Mesa Criminal Defense Attorney
Arizona gives each city the power to institute their own curfew laws, which restrict how late a child can be unsupervised in public. Many parents and children are surprised to learn these laws are routinely and strictly enforced. The penalties associated with breaking curfew law are very real and both the parent and child may be cited for a violation of curfew in Arizona.
If you or a family member has been charged with breaking curfew, our Mesa juvenile crimes attorney is here to help. At Naegle Law Firm, we understand that your child’s future is paramount and we will do everything in our power to ensure that their rights are protected, as we have for so many families in your situation.
Curfew for Minors in Arizona
Curfew restrictions depend on the age of the child. For children 15 and under, the curfew is in effect from 10 PM until 5 AM the next morning. Juveniles aged 16 through 18 cannot be unsupervised in public between 12 midnight and 5 AM.
Many cities in the Greater Phoenix area, including Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, and Tempe, have instituted similar curfews which restrict the times when children under the age of 18 are allowed to be in unsupervised public. Although persons over the age of 18 are exempt from curfew, accompanying younger teens may lead to other charges such as contributing to the delinquency of minors.
Exceptions which allow children to be out after curfew vary from city to city but generally involve emergencies or reasons relating to legitimate business. If you have questions regarding the specific laws in your area, do not hesitate to contact the knowledgeable attorney at our firm.
Punishment for Curfew Violation
Juveniles who are brought in for violation of curfew can face misdemeanor charges punishable by fines as well as community service. A violation can also lead to the creation of a juvenile record for your child. Parents who knowingly encourage their children, or allow through the lack of supervision, to break curfew may also be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor. Children who are picked up in public will be detained until the time when a parent or legal guardian can retrieve them. Failure or refusal to retrieve a child from police custody can also result in further punishment.
What Happens if a Minor is out Past Curfew?
In the state of Arizona, each city has the authority to set the curfew for minors. In the city of Mesa, children under the age of 16 cannot be out after 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Juveniles ages 16 to 18 cannot be out after 12 p.m. to 5 a.m. If a minor is out past curfew, they can receive a misdemeanor charge and face penalties such as fines or community service.
Attorneys Protecting Your Child’s Future
The adult and juvenile court systems can be very different and if your child has been charged with curfew violation, it is important to secure attorneys who are well versed in the laws and consequences specific to juvenile crimes. At Naegle Law Firm we will work closely with your family and the court system to ensure the best outcome for everyone involved. Our firm dedicates all of our time and resources to criminal defense cases and we have helped numerous families in your situation.
Call us today at (480) 245-5550 and learn about what we can do to help keep your child’s future on the right track.
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