The bill amends RCW 13.40.740 to enhance the legal protections for juveniles during interactions with law enforcement. It mandates that law enforcement must provide juveniles access to an attorney for consultation before they waive any constitutional rights, particularly during custodial interrogations, detentions based on probable cause of criminal activity, or when consent for an evidentiary search is requested. This consultation cannot be waived, and any statements made by the juvenile after being contacted by law enforcement are inadmissible in court unless the juvenile has consulted with an attorney and has knowingly waived their rights.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific circumstances under which law enforcement may question a juvenile without providing access to an attorney. These include situations where the juvenile is believed to be a victim of trafficking or when immediate questioning is necessary to protect an individual's life from an imminent threat. The bill also introduces new provisions that allow for questioning when a juvenile is detained based on probable cause of involvement in both a "criminal street gang-related offense" and a "violent offense" or "serious violent offense." Overall, the legislation aims to ensure that juveniles are afforded their legal rights and protections during critical interactions with law enforcement.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 13.40.740