{"id":207934,"date":"2019-06-20T21:49:28","date_gmt":"2019-06-20T21:49:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/belen.mysites.io\/?p=207934"},"modified":"2025-04-11T08:59:08","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T08:59:08","slug":"what-to-expect-in-juvenile-court","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/belenlawfirm.com\/es\/blog\/juvenile-crimes\/what-to-expect-in-juvenile-court\/","title":{"rendered":"Qu\u00e9 esperar en el tribunal de menores"},"content":{"rendered":"

In Arizona, juvenile crimes are treated differently than crimes committed by adults. However, this doesn’t minimize the severity of criminal charges for a juvenile in Arizona. The repercussions are just as scary, if not scarier when your child’s future is on the line. So, as a parent, you’re left wondering what to expect in juvenile court. Phoenix juvenile defense attorney<\/a>\u00a0Bel\u00e9n Olmedo Guerra is here to explain.<\/p>\n

Do I Need a Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer in Arizona?<\/h2>\n

When your child is in legal trouble, you may not know what to expect. You probably know something about the adult criminal court system, which can be scary even for a seasoned defendant. But juvenile crimes are handled less rigidly than those of adults because the goal is not necessarily to punish a child but rather to guide them toward a productive life by providing the support they need to grow and thrive.<\/p>\n

Therefore, unless a child commits a crime as serious as homicide<\/a>, assault<\/a>, or any other Arizona violent crime<\/a> that causes bodily harm to another person, the goal is treatment and rehabilitation, not necessarily incarceration, unless a judge deems there is no other option.<\/p>\n

As a trusted and caring advocate for juveniles caught in the juvenile court system, attorney Bel\u00e9n Olmedo Guerra<\/a> dedicates herself to helping your child get the help they need while leading their case to resolution. To help you understand what your child faces when charged with a crime, Bel\u00e9n Law Firm explains the process.<\/p>\n

What is the Juvenile Justice Process?<\/h2>\n

Governed by the Arizona Children\u2019s Code<\/a>, \u00a0juvenile courts have their own rules of procedure and have more flexibility to decide the consequences for a child with criminal charges while still mindful of their basic rights.<\/p>\n

When a child commits a crime, we generally assume the child lacks the capacity to make responsible choices. Because, as we know, the brain hasn’t fully developed yet. Because of this and other factors out of the child\u2019s control such as neglect or violent, abusive, or unsafe living conditions, the juvenile courts have discretion in responding to and deciding the appropriate course of action. Unless a child is a danger to others, avoiding a juvenile detention center, which could lead to even more negative behavior, may be the best option.<\/p>\n

A judge, who often takes into consideration input from juvenile court professionals, social workers, therapists, probation officers, and family members\u2019 appeals, may decide alternatives to detention including:<\/p>\n