When may law enforcement fingerprint juveniles?

Law enforcement may fingerprint juveniles when they are charged with an offense or there is probable cause to believe that an offense has occurred. This allows law enforcement to properly document the juvenile's involvement in a potential crime and is consistent with practices that aim to ensure accountability within the juvenile justice system.

Charging a juvenile with an offense or having probable cause implies that an investigation has revealed sufficient evidence to suggest their involvement in illegal activities. This legal framework provides necessary oversight, ensuring that juveniles are treated fairly while also upholding the integrity of the investigative process.

This option aligns with principles of juvenile justice that balance the need for accountability and the protection of minors' rights. The other scenarios presented do not universally apply to the circumstances under which law enforcement can legally fingerprint juveniles. For instance, fingerprinting solely based on a juvenile's request or limited to violent crime cases would not encompass the broader legal grounds established for such actions. Likewise, restricting this practice to situations where a juvenile is sentenced to detention does not accommodate cases where law enforcement has sufficient reason to fingerprint prior to any detention.