Through The Magnifying Glass: Playing Detective When The Police Are Picking On Your Teen

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Being the parent of a teen is never an easy experience. These are tempestuous and fraught years, and there may be times when you don’t feel like you know your child at all. They might speak to you in ways you never imagined, and become strangers in your home. To some extent, this is all due to hormones and also just natural growing desires. But, sometimes, these growing pains seem worse than others. In extreme cases, your teen may even end up in trouble with the law.

Getting a call or letter from the police is any parent’s worst nightmare. But, what happens if your teen protests their innocence? Obviously, this is delicate footing. After all, most teens would deny any legal wrongdoing. But, if you can’t get their protests of innocence out of your mind, this may be worth exploring. After all, though they’re meant to protect us, it’s no secret that the police are guilty of discrimination at times. And, there’s nothing to say that’s not the case here. So, if you’re not convinced the police are giving you the full story, it’s time to do a little detective work of your own.

Get the facts straight

Given you’re playing detective, it’s essential you get your facts straight. Talk to your teen. Sit them down for an honest and open discussion without judgment. Pay attention to everything from their body language, to what they say. The chances are you’ll be able to tell straight up whether they’re lying. It’s also worth talking to any of their friends who were present. The more you know, the better you’ll understand what really happened.



Take action

If you’re convinced of innocence, it’s time to take action. This will vary depending on the severity of the issue. It may be that the police have sent a letter outlining concerns of ‘loitering.’ This happens, and it’s nothing serious. But, it could be a warning sign of later trouble. As such, it might pay to visit the police station and talk to them about your concerns. If things are more serious, contact a criminal defense lawyer. Companies like Martin & Kent offer a free consultation during which you can outline the charges. They’ll then be able to develop a case which clears your teen’s name.

Give your teen the tools to protect themselves

Sadly, issues like these are rarely a one-time thing. If the police have taken a disliking to your teen, this is something they could face time and again. As such, it’s up to you to arm them with the tools to protect themselves. It might be worth giving them a recording device. As long as they make it clear they’re recording police interactions, there’s less chance of unfair treatment. It’s also worth letting them know about numbers they can call, and their legal rights. After all, misinformation is one of the main things which makes teens a target. By knowing the simple stuff, your youngster will at least have a voice.

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I have some time until my children becoming adolescents; however, I work with teens who often find themselves in contact with the law. The tips above are great, especially if you have a youth who is an amazing liar and there are some kids are versed in it.

One tip that I would love to add is to be as open, honest, and trusting as possible. Teens just want to be heard and not judged. Teen's these days are dealing with a lot of baggage. Keep in mind that their lives are way different compared to the days when we were growing up. Sometimes all they need is for you to just listen. Walk alongside them and help them navigate without being so pushy and judgmental. 

Thanks for visiting us today and hope these tips help you problem solve if you are dealing with any issues with your teen. 


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