If you are under 18 and charged with a DUI, there is a lot to think about. If you will turn 18 within 12 months the county attorney may consider holding your charges until you turn 18 and then charge you as an adult. There is a one year statute of limitations on misdemeanor offenses in Arizona. That means law enforcement has one year from the day they were made aware of the crime to instigate charges against you.
If your DUI is processed as a juvenile, you will have the potential benefits of more merciful plea negotiations and sentencing AND your record can be destroyed/expunged. If your case proceeds as an adult, you will not have the benefit of expungement nor the benefit of later having your conviction set aside. Being charged as a juvenile can be a scary thing. There are a lot of factors that need to be considered. And with the right lawyer you could potentially avoid some serious pitfalls.
Need help with a Juvenile DUI or have questions regarding it? Contact Jeremy Geigle, a criminal defense attorney in AZ, for a free consultation regarding your question.