Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney in Flagstaff

A Former Prosecutor’s Perspective on Your Child’s Defense

When a minor faces criminal allegations, we protect their constitutional rights throughout the juvenile legal process. At The Zickerman Law Office, PLLC, we develop a personalized defense informed by Attorney Adam Zickerman’s prior prosecutorial experience and the circumstances of each case.

A juvenile case can involve unfamiliar procedures, strict hearing deadlines, and decisions about whether a child remains at home while the case is pending. We explain the allegations, the next court proceeding, and the legal issues that may shape the defense. We provide criminal defense services to clients in Flagstaff and throughout Northern Arizona.

Call (928) 323-0910 to schedule an initial consultation with our juvenile criminal attorney in Flagstaff.

Juvenile Court Jurisdiction for Flagstaff Families

Arizona’s Superior Court Juvenile Division handles delinquency and incorrigibility proceedings involving juveniles ages 8 through 17. Delinquency concerns conduct that would be a criminal offense if committed by an adult. Incorrigibility generally involves conduct such as persistent disobedience or being beyond parental control.

Coconino County Superior Court has original jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency matters involving Flagstaff families. A person who is 18 or older is generally processed in adult court. Juvenile court ordinarily retains jurisdiction until age 18, although limited circumstances may allow it to continue until age 19.

What Happens After a Juvenile Is Arrested or Cited?

The first steps depend partly on whether the minor is detained. A detention decision determines whether the child remains in juvenile detention while the case proceeds or is released under court-ordered conditions. When a juvenile is detained, the state must file its petition within 24 hours of detention.

At the advisory hearing, the juvenile is informed of the allegations and applicable rights. For a detained juvenile, this hearing must occur within 24 hours after the petition is filed. If the child is already detained on a prior matter, the deadline is within 72 hours. When the juvenile isn’t detained, the hearing must occur within 30 days after the petition is filed.

The later stages of a contested juvenile case generally include:

• Adjudication: A judge determines whether the state proved the delinquency allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. Juvenile delinquency cases don’t have jury trials.
• Disposition: If the judge enters an adjudication of delinquency, the court determines the appropriate outcome. This proceeding serves a role similar to sentencing in adult court.

A juvenile adjudication isn’t called a criminal conviction, and a disposition isn’t called a sentence. Despite those differences in terminology, the proceedings can have serious consequences. We tailor our preparation to the allegations, procedural posture, and prosecution strategy in each case.

Adult Court Transfer & Juvenile Court Outcomes

Some allegations create a risk that a minor will be prosecuted in adult court. Arizona law requires adult prosecution for juveniles who were 15, 16, or 17 when they allegedly committed certain serious felonies:

• First-degree murder
• Second-degree murder
• Forcible sexual assault
• Armed robbery

Mandatory adult prosecution differs from a requested transfer. When a felony is filed in juvenile court, the state may request a hearing to move the case into adult court. Whether transfer applies depends on the allegations, the child’s age, and the governing Arizona statutes.

If a case remains in juvenile court and reaches disposition, available outcomes may include informal probation, standard probation, or commitment to the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections. That commitment can continue until the youth turns 18. The court selects a disposition after considering the individual case, so no particular outcome can be promised.

Diversion Before Formal Adjudication

A county attorney may divert an eligible juvenile case to a community-based program instead of filing a formal petition. Diversion provides an alternative to adjudication, but it isn’t available in every case. Eligibility and program requirements depend on the allegations and the prosecutor’s decision.

Successful completion of diversion results in no formal adjudication. This differs from a dismissal after court proceedings or the later destruction of existing records. Each is a separate legal process with its own eligibility requirements.

Juvenile Record Destruction After Age 18

After turning 18, a person may apply to destroy certain juvenile court records and records held by the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections. Approval isn’t guaranteed. Eligibility excludes adjudications involving offenses listed in Arizona’s adult-prosecution statutes and certain offenses under Title 28, which governs transportation-related matters.

Record destruction is separate from diversion because it occurs after juvenile records already exist. The nature of the adjudication and applicable statutory restrictions determine whether a person may pursue this relief.

Defense Informed by Prosecutorial & Trial Experience

Attorney Adam Zickerman spent eight years as a Deputy County Attorney before returning to private practice in 2016. He handled felony trials involving violent crimes and sexually based offenses, worked on hundreds of trials, and was named Prosecutor of the Year in 2015. We draw on that background to evaluate how prosecutors may organize evidence and advance their arguments.

Our approach accounts for the child, the accusation, and the circumstances surrounding the case. As a juvenile defense lawyer in Flagstaff, Attorney Zickerman considers the prosecution’s likely strategy when developing the defense. We remain focused on protecting the client’s constitutional rights at every stage.

Discuss Your Family’s Next Step

During an initial consultation, families can discuss the allegation and the current stage of the case. We also offer payment plans, with terms depending on the representation. Families may reach us through our contact form to ask about available arrangements.

Call (928) 323-0910 to schedule an initial consultation with our juvenile defense attorney in Flagstaff.