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 during custodial interrogations, detentions based on probable cause, or when consent for searches is requested. This consultation cannot be waived, and any statements made by the juvenile without this legal access are inadmissible in court, with specific exceptions outlined for cases involving express waivers, impeachment purposes, or spontaneous statements.

Additionally, the bill introduces exceptions to the requirement for legal consultation in certain circumstances. Law enforcement officers may question a juvenile without providing access to an attorney if they believe the juvenile is a victim of trafficking or if there is an imminent threat to an individual's life that requires immediate information. The bill further expands these exceptions to include situations where the officer has reasonable suspicion that the juvenile has committed specific serious offenses, including various traffic and violent crimes. This legislative change aims to balance the need for juvenile legal protections with the exigencies of law enforcement.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 13.40.740