How the Adult and Juvenile Criminal Processes Are Different
If you or someone you care about has been charged with a crime in Arizona, it’s important to know that adults and minors are treated in two separate court systems. Each process has different rules, protections, and possible outcomes for defendants.
Understanding which court is handling the case changes what rights you have and what kinds of consequences the judge can hand down.
How Does the Juvenile Criminal Justice System Work?
When someone under 18 is accused of a crime, their case usually starts in juvenile court. This court has the authority to handle offenses for young people who are not yet adults. However, there are times when a minor can be tried as an adult:
- If a teen is 14 or older and already has two felony convictions, the County Attorney has the option to move their case to adult court.
- For teens between 15 and 18, they can be tried in adult court if they are accused of serious violent crimes, like murder, armed robbery, or sexual assault, even if they have no criminal record.
Knowing if you’ll be tried in juvenile or adult court is essential, as the systems work very differently.
Instead of just handing out punishments, juvenile court focuses on helping young people change their behavior. Youth are still held responsible for what they do, but the goal is to guide them, not just punish – at least this is the idea.
It doesn’t always work out like this, and appropriate services aren’t always provided, but they’re supposed to be.
How Does the Adult Criminal Justice System Work?
When someone 18 or older is accused of a crime, their case goes through the adult criminal justice system. This system is intended to prevent crime and punish individuals who have broken the law.
While there’s the hope that adults will be rehabilitated, the focus is more on deterrence and punishment.
Potential Outcomes of Juvenile vs. Adult Court
Juvenile court and adult court handle cases very differently, and the potential outcomes a person faces in each vary.
Juvenile Court Outcomes
If you or someone in your family faces juvenile charges, there are several possible outcomes:
- Diversion or informal resolution: Sometimes a case doesn’t end up in court. Instead, minors might be permitted to go through diversion, where they agree to do things like take a class or complete community service. If they hold up their end, the case won’t even be filed in court.
- Dismissal: In some cases, there isn’t enough evidence or the case just isn’t worth pursuing, so the state will dismiss the charges.
- Adjudication: If the court hears the case and determines the minor did what they’re accused of doing, the minor will be adjudicated. This is basically the same as being convicted in adult court. After adjudication, the minor could face probation, detention, commitment, or restitution.
This is an overview of possible outcomes, though there could be others that come up depending on the situation. The fact that the system is meant to focus on rehabilitation doesn’t take away the fact that there are severe consequences a juvenile can face after they’re arrested.
Adult Criminal Court Outcomes
For adults, the outcomes are similar but often more severe when a person is found guilty. They include:
- Dismissal: If the state decides not to file charges or go forward with your case, the charges can be dismissed, and you can move forward.
- Conviction or plea and sentencing: If you go to trial and are found guilty or plead guilty to an offense, you will have a conviction on your record and then be sentenced. Possible sentences usually include probation, fines, and/or jail or prison time.
There are other possible outcomes that can come with these punishments, including restitution, sex offender registration, drug and alcohol treatment, and community service. The exact punishment will depend on the case and your history.
A Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
Whether you’re facing charges in juvenile or adult court, one fact always remains the same – you should speak with a criminal defense lawyer immediately. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact the Tucson criminal defense attorneys at Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation.
Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys
177 N Church Ave # 900, Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 510-0439