A juvenile law practice dedicated to helping kids get through tough times

 
 
 

When a child or teen enters the legal system, it can be a moment of crisis or a moment of opportunity. We help kids who are in trouble access the representation and resources that will allow them to change their path from hopelessness to success.

Our firm represents children who are in an abusive situation at home, as well as those who have a criminal or delinquency case in the Yavapai County juvenile probation system.

We use problem-solving and collaboration to attain positive outcomes for children.

Grandparent/Third Party Rights

If you have a significant relationship with a child who has been disrupted by divorce, death or estrangement, you may be able to get a court order granting you visitation. Likewise, if you have been acting as a de facto parent or guardian for a child, we may be able to help you successfully petition to become that child's guardian.

Adoptions

The Lynn M. Harris law firm also works with parents who are adopting a child. We help adoptive parents through the entire process, starting with placement and the adoption home study all the way through to the finalization hearing.

 
Testimonials
I Recommend 110%! (juvenile)

“This attorney is a consummate professional through and through but with a unique and personal touch. Not only will she help you through your case, but she will do it with an expertise that only makes sense once it is over, and, if you are enlightened, you will see it earlier than that. My case was with juvenile law and, at first, I had a hard time trusting and I wanted to go on the attack more times than not, but if it were not for Lynn, then I would not have made it through my case. I was successful because she is a great lawyer and has great insight into her clients as well.”

– Travis

“Lynn represented me in a dependency case, and she was very competent, attentive and calm. She clearly explained things to me and made the process so much easier than I thought it would have ever been. I would recommend her to anyone.”

– Bill

 
 

Juvenile Law
FAQs

How does the juvenile justice system differ from the adult system? 

In some ways, it is almost the same. The process is procedurally similar, and the burden of proof is the same for juvenile adjudication as it is for adults. 

In other ways, however, it is quite different. The juvenile justice system is oriented toward rehabilitation first and foremost. This means that juvenile judges do not have to follow sentencing guidelines, and they often create probation plans. The intent of these plans is to match the offender with resources such as education, counseling, mentoring, and treatment rather than punishment. 

The good news is that people who are tried as juveniles are rarely sentenced to incarceration, except in the case of serious crimes such as violent offenses and sex offenses.  

My child is accused of a crime. Will he/she have to go to trial?

While your child's case can go to adjudication (the juvenile equivalent of a trial), we more commonly see plea deals and diversions for less serious crimes. In a diversion, the child works informally with a probation officer to complete tasks and education. If the child completes the tasks successfully, the case is effectively erased.

Are juvenile records sealed in Arizona? Can we get those records expunged?

While juvenile records are open to the public in Arizona, they do not typically show up on criminal background checks. You can petition to have the record expunged or set aside once the child turns 18. These petitions are typically successful for non-serious offenses, as long as there are no pending criminal charges or convictions, and as long as the child has completed all the terms and conditions of his or her probation. Note that if a juvenile must register as a sex offender, they might remain a registered sex offender beyond age 18. 

Until what age is a youth considered a juvenile?

Typically, at age 18. If a child is on probation, there is a mechanism to keep them in the juvenile system beyond their 18th birthday. On the flip side, if someone younger than 18 is accused of a heinous crime then they can be charged as an adult in the adult system, meaning they will go to trial and receive sentencing as an adult.

I would like to see my grandson. Do I have any recourse?

Depending on the circumstances, yes. You will have to demonstrate that you have a significant relationship with the child. Fortunately, if you have helped raise the child, this requirement is satisfied. If you are successful, the court will have to give significant deference to the parents' wishes regarding how visitation is structured.

I have been raising my granddaughter for a while now. Can I pursue custody of my grandchild?

Yes, you can. The court recognizes the possibility of third-party custody when that person has been actively raising a child (this is called in loco parentis). The parameters are relatively strict, however. You will have to prove in loco parentis, and also prove that it would be a significant detriment to the child's physical and emotional health for the child to remain in the parents' custody. Also, the child's parents must typically be divorced, or one must be deceased, for the case to be successful.