Juvenile Law

Juvenile law is the body of law dealing with individuals under the age of 18 at the time of their criminal offenses. A standardized criminal justice system throughout the U. S. deals with adults, while each state has its own juvenile justice system. Unlike the criminal justice system for adults, which punishes perpetrators, the juvenile justice system generally seeks to rehabilitate. Arizona law however, has enacted laws that severely punish juveniles.

Assaults, drug and alcohol related offenses and burglary are the top juvenile crimes in Arizona, followed by vandalism and traffic violations. Often teens violate the law with no concept of the seriousness of their offenses. If you live in Arizona, it is essential for both parents and youth to understand the consequences when crimes are committed.

At the Phoenix law firm of Rose and Huey, PLLC; our juvenile law practice plays an integral role in the legal services we offer families. When you seek our help, we ensure that you understand the charges filed against your child, the legal process, the options available to you, and the punishments you can expect for the conviction of an offense.

Parents are often unclear about the rights of juveniles in a court of law. A juvenile has some of the same constitutional rights as an adult, which include the  right to an attorney, 5th amendment rights against self-incrimination, as well as the right to confront and cross-examine their accusers. A judge hears juvenile cases; however, a juvenile does not have the right to a trial by jury.

Among important facts relating to Arizona juvenile law:

• Parents must come to court with the juvenile offender
•  15, 16 or 17 year olds are tried as an adult, if they commit specific violent crimes such as, murder, armed robbery, forcible sexual assault, or aggravated assault, or if a juvenile is arrested for a third felony, after already being convicted on two prior felonies
• A juvenile’s first driving under the influence (DUI) conviction means 24 hours in detention and loss of driver’s license
• A conviction for graffiti results in a driver’s license suspension
• Destruction of juvenile records is not automatic
• Some juvenile records are not confidential

If a juvenile in your family is in trouble with the law, we are ready to take your side, aggressively protect your child’s rights, and fight for the best outcome possible. Call our law firm at (602) 340-8400 to arrange an appointment and learn how we can help you.