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When is a juvenile allowed to be questioned without a parent or guardian present?

  1. Never

  2. When in custody

  3. At school with school officials

  4. When no serious crime is involved

The correct answer is: When in custody

A juvenile can be questioned without a parent or guardian present when they are in custody. The legal precedent allows for this under certain circumstances, as long as the juvenile has been informed of their rights. The understanding is that when a juvenile is in a custodial situation, they may be in a position where speaking to law enforcement is considered crucial for the investigation. It's essential to note that although parents or guardians typically have a right to be present, there are situations where a juvenile being in custody can lead to questioning without their presence. This might involve specific concerns around timing or the immediacy of the investigation where waiting for a parent or guardian could hinder the law enforcement process. This scenario is different from situations where a juvenile is questioned at school with school officials, as that context might involve different legal considerations, or when no serious crime is involved, where the nature of the questioning heavily influences the rights of the juvenile. Understanding these distinctions is critical for interpreting the rights and circumstances surrounding juvenile questioning.