At what age must a minor have counsel for serious crimes such as murder?

In many jurisdictions, minors charged with serious crimes such as murder are often required to have legal counsel, and this requirement is frequently established at age 15. This age reflects the understanding that individuals are beginning to grasp the complexities of the legal system and the serious implications of being charged with a felony. Providing legal representation at this age ensures that minors can adequately defend their rights and interests in court, particularly in cases involving severe charges that may carry significant consequences, including the potential for incarceration or other life-altering repercussions.

Legal protections start to become increasingly necessary as the severity of the crime escalates, and at 15, a minor is typically seen as being at a developmental stage where they can benefit from having representation to navigate these challenging and high-stakes situations. In contrast, the other options reflect ages that are generally seen as either too young to fully comprehend the legal process or outside the common threshold for requiring legal counsel in serious cases.