What Are Juvenile Crimes in Arizona?
Juvenile crimes are unlawful acts committed by minors under the age of 18. Young people often make poor choices that lead to severe consequences once they come in contact with law enforcers. Usually, minor offenders are sent to a juvenile court when suspected of committing a crime. Lawyers from a law firm in Arizona mention the following common juvenile crimes:
- Vandalism
- Shoplifting
- Drug offenses, such as use, sale, or possession
- Simple assault or battery
- Curfew violations
- Disorderly conduct
- Burglary
- Underage drinking
In the juvenile court system, young offenders are treated less strictly as they are still growing and learning. If your child is facing charges for juvenile crimes, seek the assistance of experienced criminal defense lawyers in Yuma to help you navigate the system. They can help you and your child beat the system for a favorable outcome.
What Stages Are Involved in the Juvenile Justice System?
Since the juvenile justice system seeks to rehabilitate young offenders, it entails a multi-step process to ensure proper consequences:
- Delinquent behavior
- Referral
- Diversion
- Waiver or transfer
- Detention
- Adjudication
- Disposition
- Juvenile corrections
- Aftercare
The progression of the process is determined by the state’s jurisdiction and juvenile court system. The state jurisdiction operates on the doctrine of “parens patriae,” which implies that the court has a parental role over its citizens. If the juvenile court waives its parental role, a juvenile will be charged by the adult court system.
When Can Juveniles Be Charged as Adults in Arizona?
When juveniles commit severe crimes, the legal trajectory shifts, putting them on the path of being tried as adults and facing harsh consequences. Arizona law provides specific guidelines for determining when a minor can be tried in an adult court, with the decision significantly affecting the legal proceedings.
Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 13-501 provides that the offender's age and the nature of the crime committed are crucial factors in the decision-making process. A juvenile must be between the ages of 15 and 18 to be eligible to be charged within the adult court system. A young offender can be tried as a juvenile until they are 19 years old.
Criminal defense attorneys in Yuma explain the following conditions under which a juvenile can be tried as an adult:
- Discretionary judicial waiver: When a juvenile case involves a felony, the state may request that the juvenile court waive its jurisdiction to the superior court's criminal division.
- Statutory exclusion: The court attorney must file charges in adult court if the offender is 15 years or older and has committed a specific statutorily delineated crime.
- Prosecutorial discretion: A youth 14 years or older who allegedly commits a statutorily delineated offense may be charged in an adult court after the county attorney files charges.
Crimes for Which a Juvenile Can Be Charged as an Adult
The nature of the crime juveniles commit is crucial in determining whether they will be tried as minors or adults. The following specific severe crimes can subject a juvenile to the adult court system:
- First-degree murder: The crime involves the deliberate or premeditated killing or causing the death of another person when committing certain felonies under specific circumstances defined by law.
- Second-degree murder: It refers to intentional but not premeditated murder arising from an act of impulse
- Armed robbery: The crime occurs when the offender uses a weapon or makes the victim believe they have a weapon when committing a robbery.
- Forcible sexual assault: Any sexual act performed against another person’s will by force, threat of force, or by taking advantage of their inability to give consent can subject a juvenile to adult court.
- Felonies committed by a chronic felony offender: Juveniles who have a history of committing felonies and commit another felony can be tried in the adult court system.
- Other felony offenses: The categorization encompasses various crimes that could lead to a juvenile being tried as an adult based on the case specifics and the juvenile's criminal history.
These crimes fall under mandatory adult charges according to the Arizona Constitution. Consult aggressive Yuma criminal defense attorneys to help you understand how the system works and the legal options available to protect your child’s rights and future.
How Does the Process of Charging Juveniles as Adults Work?
Charging a juvenile who commits a severe crime as an adult is known as a "direct file" or "transfer." The system considers factors such as the following when making this decision:
- The offender’s age
- The severity of the crime
- The offender’s delinquent history
- The likelihood of the juvenile’s rehabilitation within the juvenile justice system.
The process begins with the prosecutor’s petition to transfer the case to the adult court. A judge evaluates the application based on various factors. If the judge approves the petition, the juvenile is transferred to the adult court, where they are subjected to the same legal procedures and potential penalties as an adult offender.
A Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer Providing Legal Insights When a Juvenile is Charged as an Adult
When juveniles commit crimes, they are taken through the juvenile court system to correct and rehabilitate them into becoming better people. However, when they commit severe crimes, they can be subjected to the adult court system, where they are tried and sentenced as adults. The process can be overwhelming, so consult skilled lawyers if your child is in such a state.
Citrine Law is a reputable criminal defense law firm in Arizona. Our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Yuma can evaluate your child’s case and provide legal counsel on how best to protect their rights. We bring a wealth of knowledge and can fight to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Call us at 928-955-7191 to schedule a FREE case assessment.
