Although the number of juvenile arrests has declined in recent years, roughly a million children a year find themselves handcuffed in the back of patrol cars. When that happens, police officers usually treat children just like adults. Regardless of the suspect’s age, an officer’s job is to collect evidence and build a criminal case.

Since the brain is not fully developed until age 25 , children are especially susceptible to incarceration-related brain injuries. Once they get behind bars, stress hormone levels go through the roof. Prolonged exposure to these hormones can potentially cause permanent brain injury in the form of higher susceptibility to repeat episodes of high stress after their jail release. 

Additionally, most children must face this experience by themselves, even if they were arrested in a group. Generally, Montgomery County sheriff’s deputies immediately split groups of children. They do the same thing to groups of adults. So, leaving a child in jail, even for a few hours, to “teach them a lesson” is a decision that warrants careful consideration on the part of the parent or caregiver. They will potentially be exposed to situations and circumstances that will leave lifelong effects. 

For all these reasons, if your child IS arrested, you should partner with Fizer Bonding Company (bail bonds Clarksville tn) as soon as possible. The quicker your child gets out of jail, the potential stress-related brain damage they sustain. And, it’s also easier for an attorney to successfully resolve juvenile cases if the defendant is not in jail.

What Happens When a Teenager Gets Arrested in Tennessee ?

The same criminal code, and the same criminal process, applies to all criminal suspects, regardless of age. Interrogation is usually the first step in this process. As mentioned, deputies almost immediately separate groups of children. That’s mostly to keep them from talking amongst themselves and getting their stories straight before investigators question them.

Police interrogations are scary for anyone, but they are especially scary for children. Police officers count on this fear factor when they ask children to waive their Miranda Rights (you have the right to remain silent, etc.). 

A staggering 90 percent of juveniles voluntarily waive their rights, and not just because they are scared. As mentioned, peoples’ brains are still developing well into their 20s. The risk-reward portion of the brain is one of the last parts to grow. Children only see rewards; they do not see risks. That’s why it’s so hard to convince children to turn off YouTube and brush their teeth before they go to bed. They aren’t being insolent and they really do want their teeth to be clean and healthy; but from a biological perspective, they cannot see the risk. They do not see that leaving your teeth and gums filled with food debris overnight causes tooth decay…they only see the immediate reward of continuing to watch and enjoy their YouTube show.

Police officers know how to take advantage of this opportunity. They frequently say things like “just talk to us and everything will be fine.”

Additionally, children are taught to respect authority. Gen Z (Generation Z) does not have the same respect for authority as their parents or grandparents, but it is still very deeply ingrained. When someone in uniform asks questions, many children directly answer without thinking about the aftereffects of their answers. .

There’s more. In 2010’s Berghuis v. Thompson , the Supreme Court ruled that suspects must affirmatively assert their Miranda rights, or else they waive them. Federal courts require police officers to make “some accommodations” for children in this area, but these accommodations are limited. 

How many fifteen-year-olds say things like “I hereby assert my Constitutional right to remain silent”? Yet, under the law, that’s what they have to do, or officers can keep coming at them with demands for conversation and information.

So, it’s not just important to call Fizer Bonding Company (bail bond near me) for health reasons. If you wait any time at all, your child will almost certainly say too much.

What Can a Minor Get Arrested For ?

Even in mid-sized communities like those in Robertson and Montgomery counties, they still handle gang-related arrests. Frequently, police officers arrest gang members who weren’t at the scene of the crime, or didn’t even know about the crime. The other kids start naming names, and it all goes downhill from there.

Montgomery County peace officers also arrest juveniles for property crimes, like vandalism, and alcohol-related infractions, like MIP (minor in possession of alcohol). Once upon a time, officers usually just broke up the party, escorted these kids home, issued stern warnings, and left. But those days are gone. Now, these children almost always go through the penal system.

Juvenile arrests for violent crimes, especially robbery and assault, are not unheard of. But felonies like these are rather rare.

What is the Youngest Age to go to Jail in Tennessee ?

In 2000, Monroe County peace officers arrested an 8-year-old on murder charges. Of course, it’s very rare for children this young to be arrested. However, it’s not too uncommon to see 11 or 12-year-olds in police cars, especially after the aforementioned gang sweeps.

As for the court system, children as young as 14 can be tried as adults in Tennessee, but only for murder. 16-year-olds might be tried as adults for robbery or attempted robbery. And, 17-year-olds can be tried as adults for any misdemeanor or felony.

Additionally, Tennessee has a “once an adult, always an adult” rule. If children are certified as adults and they catch new charges, they are automatically tried as adults.

How Do Juveniles Get Out of Jail?

The jail release process, like the rest of the arrest process, is the same for juveniles and adults, at least for the most part.

Generally, the sheriff sets presumptive bail amounts shortly after defendants are processed. The amount of bail is usually based on the severity of the offense and the defendant’s criminal record. With regard to children, these factors usually mean a lower-than-normal bail amount.

Essnetially, a bail bond is a surety agreement. For a 10 percent premium, Fizer Bonding Company (bail bond near me)  writes this surety agreement and presents it to the sheriff, who then releases the defendant.

Like any surety or insurance agreement, there are some conditions in addition to paying the premium. Generally, defendants must report to their bail bonds officer, remain in the county, and stay out of trouble.

To begin the jail release process when your child gets arrested, contact Fizer Bonding Company for a FREE BAIL BOND CONSULTATION. Family-owned and operated, they have served the bonding needs of Montgomery and Robertson Counties for over 40 years. Fizer Bonding Company is a proud member of the Tennessee Association of Professional Bail Agents . For more info about Fizer Bonding Company bail bonds, click here .

Fizer Bonding Company in Montgomery County Tennessee

(931) 449-9351

Fizer Bonding Company in Robertson County Tennessee

(615) 667-1109

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