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Has Your Child Been Arrested for a Crime in Phoenix?

Many people think that a juvenile record will not carry over into adulthood. Although sealed from the public, juvenile crimes do not automatically “go away”—especially in headline-making cases like bullying. They come into play if your child is ever arrested again before or after age 18, and can even affect future employment or schooling opportunities. At Suzuki Law Offices, we are committed to helping teens get a second chance and avoid being entangled in the court system.

As experienced juvenile crime attorneys, we know how to pursue the best available options for minors charged with crimes. Aside from investigating cases to create a strong defense, we also explore other options for positive outcomes, including programs that employ leniency and alternative sentencing. When necessary, we will consult psychologists, medical experts, and counselors in explaining how an emotionally troubled teen might turn to drugs, vandalism, gangs, or burglary.

Our primary goal is helping your son or daughter avoid being charged as an adult and helping them avoid being sent to juvenile lock-up. It is important to challenge the present charges to minimize any future impact, especially if your son or daughter is charged with a serious crime and prosecutors are seeking to have him or her tried as an adult in court.

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How Suzuki Law Offices Can Help Your Son or Daughter

Richard Suzuki is an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Phoenix who has represented young adults on a number of criminal charges, ranging from shoplifting and curfew violations to drug offenses and violent crimes. We treat minors with honesty and respect as we guide them through what can be a frightening process. Our firm practices in the juvenile courts of Maricopa County as well as those in Pima, Pinal, Yavapai Counties and surrounding areas of southern Arizona.

We handle misdemeanors, felonies and juvenile delinquencies that include:

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Exploring the Alternatives to Traditional Punishment

In Arizona, the juvenile justice system is set up to not only hold young adults accountable for their actions, but to help them get back on the right track. As our lead attorney, Richard Suzuki works hard to keep the focus on rehabilitation and to help your son or daughter avoid incarceration in a youth detention facility. He pushes for diversion programs that might include psychological counseling, treatment for substance abuse, community service, restitution and staying in school.

If your child is charged with a serious felony, we will contest adult transfer proceedings to keep him or her in the juvenile system (depending on the nature of the crime). If your child has violated probation or terms of a diversionary adjudication, we will represent them in a probation revocation hearing to fight for a second chance. We help the court look beyond the mistakes or relapses the youth has made to see the positive steps he or she has taken toward responsible behavior.

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Protect Your Child’s Future from Juvenile Drug Charges

Our firm aggressively defends young people charged with drug crimes in state and federal courts. Our Phoenix criminal attorneys have extensive experience in drug cases, ranging from simple possession to high-level narcotics charges.

We defend juveniles charged with all types of drug offenses, including:

Possession of drug paraphernalia
Possession of marijuana or narcotics
Possession of drugs with intent to distribute
Illegal possession of prescription drugs
Possession of narcotics for sale

Some juveniles may be eligible for diversion programs such as drug court. Participation in this type of program can help the juvenile get the counseling and treatment he or she needs. It can also protect their educational and career options.

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Contact Our Phoenix Juvenile Defense Attorneys Today

At our firm, we understand the juvenile court system, how to prepare cases, how to interact with case officers, and how to work effectively with the court. Juvenile crimes should not ruin your child’s life. We work to establish that our clients are not railroaded for something they did not do, and that they are not punished too severely for an offense they committed. Contact Suzuki Law Offices for a free consultation to discuss the possible outcome and consequences of your case.

Juvenile Crimes FAQ:

Do juveniles have the same constitutional rights as adults?

Yes, juveniles have constitutional rights that protect them, although the extent and application of those rights may vary compared to adults. The U.S. Constitution guarantees certain fundamental rights to all individuals, regardless of age. These rights include protections against self-incrimination, the right to legal representation, the right to due process, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. However, the juvenile justice system recognizes that juveniles are still developing and may have different considerations, such as the possibility of rehabilitation and the protection of their best interests.

Can a juvenile be tried as an adult in criminal court?

In Arizona, it is possible for a juvenile to be tried as an adult in certain circumstances. The decision to transfer a juvenile to adult court depends on various factors, such as the age of the juvenile, the severity of the offense, the juvenile’s prior history, and the prosecutor’s discretion. Generally, serious or violent offenses are more likely to result in a transfer to adult court, where the juvenile would be subject to the same legal procedures and potential penalties as an adult.

Can a juvenile criminal record be sealed or expunged?

Yes, in Arizona, there are provisions for sealing and expunging juvenile records. Sealing a juvenile record means restricting access to the information, while expunging a record means erasing it completely. The specific eligibility criteria and procedures for sealing or expunging juvenile recordscan vary. Generally, the possibility of sealing or expunging a juvenile record depends on factors such as the type of offense, the outcome of the case, and the individual’sbehavior after the offense. Our Phoenix juvenile defense attorney can provide guidance on the options available for sealing or expunging your child’s juvenile criminal record.

Defending Minors Charged with Sex Crimes

While Arizona takes a rehabilitative approach in many other juvenile cases, like those involving minor drug crimes, it takes a hardline stance in cases involving juvenile sex crimes. In certain circumstances, a juvenile can be charged in adult court. If they are convicted in that venue, the juvenile may be listed on the sex offender registry for life. By contrast, if the juvenile is charged and convicted in juvenile court, he or she may be removed from the sex offender registry at the age of 22.

Suzuki Law Offices has experience in all types of sex crime cases, including rape & sexual assault or internet sex crimes. If your child is being investigated or charged with a sex crime, contact our firm immediately.

In your child’s case, we will undertake a thorough review of the events leading to the arrest. Our first goal, if possible, will be to keep the case in juvenile court. We will then explore defense options, such as seeking a dismissal or reduction of the charge, a negotiated plea that limits potential penalties, or an aggressive defense at trial.

Our criminal defense lawyers can work to use our experience, knowledge, and skills to obtain a favorable outcome against your child’s sex crime charges.

Defending Minors Facing Violent Crime Charges

Juvenile prosecutors are serious when it comes to violent crimes. They frequently try to charge juveniles in adult court, exposing them to the possibility of lengthy prison sentences. Certain circumstances, such as the use of a gun or knife in a robbery, can result in enhanced charges and the possibility of additional time in a juvenile or adult correctional facility.

We vigorously defend juveniles charged with violent crimes, including:

One of the criminal attorneys at Suzuki Law Offices, Matthew Bartz, served as a prosecutor in the Juvenile Crimes Bureau of the Maricopa County Attorney’s office, where he handled scores of juvenile violent crime cases. Whenever we can, we attempt to keep such cases out of adult court and in juvenile court, where different rules and procedures apply.

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Client Reviews

"He answered all my questions free of charge and was very helpful."

Linda

"Richard J Suzuki is an outstanding lawyer, extremely professional and responsive. The absolute best experience, my family and I were beyond content with the overall outcome."

Rosa

"When I got into trouble with the law I didn’t know where to turn. Mr. O’Sullivan was immediately assigned to my case and I felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders."

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