What right do juvenile offenders have regarding their trial?

Juvenile offenders have the right to plead "not guilty" in their trials, similar to adult defendants. This fundamental right allows them to contest the charges brought against them and ensures that they have the opportunity to defend themselves in court. The juvenile justice system, while distinct from the adult criminal justice system, still upholds this essential aspect of due process.

While the other options may seem reasonable, they do not accurately reflect the rights typically afforded to juvenile offenders. For example, juveniles generally do not have the right to a jury trial, as these cases are usually handled within a juvenile court setting where a judge decides the outcome. Additionally, juveniles cannot typically choose to be tried as adults unless specific legal conditions are met, which varies by jurisdiction. The right to legal counsel is indeed significant for juveniles, but the focus of this question is on the specific right to plead "not guilty," which is a vital part of their defense strategy.