Phoenix Juvenile Attorney | Lawyers for Juvenile Law in AZ

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Juvenile law is a nuanced and sensitive area of practice for obvious reasons. Children have certain rights, which are closely tied to parental responsibility and determined by the local state’s juvenile code. The practice of juvenile law can range from criminal defense to adoption, and requires sensitive and informed care. Our juvenile law specialists at Repucci & Roeder understand how to take care of juvenile law proceedings with exactness and professionalism. We proudly advocate on behalf of children of all ages, ensuring that they have the resources and legal protections they need in order to thrive.

What Is Juvenile Law?

Juvenile law is an area of law that deals with children under the age of eighteen. These cases typically include unique legal issues that specifically impact a child’s relationship with their guardians. In some cases, juvenile law cases are used to award a new legal status like emancipation, which enables the child to be legally recognized as an adult before they turn eighteen. For those looking to change their current guardianship status or for step-parents looking to adopt their stepchildren, juvenile lawyers in AZ can help assist with these and many other proceedings. Juvenile law services can also include criminal proceedings, which require a specialized juvenile law attorney to handle them effectively. Children 14 years or older can be charged as an adult for different offenses in Arizona, and depending on the seriousness of the crime, their penalty can be an adult-length sentence as well. For example, if a minor child is accused of involuntary manslaughter, a juvenile defense lawyer is the best professional to argue the case. The facts of the case, as well as the juvenile’s record and the effectiveness of the defense strategy, will be used to determine the outcome of a juvenile criminal case, just like regular criminal cases involving adults.

Everything You Need to Know About Adopting a Child in Arizona – A Free Guide

In this, we will provide an overview of the process of adopting a child in Arizona. We hope this guide will help you make informed decisions at this very important time in your life.

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Topics Covered In Juvenile Law Cases

Juvenile law cases can range in what they cover, but all revolve around the actions and rights of a juvenile party. These cases usually relate to a juvenile’s relationship with their parents but can also be initiated by other parties looking for guardianship orders. Practice areas for our juvenile lawyers in AZ include the following:

Adoption

Prospective parents must make a range of decisions regarding adoption, and each choice is unique to the family who initiated it. Since families must prepare for their new arrival while attempting to understand Arizona’s adoption rules, the adoption process can be both joyful and stressful. The biological parent’s right to claim their child must be terminated before they can be adopted in Arizona, either with the biological parent’s consent or via a judge’s ruling.

In Arizona, this is known as the Termination of Parental Rights, and it may be done voluntarily or against one’s will. Our Arizona adoption attorneys can help you ensure you and your family are prepared for the adoption process, so the steps to becoming a family are as smooth and straightforward as possible.
Learn more about our Adoption Services in Arizona ->

Dependency

Non-emancipated children need an adult to provide a range of necessities, from shelter and food to transport to school responsibilities and medical checkups. If you find yourself looking after a child whose parents cannot safely provide or care for them, filing for private dependency in juvenile court may be an option for you. To protect the children in their care, family members and close friends can request temporary dependency orders with the juvenile court. Many elements are in play for those considering a private dependency, and consulting with an Arizona dependency attorney can help you identify the best course of action.
Learn more about our Child Dependency Legal Services in Arizona ->

Emancipation

A teen is legally released from their parents or other legal caregivers via the emancipation process. After the process is complete, a minor who has been granted emancipation has most of the same rights, obligations, and responsibilities as an adult. Juveniles seeking emancipation must be legal residents of Arizona, 16 or 17 years old, unmarried, and cannot be in the care of a state agency or a court-appointed ward. The minor must also demonstrate that they are capable of providing for their own needs, including providing food, shelter, medical care, and insurance.

A juvenile is given many rights after emancipation, including the capacity to sign legally binding agreements, buy and sell property, bring legal actions and be sued, secure medical records and give informed consent for medical treatment, and access social services. When a juvenile is emancipated, their parents or guardians are no longer legally required to care for or provide for them financially, nor are they entitled to any of the minor’s earnings. If you or a loved one are navigating the emancipation process, the juvenile emancipation attorneys at The Valley Law Group can help.
Learn more about our Emancipation Legal Services in Arizona ->

Guardianship

Arizona offers two types of guardianships for minors: revocable guardianships through probate court and permanent guardianships through the juvenile court system. The main difference between the types of guardianship is how that guardianship is established.

Revocable Guardianship

A revocable guardianship occurs when a current guardian is put in a position where they can request to be removed as a legal guardian from a specific child. Each legal parent of the child subject to revocable guardianship must be given legal notice before the order is solidified. If a parent answers to the notice, the parent’s approval is necessary for the court to appoint a new guardian.

