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Posted on April 3, 2025 in Juvenile Crimes
Minors may make mistakes that could cause them to get into trouble with the law. A minor offense may result in a warning, and the child may be returned to the custody of their parents. However, some criminal offenses may result in a minor being sent to juvenile hall (i.e., juvenile detention center).
Examples of juvenile crimes that can result in your child going to juvenile detention include:
Shoplifting is a common criminal offense committed by minors. Usually, juvenile theft results in misdemeanor charges. However, if the value of the stolen items is $1,000 or more, it could result in a felony.
Driving under the influence (DUI) is illegal in Arizona. The legal limit for DUI is .08 or higher, but a driver can be arrested for DUI even if their BAC is not above the legal limit.
Arizona has a zero-tolerance law for underage drinking and driving. Any amount of alcohol in a minor’s system can result in underage DUI charges.
Juvenile possession of drugs includes everything from marijuana to prescription painkillers. A minor can be charged with felony drug possession, which could result in severe penalties, including a prison sentence.
Possession of alcohol by a minor is illegal. Anyone under the age of 21 years old can be charged with underage possession of alcohol under ARS §4-244(9). The charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor that results in up to 180 days in jail.
Assault is a serious crime involving knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly causing someone injury. Fights among juveniles are common. However, fights could result in assault charges, which may lead to time in juvenile hall.
Vandalism is another common crime among juveniles. It includes graffiti, damage to personal property, keying a vehicle, breaking windows, and any other willful defacement to or destruction of property. Depending on the circumstances, a minor could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony for vandalism. A prank could result in juvenile hall and a criminal record.
The age of consent in Arizona is 18 years old. Therefore, two teenagers having consensual sex could result in being charged with a sex crime if the teens do not fit into the close-in-age exception.
Minors are generally prohibited from possessing a firearm in Arizona except in specific circumstances. A minor could be charged with a Class 6 felony and tried as an adult, depending on the circumstances.
When a minor under 18 years old is arrested, they are tried in the juvenile justice system. Minors can be charged with a variety of misdemeanor and felony offenses. Prosecutors may try a minor as an adult if they are 14 years old or older and charged with specific felony offenses.
A minor may stay in juvenile detention for 24 hours. Generally, they are not held in detention for more than 24 hours without cause. Juvenile hall may be recommended if a minor is unlikely to appear in court, they may commit another offense or cause harm if released, or it is in the minor’s or society’s best interest to detail the minor.
The court typically releases the minor to their parents. However, the court may release a child to the Department of Child Safety if a parent cannot take custody of the child.
For more information, contact the juvenile crimes attorney Craig Orent. Give us a call at (480) 656-7301 or visit our law office at 11811 N Tatum Blvd UNIT 3031, Phoenix, AZ 85028. We offer a free case evaluation, so get the help you deserve today.
