Tucson Juvenile Crimes Defense Attorney

Pima County Criminal Defense Lawyer for Minors Charged With Crimes

Juveniles committing crimes are a serious concern for law enforcement officials in Tucson, Pima County, and other parts of Arizona. When minors are accused of committing criminal offenses, their cases are handled differently than adult criminal cases. This is because juvenile courts usually focus their consequences on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

In the juvenile system, a delinquency petition is filed, and the courts will determine whether a child is delinquent. The court and often the juvenile probation officers will impose consequences that are meant to help juveniles take responsibility for their actions and avoid criminal activity in the future.

At The Behan Law Group, P.L.L.C., we provide representation for children who have been charged with crimes, helping them through the process, and we are focused on resolving cases in a way that limits consequences that can their opportunities once they reach adulthood. We work with parents and children to defend against criminal accusations and negotiate agreements that will help juveniles move forward with their lives and avoid ongoing and lifelong penalties.

Types of Juvenile Offenses

Minors may be charged with a variety of different types of crimes, including:

• Property crimes: These offenses involve taking someone else's property without permission or causing damage to property such as vehicles or buildings. They can include theft, shoplifting, vandalism, or other related crimes.
• Violent crimes: These serious offenses may involve harm to others and alleged victims. Minors may face charges related to assault and battery, robbery, or even homicide. At times, charges for violent crimes may result in a minor being charged as an adult, which can carry significant penalties
• Drug-related crimes: Possession of controlled substances is a common offense that minors may face. Charges can become more serious if a child is accused of distributing or selling drugs to others. Substances that could lead to drug charges include marijuana, methamphetamines, ecstasy ("Molly"), or prescription medications such as Ritalin or Xanax.
• Sex crimes: Minors may face accusations of sexual assault, sexual abuse, public indecency, or other sexual offenses. In some cases, minors can even face charges related to child pornography if they engage in "sexting" or sharing explicit photos with others.
• Driving under the influence (DUI): Arizona has a "zero tolerance" law for minors under the age of 21 who drink alcohol or use drugs before driving. Penalties can include lengthy suspensions of their driver's licenses, fines, and the requirement to take classes or participate in alcohol or drug treatment.

When Minors May Be Charged as Adults

In Arizona, certain cases involving juveniles may be transferred to adult court. Some offenses will cause a minor to be charged as an adult if committed by a juvenile 15 years of age or older, such as first- or second-degree murder, forcible sexual assault, or armed robbery. Other types of offenses may lead to adult criminal charges, including serious felonies and felonies committed by a minor who is a chronic felony offender. There are also cases where the state may wait to file charges until someone turns 18 to bring the case in adult court. If a minor who is 17 years old is accused of driving under the influence, the court may wait until they are 18 and then charge them with a DUI in adult court.

When deciding whether to try a minor as an adult, the court may consider factors such as the seriousness of the alleged offense, whether dangerous weapons were used, whether anyone was injured, or whether a crime was related to gang activity. A judge may also consider the minor's level of maturity, their history of previous offenses, and their overall physical and emotional condition.

Contact Our Tucson, AZ Juvenile Charges Lawyer

At The Behan Law Group, P.L.L.C., we understand the complexities of the juvenile justice system in Pima County and other parts of Arizona. We also understand the stress and concern that parents experience when navigating these systems. We have extensive experience guiding families through these difficult situations, and we work to protect the rights of minors while helping them resolve their cases successfully. To learn how we can help defend your child or loved one against juvenile charges, contact us at 520-220-5047 and set up a free consultation.