You can apply for an emergency guardianship, a temporary guardianship of no more than six months, or a revocable guardianship that can last until the child becomes eighteen. This guardianship may be terminated by a legal parent by submitting a request to the Court. Under this type of guardianship, a person can make medical decisions, access government aid, and enroll the child in school.

Permanent Guardianships

Permanent guardianships are guardianship arrangements where a family member or friend is given legal guardianship of a child under eighteen. Mostly done when a parent is unable to care for a child, permanent guardianships take the place of a traditional parent role. Unlike revocable guardianships, a legal parent’s approval is unnecessary for permanent guardianship. This is a permanent alternative to establishing private dependency. A legal parent can still ask the court to revoke guardianship in the future, but permanent guardianship is meant to last forever.
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Juvenile Delinquency or Incorrigibility

In Arizona, the juvenile criminal justice system is used to prosecute minors who commit crimes. Juveniles convicted of a crime in juvenile court may face harsh punishments like probation, community service, fines, restitution, and even possible time in jail at a juvenile detention facility. These repercussions can be severe, particularly for a young person.

Some offenses are specific to juvenile criminals and require specialized proceedings, including incorrigibility. Minor children are expected to obey instructions from legal guardians and authorities because they do not have the same rights as adults. Any person, from a parent or guardian to a teacher, can serve as a legal custodian filing incorrigibility charges. When a minor is officially arrested, they are considered delinquent.
Learn more about our Juvenile Delinquency or Incorrigibility Legal Services in Arizona ->

Termination of Parental Rights

A biological parent must have their parental rights terminated before another person, like a step-parent married to the other biological parent, can adopt a child. Grandparents and other relatives can also apply for termination proceedings so they can adopt a child from their family members.

In such cases, obtaining a termination of parental rights, whether through a court petition or a relinquishment of those rights and consent to an adoption, is a critical step in the adoption process. Arizona juvenile attorneys also manage the termination of parental rights for children in private placement adoptions when the adoptive parents are located outside of Arizona.
Learn more about our Terminating Parental Rights Services in Arizona ->

What Is Juvenile Law AZ FAQs

Juvenile law in Arizona has many different facets, and our attorneys are capable of helping you handle a variety of juvenile law issues. Learn more about some of the most common juvenile law questions we field from our clients.

How Long Can a Juvenile be Held Before a Criminal Hearing?

Juveniles who are being held in detention often have a hearing within the first 24 hours of being detained, at which a judge will decide whether or not to keep them there. Requirements for the duration of and release from juvenile incarceration are outlined in Rule 23 of the Arizona Rules of Procedure for the Juvenile Court.

The minor will be represented at the hearing by a lawyer appointed by the courts. To hold a child in custody for more than 24 hours, the court must submit a petition with a compelling argument for doing so. If not, the court must release the child once that period ends. The Department of Child Safety will receive the minor if no parent, guardian, or other responsible adult is available to take custody of them.

How Much Do Juvenile Lawyers Cost in AZ?

The cost of a juvenile law attorney can range anywhere from $1,500 to 2,500, but representation can cost up to $10,000 depending on the severity of the issue, the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s reputation and experience, and the length of time the case spends in court. While not all juvenile cases must proceed to litigation, those that go to court result in increased attorney’s fees. For some services, some lawyers may charge a flat rate, while others may bill at an hourly rate of $100 to $300 or more.

Depending on the nature of the case, you may be required to pay a retainer upfront, which can either be based on a flat rate or an approximate number of hours the attorney believes the case will take to complete. When the case is complete, an attorney who charges by the hour will deduct the fees from the retainer, with lower rates applying to work done by paralegals or clerks for the case.

What Age Can a Child Go to Juvenile Court in Arizona?

The jurisdiction of Arizona juvenile court begins when a child is age eight and continues until they turn eighteen. However, certain crimes committed after the child turns fifteen can be tried in adult court, and the child can receive adult penalties. Specific crimes, including first or second-degree murder, sexual assault, armed robbery, and other violent crimes, must be tried in adult court.

Finding a Lawyer for Juvenile Cases in Arizona

Juvenile law cases are complex and require specialized care by a skilled juvenile attorney. From challenging family court situations like emancipation to criminal law proceedings and even joyous, happy experiences like adoption, each juvenile law case is unique and meaningful to those affected. Only a talented juvenile law attorney can navigate the complexities of juvenile cases and provide the comfort that comes with knowing your case is in good hands.

If you need a lawyer for a juvenile case in AZ, The Valley Law Group can help. We can provide the representation needed to navigate juvenile law in Arizona and give you the peace of mind and legal support you need throughout your case.

Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.

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