AR SB616

Adds Department of Human Services caseworkers to those who may agree with a juvenile's waiver of the right to counsel, alongside parents, guardians, and custodians.

Expands court's consideration of factors when determining if a juvenile's counsel waiver was made freely and voluntarily, including the caseworker's understanding of consequences and whether the waiver was recorded in audio or video format.

Prohibits acceptance of any waiver of the right to counsel when a juvenile is in custody of the Department of Human Services or its Division of Youth Services, regardless of case transfer to criminal court.

Requires appointment of counsel for a juvenile when a parent, guardian, custodian, or Department of Human Services caseworker cannot be located or refuses to appear.

Makes any waiver of the right to counsel invalid if given before a juvenile is charged as an adult, unless the waiver occurs after adult charges are filed and the juvenile is informed of the adult charges.