of a preliminary investigation, the intake officer may:

(1) Interview the complainant, victim, or witnesses of the act and circumstances alleged in the complaint;

(2) Review existing records of the court, law enforcement agencies, and public records of other agencies;

(3) Hold conferences with the juvenile and his or her parent, guardian, or custodian for the purpose of interviewing them and discussing the disposition of the complaint.

(c) Any additional inquiries may be made only with the consent of the juvenile and his or her parent, guardian, or custodian.

(d) (1) Participation of the juvenile and his or her parent, guardian, or custodian in a conference with an intake officer shall be voluntary, with the right to refuse to continue participation at any time.

(2) At the conferences, the juvenile and his or her parent, guardian, or custodian shall be advised of the juvenile's right to assistance of counsel and the right to remain silent when questioned by the intake officer.