{"id":13981,"date":"2016-04-13T15:01:12","date_gmt":"2016-04-13T22:01:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/?page_id=13981"},"modified":"2024-10-09T15:42:13","modified_gmt":"2024-10-09T22:42:13","slug":"juvenile-assault-charges-arizona","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/blog\/juvenile-assault-charges-arizona\/","title":{"rendered":"Juvenile Assault Charges in Arizona"},"content":{"rendered":"
Similar to adults, minors can be charged with assault. In fact, during the 2023 fiscal year,\u00a03,009 referrals<\/a>\u00a0were submitted to Arizona\u2019s Juvenile Court, alleging a minor committed assault. With assault claims making up 16.98% of Arizona\u2019s Juvenile Court referrals in 2023, it is crucial to know how juvenile assault charges can impact a minor\u2019s future.<\/p>\n A juvenile charged with assault will be put through Arizona\u2019s juvenile justice system. The adult system deters criminal acts through punishment, while the juvenile system rehabilitates minors to prevent future delinquency. Compared to the harsh penalties that can be applied to adults, like extensive jail sentences, assault charges for a minor may have a different result, such as probation or community service.<\/p>\n Depending on the crimes’ severity and context, some juvenile\u2019s criminal records can even be sealed or expunged to avoid hindering future employment or schooling opportunities. Hiring a reliable criminal defense attorney with experience representing juveniles charged with assault can increase your chances of achieving the best possible outcome.<\/p>\n In the Arizona legal system, assault is defined by\u00a0ARS 13-1203.<\/a>\u00a0Some examples of assault and accompanying offenses are:<\/p>\n Minors can be\u00a0charged with assault<\/a>\u00a0under this statute, just like adults. Nevertheless, the legal process and potential consequences can differ from adult cases.<\/p>\n In general, aggravated assault is more severe than simple assault cases. According to\u00a0ARS 13-1204, s<\/a>ome examples of actions that can result in aggravated assault charges are:<\/p>\n Depending on the context of the\u00a0aggravated assault charges<\/a>, the offense can result in a\u00a0class 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 felony<\/strong>. To increase your chances of receiving the best possible results when faced with juvenile assault charges, whether aggravated or not, you should contact a trusted criminal defense attorney who can provide expert-level guidance through the legal process.<\/p>\n As illustrated above, the scope of juvenile assault charges is expansive, making them applicable to various scenarios. Some examples of situations that commonly lead to juvenile assault charges are:<\/p>\n Although violence is at the heart of most assault charges, the altercations listed above do not even have to get physical. Minors can be charged with assault for simply inciting reasonable fear of imminent physical injury through threats or the reckless handling of a weapon.<\/p>\n Peer-to-peer assaults amongst juveniles usually happen in schools or social settings, often driven by bullying or peer pressure. Compared to assaults involving adults, the legal system may treat non-severe peer-to-peer juvenile assaults with more leniency, focusing on rehabilitation and the protection of the victim. In addition to legal penalties, schools may impose their own disciplinary measures if their students have been involved in peer-to-peer juvenile assault.<\/p>\n Intent is always taken into consideration by the juvenile justice system when assessing assault charges for a minor, meaning it can influence charges and outcomes. If the defendant\u00a0intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly<\/strong>\u00a0caused harm to someone else or incited fear of imminent physical danger, they may be convicted of assault. Nevertheless, courts may consider factors like age and maturity, considering younger individuals may not fully understand their actions’ gravity.<\/p>\n When dealing with\u00a0delinquency<\/a>, local law enforcement has to follow the strict procedures outlined in the\u00a0Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training<\/a>\u00a0curriculum to ensure fair treatment and the minor’s safety.<\/p>\n This curriculum offers alternatives to custody for juvenile offenders of minor crimes, such as being released to a parent or guardian or referred to a public or private agency; however, this is usually not afforded to juveniles charged with assault. Still,\u00a0law enforcement should contact the minor\u2019s parents or guardians<\/strong>\u00a0before\u00a0juveniles are taken into custody<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Juvenile detention facilities are designed to be less punitive and more rehabilitative than the adult equivalent. Moreover, these holding facilities should prioritize the minor’s well-being while they await court proceedings.<\/p>\n In\u00a0the Gault decision<\/a>, the United States Supreme Court ruled that juveniles are guaranteed certain rights when it comes to the legal system. These rights include:<\/p>\n Having an experienced criminal defense attorney provide legal counsel to minors and their parents or guardians is a great way to ensure they are being afforded all of their rights. The attorney can also provide guidance through the nuances of the juvenile justice system.<\/p>\n In addition to\u00a0prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment\u00a0<\/strong>and occasionally offering\u00a0less severe penalties<\/a>, the juvenile justice system is different from the adult system in other ways. Some examples of unique aspects associated with the juvenile court system are:<\/p>\n In general, the juvenile court system may offer minors more leniency than adults would be faced with in a traditional court setting.<\/p>\n The juvenile court conducts hearings to verify the case’s facts during adjudication. These hearings are\u00a0presided over by a judge<\/strong>\u00a0who evaluates testimonies and the evidence presented. The court determines the proper penalties based on the findings, potentially including probation, rehabilitation programs, or, in more extreme situations, placement in a juvenile detention center. By attempting to avoid severe punishments, this approach emphasizes helping the young person behave responsibly in the future.