Arizona Juvenile Defense Lawyer
While most juvenile criminal acts are due to youthful stupidity, a conviction can have serious and sometimes life-changing consequences, including fines, probation, or even confinement in a juvenile correction center. As a parent of a child facing criminal charges, it is easy to blame yourself and get angry at your child. Sometimes, parents blame each other or even fault their child’s school for the unfortunate incident.
While the emotions can be overwhelming, you should remember that your child needs your utmost love and support during this critical time. Accordingly, you should contact a skilled juvenile defense lawyer to help you get a favorable court outcome for your child. The attorney will work to get the court to reduce or dismiss the child’s criminal charges.
If you are in Phoenix or Mesa, Arizona, you should contact our knowledgeable and experienced juvenile defense lawyers at Dodge & Vega PLC. We believe in giving every child a second chance and that children shouldn’t suffer harsh penalties, including imprisonment for stupid non-malicious mistakes. Our Arizona juvenile defense attorneys are committed to fighting for your child’s rights while helping you navigate the often challenging times.
While most juvenile criminal acts are due to youthful stupidity, a conviction can have serious and sometimes life-changing consequences
Juveniles and Juvenile Crimes
Any minor accused of committing a crime is subject to prosecution in an Arizona juvenile court. Arizona laws consider anyone between 14-17 years as a juvenile. Juvenile crimes under the law include ‘delinquent acts,’ meaning any act committed by a juvenile that would be a criminal or petty offense if committed by an adult.
Delinquent acts may also involve violations of Arizona, other state laws, or federal law that can only be violated by a minor, including truancy and juvenile drug crimes. These are charges based solely on the juvenile’s age. Some of the most common delinquent acts include:
- Trespassing
- Vandalism
- Assault and battery, including fighting and muggings
- Sexual offenses, including sexual assault and rape
- Theft crimes, including shoplifting and burglary
- Arson
- Alcohol crimes, including driving under the influence
- Juvenile drug crimes, including possession and distribution
- Weapon charges
Juvenile Crime Punishments
Unlike criminal penalties for adults, which are punitive, penalties for juvenile crimes are mostly rehabilitative. These penalties may include community service, paying fines and restitutions, probations, and serving time in a juvenile correction center. These punishments are different and generally not as severe as adult offenders’ punishments.
However, Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S) Section 13-501 allows juveniles accused of a crime with two prior felony conviction to be tried as adults. The law provides for any juvenile who was between ages 15-17 at the time of committing the alleged criminal offense to be tried as an adult for certain serious crimes, including:
- First-degree murder
- Second-degree murder
- Armed robbery
- Forcible sexual assault
- Any other violent felony offense
Accordingly, depending on the severity of a crime and whether or not the law considers the minor a ‘chronic felony offender,’ the child may be charged as an adult and consequently have the felony charge on their record.
Contact an Arizona Juvenile Defense Lawyer
A criminal charge can potentially destroy the life of your child. Do not let a foolish youthful mistake define the course of your child’s life. Contact our trusted and skilled juvenile defense lawyers at Dodge & Vega PLC if your child is facing a juvenile crime accusation in Phoenix or Mesa, AZ. We are committed to providing the best legal defense while defending your child’s right to a bright future. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about our criminal defense services.
