Top 3 Most Common Juvenile Crimes In Arizona

In the state of Arizona, juvenile crimes are typically defined as crimes committed by children under the age of 18. When a minor commits a crime, their charges are handled differently compared to adults and their cases are heard in juvenile court. Although there are some exceptions, like in the case of very serious offenses for kids over the age of 14 like murder, forcible sexual assault, armed robbery, or other violent felony offenses. In these instances, the juvenile can be tried as an adult and face serious consequences.

It is common for minors to make mistakes and push boundaries, but some mistakes are serious so it is best to know what they entail and what to do. In this blog, we outline the three most common juvenile crimes, what they entail, as well as the importance of finding an attorney to represent their best interests.

Theft

Theft offenses like shoplifting are extremely common juvenile crimes. Depending on the circumstances, these offenses are usually considered to be petty theft and are charged as misdemeanors. However, if the property that was stolen is worth a minimum of $1,000, the individual who committed the theft can be charged with a felony.

If the juvenile in question is found guilty of committing theft, the conviction can result in probation, court-ordered counseling, and restitution. In the case of restitution, the juvenile will have to pay the valued price for the stolen property back to the individual who was stolen from.

Drug Possession

In a culture full of peer pressure, it can be very easy for minors to make the mistake of experimenting with and being caught possessing illegal drugs. When it comes to drug possession, there are a few things that need to be taken into account. First, possession can mean either actual possession or constructive possession. Actual possession is when you have the drug on your person, while constructive possession is when you have control over the drug, even if it’s not on your person, like in your car, backpack, or locker.

There are a variety of punishments that a juvenile can face if they are charged with drug possession in the state of Arizona. The punishment that a juvenile will receive will depend on various factors, including the type and amount of drugs that were possessed, as well as the juvenile’s criminal history. Some of the possible punishments that a juvenile could receive for drug possession include probation, community service, drug counseling, and even time in a detention facility.

Vandalism

Vandalism is unfortunately a very common crime among juveniles. Many young people think of it as nothing more than a harmless prank, but the consequences can be severe. Vandalism is the act of willfully destroying or defacing someone else’s property. This can include anything from spray painting graffiti on a wall to breaking a window.

Vandalism is considered a criminal act and can range in severity from a class 2 misdemeanor to a class 4 felony, depending on the circumstances of the case. The punishment for vandalizing someone’s property can result in jail time, probation, and steep fines.

More Than Just A Slap On The Wrist.

When it comes to juvenile cases, it’s important to remember that not all defendants just get a “slap on the wrist.” Depending on the circumstances the punishments can be severe. Even though most juvenile records become sealed or expunged when the minor turns 18, it is still important to make sure that your child gets proper representation if they find themselves in trouble with the law.

The attorneys at Antol & Sherman, PC are sympathetic to our client’s situation and are here to help. We view each individual as a person in need, rather than just writing them off as a juvenile delinquent. We have years of experience representing juveniles in court, and we know how to get the best results for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Don’t leave it up to chance. Contact a Flagstaff law firm that you can trust to represent you. Our criminal law lawyers are experienced, knowledgeable, and ready to defend your rights.