Understanding Juvenile Crime
Young people can sometimes make mistakes, and when those mistakes run afoul of the law, it can have serious consequences. In Arizona, a juvenile delinquent is someone who commits an illegal act before they turn 18. These can range from status offenses, which are acts only considered unlawful due to the individual’s age (like truancy or running away from home), to more serious crimes, such as drug offenses, theft, or even violent crimes.
How Does the Juvenile Justice System Work?
Arizona’s juvenile justice system, designed to rehabilitate rather than merely punish, recognizes the unique circumstances of juvenile offenders. But this doesn’t mean that young people are given a free pass. On the contrary, a juvenile criminal record can significantly impact a young person’s life, affecting everything from school admissions to job prospects.
Instead of a trial, there is an adjudication hearing. The focus isn’t on guilt or innocence but rather on determining the best course of action for the young person’s rehabilitation.
When Can a Juvenile be Tried as an Adult?
There are circumstances where a juvenile can be tried as an adult. This usually happens when the offenses committed are particularly serious, such as violent felonies, or if the juvenile has a history of criminal behavior. Arizona law, under A.R.S. §13-501, allows for the prosecution of juveniles as young as 14 as adults for specific serious offenses.
Gang-Related Juvenile Crime
One particularly concerning type of juvenile crime in Arizona is gang-related offenses. As per the Arizona Youth Survey, roughly 8% of Arizona 8th, 10th, and 12th graders reported gang involvement. Gang-related crimes can lead to enhanced penalties, long-term monitoring, and can drastically change the trajectory of a young person’s life.
Potential Charges and Their Consequences
Let’s take a look at potential charges a juvenile might face. Consider theft. Under Arizona law (ARS §13-1802), a minor could be charged with theft if they knowingly take control, title, use or management of another’s property. The severity of the charge can range from a Class 1 Misdemeanor to a Class 2 Felony, depending on the value of the property and circumstances of the theft.
For instance, if a juvenile is convicted of a Class 2 Felony for stealing property valued at more than $25,000, they could face severe penalties. Despite the emphasis on rehabilitation in the juvenile justice system, this could include time in a juvenile detention center, hefty fines, probation, and more.
The Role of Legal Counsel in Juvenile Crime Cases
In light of these potential consequences, the role of experienced legal counsel in navigating juvenile justice cannot be overstated. A skilled attorney will not only provide a strong defense but will also focus on minimizing the negative impact of the offense on the young person’s future.
A balanced approach to juvenile crime is crucial, one that addresses the needs of public safety while understanding that young people often have the capacity to change. Legal practitioners, educators, community leaders, and families all have roles to play in ensuring that young people can learn from their mistakes without being irrevocably marked by them.
Stay tuned to our blog for more in-depth insights into the intersection of criminal law in Arizona. Tamou Law Firm is dedicated to providing our clients with informed, competent, and compassionate legal counsel, ready to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape together.
