At what point should a juvenile be Mirandized according to standard legal practice?

A juvenile should be Mirandized when they are arrested for a delinquent act because this is a critical point where their rights must be protected. The law requires that individuals in custody be informed of their rights, particularly the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, to ensure they understand the implications of any statements they may make during interrogation.

This aligns with the broader principles of protecting an individual's constitutional rights under the Fifth Amendment, which guards against self-incrimination. Arrest for a delinquent act marks a formalized control by law enforcement over the juvenile, indicating that they are not free to leave, thus triggering the necessity of informing them of their rights.

While there may be discussions about whether a juvenile should be Mirandized for questioning or based on other factors, the most definitive point in the process that legally mandates providing these warnings is at the moment of arrest. This ensures that any subsequent statements can be considered admissible in court, assuming the proper protocols have been followed.