Section 249-A. Waiver of counsel  


Latest version.
  • A minor who is a subject of a juvenile
      delinquency or  person  in  need  of  supervision  proceeding  shall  be
      presumed  to  lack  the  requisite  knowledge  and maturity to waive the
      appointment of a law guardian.  This presumption may  be  rebutted  only
      after a law guardian has been appointed and the court determines after a
      hearing  at  which  the  law  guardian appears and participates and upon
      clear and convincing evidence that (a) the minor understands the  nature
      of the charges, the possible dispositional alternatives and the possible
      defenses to the charges, (b) the minor possesses the maturity, knowledge
      and intelligence necessary to conduct his own defense, and (c) waiver is
      in the best interest of the minor.