Juvenile Sentencing
In Arizona, cases charging youths under the age of 18 years old with crimes are handled differently than they would be for an adult offender. The juvenile criminal court system provides a means to reform these youths, referred to as delinquents, rather than immediately punish, so as to prevent them from committing future acts of criminal activity.
As such, juvenile crimes do not have mandatory sentencing. Instead, judges often send first-time juvenile offenders to diversion programs where they may be required to do community service or undergo rehabilitative classes or counseling.
Juvenile Disposition Hearing
A juvenile disposition hearing will occur after a juvenile is adjudicated delinquent, meaning they have been found guilty as a juvenile of a crime. After reviewing the Predisposition Report, the judge will review the juvenile’s background and history and allow the juvenile to speak and provide input regarding their sentencing. After speaking with the prosecutor, the judge will make a determination regarding the appropriate actions to take for the juvenile.
According to A.R.S. 8-341, after receiving and considering the evidence on the proper disposition of the juvenile case, the court may enter judgment as follows:
Delinquent Juvenile
A juvenile adjudicated delinquent may be awarded to:
- The care of the juvenile’s parents, subject to the supervision of a probation department.
- A probation department, subject to any conditions the court may impose, including a period of incarceration in a juvenile detention center of not more than one year.
- A reputable citizen of good moral character, subject to the supervision of a probation department.
- A private agency or institution, subject to the supervision of a probation officer.
- The department of juvenile corrections.
- Maternal or paternal relatives, subject to the supervision of a probation department.
- An appropriate official of a foreign country of which the juvenile is a foreign national who is unaccompanied by a parent or guardian in this state to remain on unsupervised probation for at least one year on the condition that the juvenile cooperate with that official.
Incorrigible Child
A juvenile adjudicated an incorrigible child may be awarded to:
- The care of the child’s parents, subject to the supervision of a probation department.
- The protective supervision of a probation department, subject to any conditions the court may impose.
- A reputable citizen of good moral character, subject to the supervision of a probation department.
- A public or private agency, subject to the supervision of a probation department.
- Maternal or paternal relatives, subject to the supervision of a probation department.
RIDEOUT LAW GROUP
With offices in Lake Havasu City and Scottsdale, our firm serves the entire state of Arizona, with a particular focus on criminal defense, family law, and juvenile cases.
Our goal is for the best outcome for your criminal case, which can include:
- charges that are reduced or dropped.
- top experts reviewing your case.
- aggressive negotiations with the prosecution for plea bargains.
- fines or probation in lieu of jail time.
At Rideout Law Group, our attorneys are able to expertly examine the evidence in your case to provide a strong strategy for argument that leads to an outcome that is most favorable to you. We have experience in all types of criminal cases for both adults and juveniles, with positive outcomes both in plea negotiations as well as jury trial settings.
Call us today for a free consultation at 480-584-3328.