Phoenix Juvenile Crime Attorney

Protecting Your Child Against Juvenile Crime Charges in Arizona

A juvenile crime is a criminal offense committed by a person under the age of 18. Minors are capable of committing the same criminal offenses as adults. When a minor is charged with a crime, it’s important for him or her to contact a juvenile defense attorney in Phoenix who has experience handling juvenile crimes, as the laws, courts, and regulations governing juvenile crimes are different from those governing adult cases.

Contact our juvenile defense attorneys in Phoenix by calling us at (602) 702-5431 or filling out our online form.

Understanding Juvenile Detention in Arizona

In Arizona, a minor can only be held in detention for less than 24 hours unless ordered by the court following a hearing. The moment your child has been arrested, contact an attorney immediately to make sure that his or her rights are protected.

The Maricopa County Juvenile Court Center handles most detention hearings for youth in Phoenix, with events moving quickly after an arrest. Judges review arrest details, charges, and conditions for release, usually within one business day. With a juvenile defense attorney in Phoenix present, families can better advocate for their child's release instead of continued detention. If the court does not order more detention, the juvenile typically returns home pending further court dates. The judge’s initial decision shapes what happens next and can set the direction for the case.

Will My Child Face Jail Time?

If someone under the age of 18 is convicted of a crime, the state will typically opt to rehabilitate the minor in lieu of sentencing him or her to jail time. The reasoning for this is that there is a better chance the minor will not commit a crime again if they receive counseling and/or rehabilitation.

Some non-incarceration options can include:

• Community service
• Probation
• Counseling
• Fine
• Electronic monitoring

However, certain juvenile felonies, such as assault with a weapon, rape, or murder do not make the minor eligible for this option and can result in heavier penalties including fines, time in a juvenile detention facility, jail time, and more.

The Long-Term Impact of a Juvenile Criminal Record

It’s important to remember that a juvenile crimes conviction can affect a child’s life for years to come. Unless a conviction has been expunged, a juvenile crime will remain on a minor’s criminal record forever. Banks, educational institutions, employers, landlords, etc. will all have access to this information, as it is public record.

This is why it’s so important to contact a juvenile crimes lawyer in the Phoenix area. Attorney Knowles and his firm can provide your child with the exceptionally skilled defense he or she needs to avoid a conviction that could negatively impact his or her future or affect his or her life for years to come.

Common Defenses & Legal Strategies in Arizona Juvenile Cases

Each juvenile case is unique, but Arizona law provides multiple defense strategies that can benefit young people. Sometimes, charges stem from peer influence or misunderstandings, and clarifying the facts can significantly affect the case’s direction. In other cases, officers may not have followed protocols during arrests or questioning, which can impact the use of evidence. Attorneys closely examine every interaction, taking into account the minor’s age, intent, and mental state.

The familiarity of our juvenile defense attorney in Phoenix with local courts and law enforcement procedures helps us uncover issues that may affect your child’s case. While every defense depends on the specific situation, young people may benefit from:

• Challenging unlawful searches or questioning: If police failed to provide Miranda warnings or collected evidence without cause, the court may exclude it.
• Establishing lack of criminal intent: Minors sometimes do not grasp the full consequences of their actions, and judges consider this when evaluating charges and possible outcomes.
• Advocating for diversion programs: In Maricopa County, diversion allows some first-time or non-violent offenders to avoid formal conviction through rehabilitation-focused options.

Because our team has experience with both law enforcement and prosecution in Arizona, we know how to evaluate evidence and build a defense anchored in local court standards and the state’s commitment to second chances for youth.

How Our Phoenix Juvenile Crime Lawyer Can Assist

A criminal conviction at a young age can haunt a person for many years into the future. For this reason, when a person under the age of 18 commits a crime, it’s essential to contact a Phoenix juvenile crime lawyer who has experience handling juvenile crimes cases as soon as possible. If your child has been arrested on criminal charges, Phoenix juvenile crimes attorney Anthony Knowles can provide him or her with the unrelenting defense he or she needs to overcome the charges.

Mr. Knowles understands that young people sometimes make mistakes. He strongly believes that nobody deserves to have a mistake he or she made as a child follow them throughout the remainder of his or her life. When you come to Knowles Law Firm, PLC, Mr. Knowles will review your child’s case, take the time to clearly explain his or her rights, and discuss the best possible way to address the matter in court.

Call us now at (602) 702-5431. We'll help you and your child in this difficult time. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens if My Child is Charged With a Felony in Phoenix?

If a minor faces felony charges, the Phoenix juvenile court will decide whether the case remains in juvenile court or gets moved to adult court, depending on the child's age and the seriousness of the charges. In most situations, judges focus on treatment and rehabilitation, but serious felonies may lead to longer periods of detention or transfer review. Always consult a qualified attorney to understand your child’s available options.

Can My Child’s Record Ever Be Cleared After a Juvenile Conviction in Arizona?

Arizona law allows some juvenile records to be destroyed or set aside after a required waiting period, depending on the type of offense and court requirements. Not all offenses qualify. Review your child’s individual case with a defense attorney.

Are Parents Required to Attend Their Child’s Juvenile Court Hearings in Maricopa County?

The Maricopa County court expects parents or guardians to attend all major hearings and remain involved throughout the process. Parental engagement helps ensure compliance with the court and supports a child’s rehabilitation.

How Does the Juvenile Justice Process in Phoenix Differ From Adult Court?

Phoenix juvenile courts emphasize rehabilitation more than punishment. Judges, rather than juries, decide cases. Courts often use diversion and probation, unlike adult proceedings, where prison might be more common.

How Quickly Do Juvenile Cases Move in Maricopa County?

Juvenile cases generally move faster than adult criminal cases. The court holds detention hearings soon after arrest and schedules further dates quickly to resolve matters efficiently for young people.

Can School Disciplinary Actions Influence a Juvenile Case?

Sometimes, school investigations or records come up during court hearings, especially if an incident occurred on school property. However, juvenile court remains separate from school discipline cases.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

Mr. Knowles is committed to advocating for young people facing juvenile charges in Phoenix and will do everything possible to help improve your child’s situation. Our team provides experienced, compassionate, and reliable legal representation every step of the way.