Tempe Juvenile Crime Lawyer

One of the most common mistakes parents make when dealing with juvenile criminal charges is assuming that because the charge involves a child, the consequences aren’t severe. The potential impact on your child’s future is still very serious. If your child has been charged with a crime, contact a skilled Tempe juvenile defense lawyer from The Weingart Firm, PLLC for a free initial consultation today.

Criminal Defense Lawyer 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 Tempe criminal defense lawyer from The Weingart Firm, PLLC 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 negotiating a favorable plea deal, such as negotiating a felony charge down to a misdemeanor.

Common Crimes Juveniles Are Charged With in Maricopa County

Juvenile charges can arise from a wide range of situations, some involving school incidents, others involving social media, fights, or property-related offenses. Some of the most common offenses juveniles are charged with include the following:

• Shoplifting: Shoplifting is one of the most common juvenile charges. It can involve taking items from a retail store without paying, switching price tags, or concealing merchandise with the intent to leave without paying.
• Drug Possession: Even small amounts of controlled substances of medication without a prescription can result in charges. In many cases, first-time offenders may be eligible for diversion programs, but the outcome depends on the circumstances.
• Minor in Possession of Alcohol: It is illegal for anyone under 21 to possess or consume alcohol. Juveniles are often charged after parties, traffic stops, or incidents reported by neighbors or school officials.
• Assault or Fighting: Physical altercations at school, at sporting events, or in public places frequently lead to assault charges. Even a relatively minor fight can result in a criminal charge, especially if someone is injured.
• Criminal Damage or Vandalism: This can include graffiti, damaging vehicles, breaking windows, or destroying property.
• Disorderly Conduct: Disorderly conduct is a broad charge that can involve fighting, making unreasonable noise, or engaging in disruptive behavior in public. It is often charged alongside other offenses.
• Trespassing: Juveniles may be charged with trespassing for entering private property, remaining somewhere after being asked to leave, or being present in restricted areas such as closed schools or construction sites.
• Burglary or Vehicle Break-Ins: Entering a vehicle, garage, or building with the intent to commit theft or another crime can lead to burglary charges.
• Reckless Driving or Exhibition of Speed: Teen drivers may face charges for excessive speeding, street racing, or other dangerous driving behavior.

How Juvenile Criminal Cases are Handled in Arizona

In Arizona, juvenile court generally handles delinquency matters for youth under age 18. Children under age 8 are typically not processed through juvenile delinquency the same way and may instead be addressed through the dependency system. For certain serious offenses committed by youth aged 15 to 17, Arizona law requires the case to be prosecuted in adult court.

Juvenile delinquency cases are usually decided by a judge at an adjudication hearing rather than a jury. If the court finds a juvenile delinquent, the case proceeds to a disposition hearing, where the court can impose consequences that are often more individualized than adult sentencing. In many counties, a juvenile may also be eligible for a diversion (including pre-file diversion) depending on the charge, the youth’s history, and the county attorney’s policies.

Contact a Phoenix Metropolitan Area Juvenile Crime Defense Lawyer

With so much on the line, it’s imperative that anyone facing criminal charges while under the age of 18 retain the services of a competent Valley of the Sun juvenile crime defense lawyer. Contact The Weingart Firm, PLLC today so we can discuss your case and fight for the best outcome possible on your behalf. Our consultations are free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by simply reaching out.