When Do I Need a Juvenile Defense Attorney?
Minors (children under the age of 18) are typically charged as juveniles, meaning they are tried in a separate court with different consequences. Minors are capable of committing the same criminal offenses as adults, but their penalties are generally not as severe when they are charged as juveniles.
Historically, Arizona courts like to give minors the chance to rehabilitate, rather than placing them directly into jail. This philosophy is based on the presumption that rehabilitation will prevent the minor from committing the crime again. However, minors who already have a criminal record, or who are convicted of serious felonies, such as murder or rape, can be tried as adults and given those corresponding penalties. In Arizona, serious juvenile crimes are punishable by fines and either jail time or time in a juvenile detention facility.
Being charged with any juvenile crime can have a lasting, devastating effect on a minor. Unless the minor’s record is expunged, the criminal charge will remain on his or her record forever, making it difficult to qualify for a job, or apply to a university. Minors and their families need to do what they can to make sure charges for juvenile crimes do not have lasting negative repercussions.
Why a Juvenile Defense attorney?
An Arizona juvenile defense attorney can provide minors charged with juvenile crimes with the protection they need to get their life back on track. Attorneys like Charlie Naegle work with the minor, the family and the juvenile court system to ensure the best possible outcome for the child. Families should not try to represent their child on their own. The juvenile court system is very different from the adult system and a thorough knowledge of the options and consequences available to minors can make all the difference for a child’s future.
Ready to have your case handled by a juvenile defense attorney in Mesa AZ who knows and understands?
Call 602-685-1122 to schedule your free anytime, anywhere consultation with attorney Charlie Naegle. When you hire the Naegle Law Firm, you work directly with Charlie Naegle. For your convenience, you may also use our consultation request form and we will contact you as soon as possible.
