In re Celli
Opinion of the Court
Order unanimously reversed and new trial granted. Memorandum: Appellant has been adjudicated a juvenile delinquent and committed to an institution. Pertinent here is the legislative declaration “ that counsel is often indispensible to a practical realization of due process of law and may be helpful in making reasoned determinations of fact and proper orders of disposition” (Family Ct. Act, § 241). Appellant (a 15-year-old youth) and his parents were advised by the court of the right to counsel. The father expressed a desire therefor and a law guardian should have been named without further ado. Instead, the court in substance pressured the father into waiving counsel for his son. Among other things the court stated: “ Mr. Celli, you may get a lawyer, if you wish, but I will tell you frankly, that a lawyer will not change my mind. When I find
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.