Tell the Truth? Identifying Common Sources and Types of Advice Juvenile Defendants Receive When Pleading Guilty to Their First Offense

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-10-2024

Abstract

We examined the role of advice on juvenile defendants’ plea decisions. We analyzed data from interviews with 1, 216 13- to 17-year-old male youth within 6 weeks of the disposition hearing for their first arrest to understand their plea experiences. The majority of youth (82%) reported that they pleaded guilty. Only some youth (28%) reported receiving advice about doing so. Common sources of advice were defense attorneys (37%), parents (37%), and peers (13%). Common types of advice were to tell the truth (54%) or to admit guilt for a reduced sentence (32%). Advice received was related to plea decisions; youth who claimed to be innocent or partially innocent were more likely to plead guilty when they were advised to admit guilt to receive a less severe sentence compared to when they were not advised to admit guilt. However, youth who claimed to be guilty were not more likely to plead guilty after receiving such advice. Our results show that many youth plead guilty without any advice indicating they may need additional protections as they make these consequential decisions.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Psychology, Public Policy, and Law

First Page

421

Last Page

431

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