Juvenile crimes are those that are committed by people under the age of 18. Juvenile courts operate differently than courts that deal with adult defendants, largely because the goal is to rehabilitate juveniles rather than to punish them. However, children, like adults, do have the right to a good legal defense and it is important to find an experienced criminal law defense firm if you or a loved one faces a juvenile criminal charge.
According to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, 2.11 million juveniles were arrested in the United States in 2008. While children do commit violent crimes, such as murder, nonviolent crimes are much more common among juvenile offenders. Described below are four common nonviolent crimes committed by juvenile individuals in the United States.
Arson: This crime is the intentional burning or blasting of a building, structure, or other piece of property. Depending on the type and value of the property burned, arson may be considered a class 1 misdemeanor, a class 5 felony, or a class 4 felony in Arizona.
Burglary: Burglary is a crime that involves breaking and entering another individual or organization’s property for the purpose of committing a crime once inside. In Arizona, depending on the type of property entered, burglary may be considered a class 4, class 3, or class 2 felony.
Disorderly conduct: This may include a number of disruptive actions, including being intoxicated in public, disturbing the peace, and recklessly handling a weapon. Disorderly conduct may be considered a class 1 misdemeanor or a class 6 felony.
Robbery: If a person takes property that belongs to another individual directly from or in the immediate presence of that individual against his or her will, then it is considered robbery. This crime is a class 4 felony in Arizona.
While juvenile courts often strive for rehabilitation, a conviction for a juvenile crime can affect the rest of a child’s life. The criminal law attorneys at Blumberg & Associates are here to help. If you have questions about juvenile offenses or other criminal law issues in the Phoenix area, please contact us at (602) 277-6180.
If you are arrested for drug possession, you will want to seek the help of a criminal attorney right away. An attorney will fight for your rights and help ensure that you are treated fairly. Here are some things you should know about what happens in a felony drug possession case:
The Drug Classification Affects the Penalty
Arizona’s drug laws are based, in part, on the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The CSA divides drugs into “schedules,” or groups based on a drug’s perceived level of danger. For example, marijuana and heroin are Schedule I drugs based on their high potential for abuse. Drugs that are less addictive or have accepted medical uses fall under Schedules II to V. The penalties for a drug possession charge usually take into consideration the schedule(s) of the drugs involved in the specific case.
The Amount in Possession Affects the Penalty
The amount of a drug that you have in your possession will affect the class of felony charge and the penalty you potentially face. For example, in Arizona, courts distinguish between less than two pounds of marijuana, two to four pounds, and more than four pounds. Class 1 felonies charges are the most severe, while Class 6 felonies are the least severe and can carry only up to a one-year sentence.
Imprisonment Is Not the Only Potential Penalty
The punishment in felony drug possession cases is not necessarily limited to imprisonment. Defendants may be ordered to pay a fine, pay victim restitution, receive treatment, perform community service, or undergo regular drug testing.
At Blumberg & Associates, we practice in a variety of criminal law matters, including drug possession cases. We have been serving residents in the state of Arizona for the last 15 years. Have you been charged with felony drug possession? If so, visit our website or call (602) 277-6180 today for more information.
If you have ever been accused of domestic violence, you know how scary those charges can be and what it means to be labeled as an abuser.
Domestic violence is a horrific situation, and one in four women will be the victim of this crime in her lifetime. This video provides more information about domestic violence in the United States. However, as with any criminal charge, just because someone is accused of domestic violence, does not mean that they are guilty.
Domestic violence charges are serious. If you are in need of a criminal defense law firm, the lawyers at Blumberg & Associates in Phoenix are here for you. Call (602) 277-6180 for more information.
Our family was very impressed with the expertise in the legal system with Blumberg & Associates. From the beginning, their office staff (Bonny) and Bruce were very informative and knowledgeable in the legal system. They were always there to answer any question that we had or just to listen. We would highly recommend them to anyone!!
Family law and juvenile justice are two important issues in Arizona. If you’ve found our recent blog entries about these topics interesting, you may want to take a moment to browse through the resources listed below.
Here is some information about emotions your children may experience during a divorce and how you can help them through this difficult time.
Check out this website for a summary of the terminology and procedures used in juvenile court.
The Judicial Branch of Arizona can tell you more about the instances when a juvenile can be tried as an adult.
For an explanation of Arizona’s child custody laws, head over to this website.
The Supreme Court recently heard arguments regarding juvenile court sentencing. This New York Times article explains the controversy surrounding this topic.
For assistance with a family law or juvenile court matter in Phoenix, call (602) 277-6180 to schedule an appointment with an attorney at Blumberg & Associates in Phoenix.
