Legal Question in Criminal Law in Arizona

Criminal Theft Charges

I was apprehended by police for theft

when I took some merchandise from a

store I was working for, however the week

prior to getting caught I was let go. The

police took me down and sat me down

with a detective and I was to believe I was

facing a class 3 felony charge, then was let

go. I waited several months for a court

date, it never came. I then turned 18 and

It's now April, 8 months later and I found a

court date for me. Is there any kind of

limitations or time limits that prosecuters

have to files charges for juveniles? I did

check AZ stautes and it seems they can't

charge me as an adult because I'm a first

time offender and the chapters mentioned

in the statue is not one they can charge

me as an adult for.


Asked on 4/30/09, 8:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jason Lamm Jason D. Lamm Attorney at Law

Re: Criminal Theft Charges

It's actually common for prosecutors to wait until juveniles turn 18 to file charges in adult court. It's lousy, but that the norm. I have represented a lot of people in employee theft type cases and have had good results. The fact that you were a juvenile at the time may give you some additional arguments to have your statement to the police thrown out. If you are looking to hire an attorney, give me a call at (six zero two) two two two - nine two three seven.

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Answered on 4/30/09, 8:44 pm


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