Posted on January 7, 2026 in Juvenile Crimes

How Long Can a Juvenile Get for a Gun Charge in Phoenix, AZ?

Gun-related laws and charges are taken very seriously in Arizona, including when the accused is under 18. A juvenile charged with a firearm offense in Phoenix can face severe penalties, including detention and, in some cases, transfer to adult court. The exact consequences depend on factors such as the age of the juvenile and the nature of the offense.

If your child is facing a gun charge, learning about how the juvenile justice system works is the first step toward protecting their rights and their future.

How Arizona Handles Juvenile Gun Offenses

Arizona law defines a juvenile as anyone under the age of 18. The state’s juvenile court system is designed to rehabilitate minors rather than simply punish them. However, in cases involving guns, courts tend to take a much stricter stance because firearms are viewed as inherently dangerous.

Per A.R.S. § 13-3111 and § 13-3102, it’s illegal for anyone under 18 to possess or carry a firearm unless certain exceptions apply, such as:

• Using the firearm during a lawful hunting or shooting activity under adult supervision
• Possessing the gun with a parent or guardian’s lawful consent
• Carrying the weapon while traveling directly to an authorized activity

If a juvenile violates these laws, prosecutors may file delinquency charges against them.

Possible Penalties for Juvenile Gun Charges

In the juvenile court system, sentencing is called disposition. Judges have broad discretion to impose penalties that balance accountability and rehabilitation.

Possible outcomes for a juvenile gun conviction in Phoenix include:

• Probation
• Juvenile detention
• Commitment to the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC)

If a firearm was used in a violent offense, the juvenile may face much harsher consequences as well.

When a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult

Under A.R.S. § 13-501, certain gun-related crimes committed by juveniles can lead to adult prosecution.

This typically applies when:

• The offense is classified as a serious or violent felony, such as murder
• The juvenile is 15 years or older at the time of the offense
• The minor has prior felony adjudications and/or a pattern of serious offenses

When transferred to adult court, the penalties mirror those for adult defendants. For example, a 16-year-old convicted of armed robbery with a firearm could face years in state prison rather than juvenile detention.

What Defenses Are Available to Juvenile Gun Charges in Phoenix?

The specific defense(s) available in a case like this will come down to its unique facts and circumstances.

Generally speaking, however, some common defenses in juvenile gun cases include:

• The minor did not knowingly possess the firearm
• The weapon belonged to another person
• The juvenile was engaged in a lawful supervised activity
• Law enforcement conducted an unlawful search or seizure

A criminal defense attorney can advocate for reduced penalties and diversion programs focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Contact the Phoenix Juvenile Crimes Attorneys at Orent Law Offices for Help Today

Gun charges can have lifelong consequences for minors in Phoenix. Arizona’s laws are strict, but there still may be options available to protect your child’s record and future.

If your son or daughter has been arrested for a firearm offense in Phoenix, Orent Law Offices can help protect their rights. Our Phoenix juvenile crimes lawyers can explain your legal rights and options and fight for a result that gives your child the second chance they deserve.

For more information, contact the criminal defense 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.