State v. Diaz-Cardona

Juan Diaz-Cardona appeals a juvenile court’s order compelling his participation in a sex offender evaluation. He argues that he properly invoked his Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination and that cooperating with the evaluation might lead to a longer confinement. We agree and conclude that a juvenile may invoke his privilege against self-incrimination and refuse to participate in such evaluations. Accordingly, we reverse the order compelling participation.

I

Juan Diaz-Cardona pleaded guilty to one count of child molestation in the second degree. At the time of the offense,…