Rule 30a-4. Plea Canvass

To assure that any plea or admission is voluntary and knowingly made, the judicial authority shall address the child or youth in age appropriate language to determine that the child or youth substantially understands:

(1) The nature of the charges;

(2) The factual basis of the charges;

(3) The possible penalty, including any extensions or modifications;

(4) That the plea or admission must be voluntary and not the result of force, threats, or promises, apart from the plea agreement;

(5) That the child or youth has (i) the right to deny responsibility or plead not guilty or to persist if that denial or plea has already been made, (ii) the right to be tried by a judicial authority and (iii) at trial, the right to the assistance of counsel, the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses against them and the right not to be compelled to incriminate themselves.

Committee Notes

amended June 22, 2009, to take effect Jan. 1, 2010; amended