What Happens When Your Child Gets Arrested in Arizona?
In Arizona, a juvenile is anyone who is under the age of 18. However, if your child commits a crime, the prosecutor may decide to charge them as a juvenile or adult depending on their criminal history, age, and the severity of the crime. If your child is charged with a crime, it’s important that you hire an experienced lawyer in Tucson, AZ as soon as possible. Janet Altschuler is a dedicated, experienced, and aggressive juvenile criminal defense attorney who can help you better understand the charges against your child, what to expect, and how to prepare. She can also give your child the best chance of a successful outcome for their case. Here is a look at what happens when your child is arrested for a crime in Arizona.
Your Child May be Detained or Released into Your Custody
After your child is arrested, questioned, and/or charged with a crime, they will either be detained in county jail or a juvenile detention facility or released into your custody. If they are released into your custody, you and your child will have to agree to certain terms and conditions pending their next court appearance or hearing. If your child is detained, they may remain in detention for up to 24 hours.
The County Attorney Will Decide How to Proceed
The county attorney’s office in your county will determine how to proceed with your child’s case. They will decide to prosecute, drop the charges, or agree to a plea deal. The county attorney can decide to prosecute your child as an adult if your child is 15, 16, or 17 years old and accused of first or second degree murder, forcible sexual assault, armed robbery, a violent felony, or if your child is a chronic felony offender. Your child may be prosecuted as an adult if they are 14 years old and committed a class 1, 2, or 3 felony; committed a class 3, 4, or 5 felony involving a dangerous offense; or are a chronic felony offender.
An Attorney Will be Appointed to Represent Your Child
If you don’t hire a private attorney, the court will appoint a public defender or court-appointed counsel to represent your child. Your child cannot represent themself in court or appear without an attorney. You should hire a criminal defense attorney who specializes in juvenile crimes as soon as possible. Your child’s attorney can begin gathering evidence, investigating the circumstances of your child’s arrest, conducting interviews, and planning your child’s defense. They can also begin negotiations with the county attorney’s office for a dismissal, lesser charges, or a plea agreement.
Your Child May Have to Appear in Court
If the county attorney decides to prosecute and doesn’t offer your child a plea agreement prior to their initial court date, your child will need to appear in court. It will look better for your child if you attend their court hearing. A judge will hear the details of your child’s case and decide how it should proceed. Juveniles must receive a hearing within 24 hours of being placed in detention. If a hearing isn’t scheduled within 24 hours, a juvenile must be released into the custody of a parent or legal guardian, unless they meet the conditions for being charged as an adult.
A Trial Will be Held or Your Child Will be Sentenced
Unless your child is being charged as an adult, the court will set an adjudication hearing. In some cases, a judge may recommend probation, family counseling, community service, drug or alcohol rehabilitation, or other alternatives to detention without the need for an adjudication hearing or trial. There won’t be a jury present, but the county attorney will present evidence and witnesses may testify in front of a judge. The judge will then issue a final judgment and sentence.
Hire an Experienced Juvenile Crime Lawyer in Tucson, AZ
Your child cannot face juvenile charges without the representation of a juvenile criminal lawyer in Tucson, AZ. Janet Altschuler is an aggressive, experienced juvenile defense attorney who will help you do everything you can to secure the best possible outcome for your child. She has more than 20 years of experience and will be with you every step of the way, throughout the juvenile criminal process. Call us today at 520-247-1789 or 520-200-5003 to schedule a free consultation or to learn more about what to expect after your child has been charged with a crime in Arizona.