Criminal Defense Lawyers Defending Juveniles in Tempe & Phoenix, AZ

In Arizona, juvenile crime is any crime committed by a person under the age of 18. A conviction at a young age can have a major negative impact on your child’s future. However, hiring a criminal lawyer from The Weingart Firm can help your child’s case outcome by preventing your child from being tried as an adult, convincing the court to dismiss the charges, or to negotiate a favorable plea deal such as negotiating a felony charge down to a misdemeanor.

How Juvenile Criminal Cases are Handled in Arizona

In Arizona, our juvenile courts handle cases involving children between the age of 8 to 18. For children 15 years and older who commit certain violent offenses, the child may be tried as an adult. Unlike in most adult criminal cases where a jury decides guilt or innocence, in juvenile cases the decision is made by a judge. Also, there is no mandatory sentencing in juvenile cases, and many juveniles may be eligible for a “pre-filing diversion” program such as community service or classes to educate the child on how to avoid repeating their mistakes.

Although there are differences between adult criminal cases and juvenile cases such as the court system, the rules, and the consequences, the potential impact on your child’s future is still very serious. That’s why you need legal representation for your child – you need the criminal defense lawyers of the Weingart Firm.