Phoenix Juvenile Crimes Attorney

A crime is designated a juvenile crime if the accused is a child under the age of 18. While juvenile crimes can carry harsh penalties in some situations, these crimes are governed by a separate set of court procedures than crimes committed by adults. Criminal offenders under the age of 18 are tried in juvenile court. As opposed to the adult criminal court system, juvenile cases in most instances do not go before a jury. A judge will assess all the evidence in the case, hear any testimony, and decide what punishments, if any, should be imposed upon the juvenile. With so much depending on how the judge views your case, hiring an experienced Phoenix criminal defense attorney who understands the juvenile criminal justice system can make a significant difference in the outcome of the case.

The penalties associated with juvenile crimes differ from adults in that juvenile penalties focus on rehabilitating the individual instead of punishing them. While most juvenile crime convictions are indeed focused on rehabilitation, certain crimes, such as violent felony offenses or serious sex offenses, automatically allow the prosecutor to charge the juvenile as an adult. Generally, only juveniles 14 years or older can potentially be tried as adults. Minors under 14 years of age will not normally be subject to being tried as adults. Possible penalties if a juvenile is found delinquent may include juvenile probation, juvenile incarceration in either a juvenile detention facility (for short term incarceration) or in the juvenile department of corrections (for long term incarceration), diversion programs, community work service, fines, restitution, and treatment classes, such as drugs, alcohol or anger management classes.

Attorney Trent Buckallew has an extensive track record of success defending juvenile clients against criminal violations. With over 20 years of experience handling all types of criminal cases, including juvenile criminal cases, he has the knowledge and skill to help his clients navigate through the intimidating and often-complicated, juvenile criminal justice system. He has handled countless cases in juvenile courts across the valley including the Maricopa County Superior Court – Juvenile Division as well as City Courts throughout the metro Phoenix area. While he has handled a wide variety of juvenile criminal cases, some of the more common violations seen in the juvenile system include charges such as drug possession, vandalism, criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, theft crimes, arson, assault, shoplifting, drug possession, underage drinking, DUI, minor in consumption, gang related activity, and sex crimes. A juvenile record, no matter how insignificant it may seem, can result in serious consequences and a competent criminal defense attorney can help guide you through the process of juvenile court proceedings.

Contact a Phoenix juvenile crimes attorney if you or your child has been charged with a juvenile criminal offense. Schedule a free initial consultation today.

The Firm handles juvenile criminal cases in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, San Tan Valley and surrounding areas.