When Are Minors Tried As Adults In Arizona?
When Are Minors Tried As Adults In Arizona?
In the juvenile court system, young offenders are treated less strictly because they are still growing and learning. The Arizona justice system focuses on rehabilitation through counseling, education, and community service, with the hope that they'll become responsible members of society. However, when juveniles commit severe crimes, the situation shifts. They might be tried as adults and face harsh consequences. This decision depends on factors like the type of crime and the crime's seriousness.
What Crimes Can Juveniles Be Charged As Adults in Arizona?
Arizona law has specific guidelines for determining when a juvenile can be tried in an adult court. This decision significantly affects the legal proceedings and potential consequences faced by the young offender. Under Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) 13-501, the age and the nature of the crime committed are critical factors in this decision-making process.
For a juvenile to be tried as an adult in Arizona, they must be between the ages of 14 and 17 and have committed specific serious crimes. These include:
- First-Degree Murder: Deliberate and premeditated killing or causing death during the act of certain felonies under the circumstances defined by law.
- Second Degree Murder: Killing that is intentional but not premeditated, often arising from an impulsive act.
- Forcible Sexual Assault: Any sexual act performed against another's will by force, threat of force, or when the victim is incapable of giving consent.
- Armed Robbery: The act of robbery where the offender uses a weapon or leads the victim to believe they have a weapon.
- Any Other Violent Felony Offense: This category can encompass a wide range of serious crimes involving violence or the threat of violence against persons.
- Any Felony Offense Committed by a Chronic Felony Offender: This includes juveniles who have a history of felony convictions and commit another felony.
The broad categorization of "any other violent felony offense" means that a variety of crimes could lead to a juvenile being tried as an adult, depending on the specifics of the case and the juvenile's criminal history. This flexibility in the law allows prosecutors to consider the severity and circumstances of each case individually.
Example Of When Juveniles Are Charged As Adults in Arizona: The Preston Lord Homicide
The case surrounding the murder of 16-year-old Preston Lord in Phoenix, Arizona, demonstrates Arizona's approach when juveniles are tried as adults for serious crimes. Following Preston's death, Maricopa County officials charged several individuals, including minors, as adults with first-degree felony murder and kidnapping.
Arizona uses the felony murder rule, meaning anyone involved in an underlying felony that results in death can be charged with murder. This principle is evident in the charges against the accused of Preston’s murder, reflecting the state's stance on the consequences of participating in felonies leading to loss of life.
This tragic event underscores the complexities of cases involving juveniles in serious crimes, emphasizing the importance of legal representation and the nuanced considerations of the juvenile justice system. It brings to light the ongoing discussions about accountability, the justice system's role in juvenile delinquency, and the pursuit of justice for victims and their families.
For more information about the Preston Lord homicide, you can refer to this article where attorney Armando Nava helps explain why the accused are being charged with murder under Arizona's felony murder law. - https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/investigations/teen-violence/several-indicted-in-preston-lord-homicide-case
Contact A Criminal Defense Attorney in Phoenix, AZ
Being tried as an adult carries significant consequences for a juvenile, including the possibility of harsher penalties like longer prison terms. Such a conviction can also negatively impact their future, limiting job opportunities, voting rights, and professional licensing. Understanding these legal implications is critical for parents, guardians, and juveniles. It highlights the need for effective legal representation to develop a defense strategy.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a serious crime in Phoenix, AZ, you need to contact a criminal defense attorney. At the Nava Law Firm, our attorneys carefully examine every aspect of your case, using strategies to get you a favorable outcome. Our experienced attorneys challenge the validity of the prosecution's claims, aiming to protect your rights and reduce potential consequences. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help defend your rights.
