With a focus on prevention and rehabilitation rather than punishment, Arizona’s juvenile justice system runs somewhat differently than the state’s adult criminal justice system.

Intake and Detention

When a minor is suspected of committing a crime, the police have the discretion to release the minor to their parents or take the minor into custody. The minor may be detained in a juvenile detention facility until the hearing if they are taken into custody.

Petition and Hearings

If continued detention is necessary, a detention hearing for a minor must be held within 24 hours to make the decision. The prosecutor may then file a petition outlining the allegations against the juvenile. There will be more hearings, such as an adjudication hearing, which is the juvenile version of a trial. Furthermore, a judge determines juvenile delinquency, not a jury.

Disposition

There will be a disposition hearing to decide how juvenile delinquency will be dealt with. Probation, placement in a treatment program, and commitment to the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections, are some of the possible outcomes. Note that the main objectives are rehabilitating the juvenile and preventing future criminal behavior.

Transfer to Adult Court

In more serious cases, the prosecutor may move to have the juvenile transferred to adult court. For serious violent crimes and for older juveniles, the decision to transfer a case is made by a judge after a hearing. This is one of the most severe actions in the juvenile justice system, as it carries the same potential penalties as an adult’s.

Expungement and Record Sealing

A juvenile may petition to have their record expunged or sealed. This can limit the potential impact of their juvenile record on future employment or housing opportunities. The severity of the crime, the minor’s behavior since the offense, and other considerations will determine eligibility for this option.

Note that these are general procedures only. The process can vary depending on the specifics of the case, the state, and changes to the law. Consult a skilled legal professional for advice.