PHOENIX, Arizona – Curfew laws exist in certain parts of Arizona to regulate the movements of minors during specific hours. These laws aim to ensure the safety of young people and reduce juvenile crime. The curfew times vary by locality, and minors who are 16 and older usually have a slightly later curfew. Breaking curfew is considered a misdemeanor, and both the parent and child can face consequences such as fines, community service, or even imprisonment.
According to the Arizona Bar Association, several cities in the state have established curfew laws for minors. For those under 16, curfew hours typically range from 10 PM to 5 AM, while minors aged 16-17 have a curfew from midnight to 5 AM. Some of the cities that have implemented these curfew laws include Avondale, Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, and Tucson, among others.
The rationale behind these laws is to protect minors from potential dangers they may face while being out late at night. The JacksonWhite Law firm in Arizona suggests that minors who violate curfew laws are more likely to engage in criminal behavior. Mark Wertsching, a Juvenile Probation Officer Supervisor at Maricopa County, explained that society deems it necessary for children of a certain age to be supervised by an adult and not out on the streets.
Parents should be aware that curfew laws are strictly enforced in Arizona, and charges for curfew violations can have a lasting impact on a child’s future, according to The Naegle Law Firm in Mesa. The consequences for violating curfew vary depending on the jurisdiction, but typically, it is considered a misdemeanor. However, the first curfew violation is usually less severe and may not result in the child being taken out of their home.
Different jurisdictions offer options to mitigate the lifelong impact of a curfew violation. In Maricopa County, for example, there is a diversion program that aims to correct the behavior of juveniles without involving the court system. This can involve community service, a monetary penalty, or something as simple as writing an essay. The goal is to guide young individuals towards abiding by the law and preventing further criminal behavior.
It is important for parents and their children to familiarize themselves with their city’s curfew laws and the hours during which they are in effect. While instances of curfew violations may sometimes seem benign, any interaction with the criminal justice system can cause concern for parents, according to attorney Craig Rosenstein. The number of curfew citations issued in Phoenix has reduced in recent years, with only 19 citations for juveniles under 16 and 13 citations for older juveniles in the current year.
In summary, curfew laws exist in various cities in Arizona to protect minors and reduce juvenile crime. Breaking curfew can result in legal consequences for both the child and parent, including fines, community service, or imprisonment. While the first curfew violation is generally not severe, any interaction with the criminal justice system raises concerns for parents. However, jurisdictions often offer programs to divert curfew violations from court proceedings and provide opportunities for correction and rehabilitation.