CT HB06671

Mandates automatic appointment of legal counsel to any person under 18 years old in criminal or delinquency proceedings, regardless of financial ability of parents or guardians, effective October 1, 2021.

Requires the Division of Public Defender Services to provide counsel at state expense for minors in criminal proceedings, with cost-sharing arrangements between the Division and Judicial Department for civil juvenile matters.

Makes inadmissible any statements, admissions, or confessions made by minors to police or court officials unless the minor's attorney was present during the interview, with stricter requirements for children under 16.

Allows courts to assess costs against parents or guardians found able to pay, and mandates reimbursement to the Division of Public Defender Services based on financial ability.

Establishes that appointed counsel must continue representing a minor until the parent, guardian, or emancipated youth chooses another attorney, with court appointment of replacement counsel if representation lapses.