Juvenile Attorney in Arizona
A son or daughter charged with a Juvenile Offense in Arizona can be one of the most frightening times in a parent's life. If your child has been arrested or accused of wrongdoing, the first and most important thing to do is protect their rights. School administration, law enforcement, and prosecutors move quickly - sometimes to cover mistakes they've made. So should you.
Has your child been arrested, accused of wrongdoing, questioned by police or school administrators, or suspended/expelled from school? If so, you need to move quickly to ensure that every right is protected. Call Guardian Law Group to speak to an experienced, aggressive attorney for a free case evaluation and consultation - it's the best move you can make to protect your child's future.
Can my child be charged as an adult?
Yes, and that decision could be left to the prosecutor and decided by the court in a critical Transfer Hearing (A.R.S. § 8-302). Depending on the allegations, children as young as 14 may be charged as adults and face the same sentencing guidelines as adults. Under A.R.S. § 13-501, That means the potential for prison time.
At Guardian, our first priority is to prevent that from happening at all costs. A criminal conviction as an "adult" will have permanent and life-altering consequences - a burden no child should have to carry.
Transferring the Case to Juvenile Court
Even if the prosecutor was successful in charging a child as an adult, we will ALWAYS challenge that decision and file a Motion to Transfer the case back to the Juvenile Division under A.R.S. § 13-504. Based on that motion, the court will consider several factors, including:
- Seriousness of the offense involved
- Previous criminal history, contact with law enforcement or the court
- Previous time spent in Juvenile Corrections or juvenile residential placement
- Whether the child committed the alleged offense while participating in a "criminal street gang"
- The views of the alleged victim
- Possibility for rehabilitation
In many cases, these critical decision and arguments before the court will determine the outcome of the case. If the case is transferred back to the Juvenile Division, the focus returns to rehabilitation instead of punishment; courts and prosecutors are far more more flexible and willing to resolve the case in the best interests of all involved - including your child.
You will need a strong, experienced advocate to protect your child's rights - someone who will go to the lengths necessary to clear your child's name. Call Guardian Law Group today -- (602) 935-5039