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 requests for consent to searches. This consultation cannot be waived, and any statements made by the juvenile without this legal access are inadmissible in court, unless specific conditions are met.

Additionally, the bill outlines exceptions where law enforcement may question a juvenile without providing access to an attorney. These exceptions include situations where the juvenile is believed to be a victim of trafficking or when there is an imminent threat to an individual's life that requires immediate questioning. New provisions have been added to allow questioning if there is reasonable suspicion that the juvenile has committed certain serious offenses, including felony traffic offenses, serious violent offenses, and sex offenses. The bill emphasizes that any assertion of constitutional rights by the juvenile through legal counsel must be respected by law enforcement.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 13.40.740