Both Parents Must Be Told in Teen Arrests

The Virginia Supreme Court in Richmond ruled that both parents must be notified when a minor is arrested--a decision that may enable thousands of juvenile prisoners to challenge their convictions. The ruling affirmed an appeals court decision ordering a new trial for Jeramie Baker, who was convicted at 17 of trying to rob a convenience store and stabbing a clerk. Only his mother was notified of his arrest, despite a state law that says summonses must go “to the parents” of the juvenile. Before the appeals court ruling, it was common practice for Virginia prosecutors to notify only one parent.