Phoenix Juvenile Crimes Lawyer

Minors who commit crimes in Arizona are subject to prosecution in juvenile court. A child who is convicted of a crime in juvenile court may face penalties including intensive probation, fines and restitution, performing community service, or even serving time in a juvenile correction facility. If your child is facing juvenile criminal charges, contact a qualified Phoenix juvenile crimes lawyer at AZ Defenders right away. We will work hard to lessen the penalties your child is facing.

Why Choose AZ Defenders for Your Juvenile Crime Charge?

• If your child is in trouble with the law, you want the best criminal defense available. Our Phoenix juvenile attorneys are well-respected and established in the legal community. Founding attorney Craig Rosenstein is on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Justice Project.
• You can rely on our Phoenix criminal defense attorneys to do everything within our power to secure the best possible outcome for your child.
• We understand what you are going through and offer dedicated, personalized service.

Arizona Law Concerning Juvenile Offenders

State law concerning juvenile offenders is contained in Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 8, Chapter 3. This statute includes seven articles addressing juvenile offenders, including:

• General Procedures for Delinquency and Incorrigibility Proceedings
• Delinquency and Alcohol Offense Complaints and Hearings
• Disposition and Commitment
• Juvenile Intensive Probation
• Interstate Compact for Juveniles
• Educational Rehabilitation
• Victim’s Rights for Juvenile Offenses

For more information regarding what Arizona law says regarding juvenile offenders, speak with a knowledgeable Phoenix juvenile attorney at AZ Defenders.

What are Considered Juvenile Crimes?

Under Arizona Revised Statutes Section 8-201:

• “Child,” “youth,” and “juvenile” mean an individual under the age of 18 years.
• “Delinquent act” means an act committed by a juvenile that, if committed by an adult, would be a criminal or petty offense; a violation of Arizona law or the law of any other state in which the offense was committed; a violation of federal law; a violation of a law that can only be violated by a minor and has been designated a delinquent offense; or a violation of any ordinance of a city, county, or political subdivision of this state defining crime.
• “Delinquent juvenile” is a minor child who is adjudicated to have committed a delinquent act.

When Can a Juvenile Be Tried as an Adult in Arizona?

Under Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-501, a juvenile who has been accused of a criminal offense with a prior felony conviction can be tried as an adult.

A juvenile who was 15, 16, or 17 years of age at the time the alleged offense was committed shall be tried as an adult for any of the following offenses:

• First-degree murder
• Second-degree murder
• Forcible sexual assault
• Armed robbery
• Any other violent felony offense
• Any felony committed by a chronic felony offender
• Any offense properly joined to an offense listed above

Except as provided above, a juvenile who was 14 years of age or older at the time the offense was allegedly committed may be tried as an adult for a:

• Class one felony
• Class two felony
• Class three felony in violation of chapters 10 through 17 or chapter 19 of Title 13 (crimes in these chapters include homicide, assault, kidnapping, sexual offenses, criminal trespass and burglary, criminal damage to property, arson, and robbery)
• Class three, four, five, or six felony involving a dangerous offense
• Any felony offense committed by a chronic felony offender
• Any offense that is properly joined to an offense listed above

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Phoenix Juvenile Attorney Today

Our Phoenix juvenile crimes lawyers have a deep understanding of state laws governing juvenile crimes. Contact AZ Defenders as soon as possible if your minor child has been charged with a crime. We’re available 24/7.