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Arizona Criminal Defense Attorney

When Are Minors Tried As Adults In Arizona?

When Are Minors Tried As Adults In Arizona?

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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.

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What Crimes Can Juveniles Be Charged As Adults in Arizona?

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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.

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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:

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  • 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.

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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.

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Example Of When Juveniles Are Charged As Adults in Arizona: The Preston Lord Homicide

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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

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Contact A Criminal Defense Attorney in Phoenix, AZ

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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. 

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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.

Armando Nava's Criminal Defense expertise has been featured in the following publications:
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Manuel Vasquez

Armando is best attorney hands down! Awesome ways of communicating with me utilizing multiple forms of communication like his portal/phone/ or text! He also will always try to find the best deals for you possible. Lastly, very resourceful as to who he can verify you with for different services/needs if he’s not able to help you with something!

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Joan Espinoza

If I could give Armando Nava more than a 5 star review I would do it in a heart beat. I have known him for a while now and he is someone I genuinely respect and admire. He is there for you no matter how hard or easy your case is, he does not judge you, and he does everything in his power to make the client satisfied.

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I am writing this review almost a year after my charge (that I thought was going to do a year in jail) was dismissed. Armando has been very transparent and always available. I still ask him for legal advice even after my case was finished and he always helps. He will be a great ally for you and has been a dear friend for me.

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PROVEN CASE RESULTS:
DUIDUI DrugsAggravated AssaultTheftResist ArrestDomestic ViolenceMurder
Accusation:
Second in time DUI
Case Result:
Charge reduced with no jail

Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.

Accusation:
DUI Drugs (Marijuana)
Case Result:
Case Dismissed

A black man was pulled over by Salt River Police Department while visiting from out of town. Despite showing no signs of impairment, the officers arrested him and charged him with DUI Drugs. We investigated the case heavily and interviewed every officer involved. Ultimately, a motion to suppress was filed and granted after an evidentiary hearing before a Judge.

Accusation:
Aggravated Assault w/ a Deadly Weapon
Case Result:
Reduced to a misdemeanor

A man was charged with attacking a family with a knife. After reviewing the evidence, it was determined that the instrument used was not a knife at all. The Grand Jury had been misled, so we filed a motion challenging the grand jury presentation. The prosecutor, confronted with the truth, agreed to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor with no jail time.

Actuation:
Second in time DUI
Case Result:
Charge reduced with no jail

Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used      to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.

Accusation:
Theft of Means of Transportation
Case Result:
Not Guilty after jury trial

A man was out on a walk and was stopped by police because he was in the area of an attempted vehicle theft. The man maintained his innocence, but the owner of the truck identified him as the man he saw attempt to steal it. We worked tirelessly to prepare a defense and get the prosecution to see reason. The State wouldn’t budge, so the case went to trial. After a 4 day trial, the jury took approximately 10 minutes to return a Not Guilty verdict.

Actuation:
Second in time DUI
Case Result:
Charge reduced with no jail

Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used      to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.

Accusation:
Resist Arrest
Case Result:
Dismissed

A client was charged with resist arrest after being targeted by police during the protests of Summer 2020. Our firm developed a strategy with activists and members of the media that led to a dismissal of our client’s case and, eventually, all cases connected to the political prosecution of the protesters.

Actuation:
Second in time DUI
Case Result:
Charge reduced with no jail

Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used      to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.

Accusation:
Assault & Disorderly Conduct – Domestic Violence
Case Result:
Dismissal after Diversion

A woman and her boyfriend were arguing over the cleaning of their apartment. The police were called after things escalated and the woman was arrested. The Mesa City Prosecutors originally wanted the woman to do jail time. After working the case and providing background information, we were able to get the prosecutor to allow the woman to complete classes in exchange for a dismissal.

Actuation:
Second in time DUI
Case Result:
Charge reduced with no jail

Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used      to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.

Actuation:
Second in time DUI
Case Result:
Charge reduced with no jail

We have experience managing violent cases that fall under the categories of murder and manslaughter. Out of respect for all Nava Law Firm clients that fall under this case type, we are not providing any information on our website. If you or a loved one have been charged with one of these serious charges, do not speak to police officers and please contact our firm immediately to get a free consultation.

Actuation:
Second in time DUI
Case Result:
Charge reduced with no jail

Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used      to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.