Question: If you were charged with panhandling, what could happen?
Answer: Under Arizona Law, panhandling is part of the Loitering statute (ARS ยง13-2905) which is classified as a class 3 misdemeanor. The maximum penalty for a class 3 misdemeanor is 30 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. There are also city codes which prohibit panhandling, and those probably carry similar penalties - each city may be a little different.
As a juvenile, if you are charged with panhandling and you are convicted either at trial you could be placed on probation, ordered to do community service, attend counseling, do random urinalysis, have a curfew, attend school or get a job; a fine could also be imposed. The court could also order that you not hang out where you were caught panhandling and not hang out with anyone that was with you when you were caught. The court may also look at why you were panhandling, are you homeless, having problems at home, or just doing it. If you are homeless or having problems at home or are a runaway, the court could place you in a foster home or other residential placement to get you off the streets or into a safe 'home' environment.
Another option that some juvenile courts use for first time offenders, is what is called Diversion - this is through the Juvenile Probation Department, and involves the juvenile being given some consequences like community service and/or counseling and then the charges are not even filed or are dismissed.
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