Justia Juvenile Law Opinion Summaries

Two petitions were filed alleging that fifteen-year-old A.K. was a delinquent child for committing three counts of sexual abuse in the second degree and four counts of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse involving three different children. After a hearing, the juvenile court adjudicated A.K. a delinquent on all seven counts. The Supreme Court affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded, holding (1) the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt that A.K. committed three acts of sexual abuse in the second degree and three acts that would constitute assaults with intent to commit sexual abuse; but (2) the State did not meet its burden to prove A.K. committed one count of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse. View "In re A.K." on Justia Law

Defendant Jesse Pearson, a seventeen-year-old, robbed and beat an elderly man. After he was apprehended, Pearson refused to waive his Miranda rights. The next morning, however, he confessed to his social worker, Marie Mahler, without his attorney present. The district court denied Pearson's motion to suppress his confession, concluding that Mahler's interview was not a custodial interrogation implicating Miranda safeguards. A jury convicted Pearson of first-degree robbery, willful injury, and going armed with intent. The court of appeals reversed Pearson's conviction on the going armed charge and otherwise affirmed. At issue on appeal was whether Pearson's confession to Mahler was admissible. The Supreme Court affirmed, holding that Mahler's interview of Pearson was not a custodial interrogation for Miranda purposes and that his confession to her was voluntary and admissible. View "State v. Pearson" on Justia Law