What Happens When a Juvenile Is Charged With a Felony?
Facing felony charges is frightening for anyone, but when a child is involved, the situation becomes especially overwhelming. Parents often feel scared, confused, and unsure of what will happen next. Concerns about their child’s future, education, and opportunities can weigh heavily on families, making this one of the most stressful experiences they’ll ever face.
Even though the juvenile justice system is built around rehabilitation, the stigma of a felony charge can be damaging both socially and emotionally. Children may experience isolation from peers, loss of trust within their school environment, and a growing sense of hopelessness.
Parents often find themselves dealing with not only the legal system but also the emotional aftermath of the arrest. That's why early legal intervention is more than a procedural step—it’s a critical part of protecting your child’s mental health and overall well-being during a deeply traumatic time.
At Faussette and Faussette PLLC, we recognize just how challenging this time can be for families. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, our firm works with families across Tucson, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale, Goodyear, Avondale, Surprise, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Tempe.
Today, we're here to clarify what felony charges mean in juvenile felony cases and to discuss how to protect your child.
What It Means for a Juvenile to Face a Felony Charge
Juveniles, generally defined as individuals under the age of 18, are typically handled by the juvenile justice system rather than adult courts. The purpose of this system is rehabilitation, not punishment. However, when the charge is a felony, the case takes on a more serious character.
Juvenile felony charges can include offenses like burglary, aggravated assault, robbery, or drug trafficking. These aren’t minor infractions; they carry serious potential consequences, sometimes even leading to the child being tried as an adult.
When families understand how juvenile felony charges are handled, they’re better equipped to take meaningful steps to protect their child.
Differences Between Juvenile and Adult Felony Cases
Juvenile courts are meant to rehabilitate young people, while adult courts focus more on punishment and deterrence. This difference is critical because the venue where a case is heard impacts sentencing, available programs, and the child’s future.
In juvenile court, the emphasis is on counseling, education, and community service. The goal is to address the root causes of behavior and help the child move forward.
In adult court, felony convictions can carry long prison terms, fines, and lifelong criminal records.
Parents should understand that even if charges begin in juvenile court, prosecutors can sometimes petition to transfer the case to adult court depending on the severity of the offense and the child’s age.
Factors That Influence How Juvenile Felony Cases Are Handled
Every case is unique, and several factors determine whether a child remains in juvenile court or is transferred to adult court.
Key factors considered include:
Age of the juvenile: Older teens are more likely to face adult court transfer than younger children.
Type of offense: Violent crimes or repeated offenses carry a higher risk of adult prosecution.
Prior record: A history of previous delinquent behavior can weigh against the child.
Circumstances of the case: Judges may consider whether the child was influenced by peers, acted impulsively, or showed signs of rehabilitation.
These factors help courts assess whether rehabilitation through juvenile programs is possible or whether harsher measures are necessary. Parents should be aware that these details matter greatly when building a defense strategy.
Immediate Steps Parents Should Take
When a juvenile is charged with a felony, quick and thoughtful action is essential. Parents often feel lost, but several critical steps can help strengthen the child’s position.
Steps to take right away include:
Stay calm: Children look to parents for reassurance during this difficult time.
Seek legal guidance immediately: Don’t wait to understand the process—early involvement of legal counsel can shape outcomes.
Avoid discussing details with police without representation: Anything said can be used against the child later.
Support your child emotionally: They may feel scared, guilty, or confused, and parental support is vital.
By focusing on these steps, families can establish a foundation for addressing charges and planning for the future.
Possible Consequences of Juvenile Felony Charges
Consequences for juveniles charged with felonies vary depending on the nature of the offense, prior history, and court decisions. Some outcomes may be rehabilitative, while others can be severe and have lasting effects.
Potential consequences include:
Probation: Supervised conditions requiring compliance with court orders.
Juvenile detention: Placement in a juvenile facility for a period of time.
Community service: Mandated hours to give back to the community.
Mandatory counseling or treatment programs: Addressing behavioral, emotional, or substance-related issues.
Adult court transfer: Facing adult sentencing if the court decides the case warrants it.
The severity of these outcomes highlights why having proper representation can make a significant difference.
How Felony Charges Affect a Juvenile’s Future
Beyond the immediate consequences, felony charges can carry long-term effects. Parents should understand how a conviction or adjudication may impact a child’s life beyond court.
Lasting effects may include:
Educational challenges: School suspensions, expulsions, or difficulty enrolling in programs.
Employment issues: Background checks revealing felony adjudications can limit job opportunities.
College applications: Some institutions inquire about a candidate's criminal history, which can affect acceptance or scholarship eligibility.
Military service: A felony adjudication can interfere with eligibility for enlistment.
Addressing these risks early and thoroughly is critical for protecting a child’s opportunities.
Defenses That May Be Raised in Juvenile Felony Cases
Not all charges result in convictions. With the right approach, defenses may be raised that reduce charges, lead to dismissal, or secure rehabilitation-focused outcomes.
Common defenses in juvenile felony cases include:
Lack of evidence: Prosecutors must prove charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
Mistaken identity: Witnesses or circumstances may lead to misidentification.
Constitutional violations: Improper searches, seizures, or questioning without proper representation.
Self-defense or defense of others: In some cases, actions may have been justified.
Mitigating factors: Stress, coercion, or peer pressure that influenced behavior.
While no two cases are alike, these defenses often provide a foundation for advocating on behalf of the juvenile.
Alternatives to Incarceration
Juvenile courts often look for alternatives to incarceration, especially when rehabilitation appears possible. Parents should understand these options and how they may benefit their child.
Alternatives may include:
Diversion programs: Allowing the child to complete requirements like counseling or community service instead of detention.
Restorative justice programs: Encouraging accountability by repairing harm done to victims or the community.
Education and vocational programs: Equipping the child with tools for future success.
Treatment programs: Addressing substance abuse, anger management, or mental health issues.
These alternatives show that while felony charges are serious, they don’t always mean a child’s life is permanently altered.
Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer
When a juvenile is charged with a felony, families often feel like their lives have been turned upside down. Parents worry about the immediate legal challenges and the long-term impact on their child’s future. No family should face this situation alone.
At Faussette and Faussette PLLC, we're here to support families during difficult times. From our office in Phoenix, Arizona, we serve Tucson, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale, Goodyear, Avondale, Surprise, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Tempe.
If your child is facing felony charges, don’t wait to get answers. Reach out to us today to discuss your case and take the first step toward protecting your child’s future.