<\/p>\n Penalties for juvenile assault can vary depending on the context and severity of the assault charges. Some common penalties a juvenile charged with assault may experience are:<\/p>\n In addition to the legal penalties mentioned above, minors convicted of assault may experience long-term consequences due to the crime showing up on background checks. Therefore, it can be more challenging for convicted minors to receive educational, employment, and housing opportunities later in their life.<\/p>\n According to\u00a0ARS 8-349<\/a>, a juvenile\u2019s criminal record can be expunged, essentially destroyed, later in their life to avoid affecting future opportunities\u2014this is a privilege that is not afforded to adults convicted of assault. Some requirements that the individual would need to meet to apply for the destruction of their criminal record are:<\/p>\n Not every juvenile assault conviction can be expunged from a criminal record, but it may be an option for some individuals. JacksonWhite Law offers top-of-the-line\u00a0expungement services t<\/a>o people within the greater Phoenix, Arizona, area, giving them a better chance of achieving the best possible outcome.<\/p>\n If the minor committed aggravated assault, not only does that negate their ability to expunge their criminal record if they are convicted, but it also puts them at risk of being tried as an adult. This means that the minor could face more severe consequences like an extensive sentence.<\/p>\n According to\u00a0ARS 13-501<\/a>, the county attorney is required to prosecute a juvenile\u00a0aged 15 to 17<\/strong>\u00a0in the same way as an adult if the alleged offense is a violent felony offense, such as\u00a0aggravated assault<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Especially if the charges are aggravated, securing reliable legal representation as soon as possible is essential. A qualified criminal defense attorney can help you build a defense strategy focused on truth and efficacy.<\/p>\n Each juvenile charged with assault should have a unique defense strategy that reflects the context of their situation. Still, many defense strategies have been used to address juvenile assault charges in the past. Some examples of potential defenses are:<\/p>\n Each defense strategy should be tailored to the specific circumstances of the case. A criminal defense attorney should work alongside the juvenile and their parent or guardian to craft the best defense for that individual case. The attorney may also\u00a0negotiate with the prosecutor<\/strong>\u00a0to reduce charges or secure alternative resolutions like probation or rehabilitation programs.<\/p>\n Parents and guardians are essential components to getting their juveniles through the legal process that accompanies assault charges. Some important things a parent or guardian should do after learning their child has been charged with assault are:<\/p>\n Each case may require individualized tasks from the parent, such as participation in a rehabilitation program alongside their child. A trustworthy criminal defense attorney can provide insight into how the parent can get involved and help with the legal process.<\/p>\n Even if the juvenile is not subjected to court-ordered rehabilitation programs, parents should provide their children with the resources needed to avoid future assaults or other violent crimes. Various rehabilitation options, such as one-on-one counseling and anger management classes, are available for juveniles with violent tendencies.<\/p>\n Some relevant programs and initiatives promoted by the\u00a0Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention<\/a>\u00a0include:<\/p>\n The abovementioned resources can help educate juveniles and their families about the mental and physical impact of assault and how to prevent violence. You can also explore educational content about the legal system to calibrate your expectations for court proceedings and to better understand the consequences of an assault conviction. For example,\u00a0Law for Kids<\/a>\u00a0operates in Arizona, offering court and detention facility tours, explaining how to vacate court debt, and providing easy-to-digest legal information for minors.<\/p>\n Minors can be charged with assault, but they will usually face a different legal process focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Many standard juvenile assault charges result in lesser penalties than adult equivalents, such as probation or community service.<\/p>\n A juvenile charged with assault may not have the right to a trial by jury, but they have other rights, including the ability to have a parent or guardian present for questioning. With the help of an experienced legal counsel, non-aggravated assault charges for a minor may be able to be expunged later to avoid long-term consequences.<\/p>\n If your child is facing assault charges, act proactively and hire reliable legal representation.\u00a0JacksonWhite Law<\/strong>\u00a0has the knowledge and experience to help you navigate the complexities of juvenile assault charges and build the best defense strategy for your specific situation. Our expert-level\u00a0criminal defense attorneys<\/a>\u00a0can improve your chances of receiving the best results possible.<\/p>\nWhat Constitutes as Juvenile Assault<\/h2>\n
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What Makes an Assault Aggravated<\/h3>\n
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Common Scenarios Leading to Juvenile Assault Charges<\/h2>\n
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Peer-to-Peer Assaults<\/h3>\n
The Role of Intent<\/h3>\n
Legal Processes for Juveniles Charged with a Crime<\/h2>\n
A Minor\u2019s Legal Rights<\/h3>\n
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Distinct qualities of the Juvenile Court System<\/h3>\n
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The Adjudication Process for Minors<\/h3>\n
Consequences of Juvenile Assault Charges<\/h2>\n
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Possibility of Expungement<\/h3>\n
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Being Tried as an Adult<\/h3>\n
Potential Juvenile Assault Defense Strategies<\/h2>\n
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The Role of Parents and Guardians<\/h2>\n
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Encourage Rehabilitation and Prevention<\/h3>\n
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JacksonWhite Can Help Protect Your Child\u2019s Future<\/h2>\n