LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska is taking steps to ensure juveniles who get into legal trouble have representation, but lack of resources will exclude children in most counties.
Gov. Pete Ricketts approved a law this month requiring that every juvenile in Sarpy, Lancaster and Douglas counties is automatically appointed an attorney as soon as a petition is filed in juvenile court. Currently youth in Nebraska are presented with the right to an attorney at their first appearance.
Juvenile advocates say without early access to legal counsel, children can make irrevocable mistakes early in the legal process that can affect future employment, education or result in unnecessary out-of-home placement.
But attorneys in rural counties say requiring immediate appointments would burden counties already strapped for funding and public defenders with heavy caseloads.
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