Temps Up, Crime Goes Up. Plan Summers Out.

Cindy CastilloArizona Law


With school out for summer break, kids are prone to getting into more trouble with the law for a variety of issues including drugs, alcohol, and more. Less supervision and more free time allow kids to make poor decisions. Castillo Law would like to highlight some of the ways you can keep your teen from getting into trouble during their summer vacation.

  1. Check- In
  2. The most important part of keeping kids out of trouble is having good communication with them. Have your kid’s check-in with you during the day. Establish rules with them ahead of time. Let them know the places they are allowed to go without having to ask for direct permission, but make sure they inform you of their whereabouts. They should not only tell you where they are going, but who they will be with, and what they plan on doing. Also, calling your kids randomly will help deter them from making bad decisions. You will be able to hear it in their voice if you caught them doing something they shouldn’t be doing.

  3. Track Alcohol and Drugs
  4. Most trouble caused by teens over the summer involves alcohol and drugs. A way to reduce the temptation for drinking alcohol or trying drugs is to hide or keep track of the alcohol in your house. Even if you don’t lock it up in a secret location, you can always keep track of how much alcohol you have and let your kids know that you know what is there. Also, prescription pain killers are being abused more often by teenagers. If you have any in your house, keep them in an area that they will not find them, or keep track of how many pills you have.

  5. Keep Them Busy
  6. Another important way to keep your kids out of trouble is to keep them BUSY! If they are old enough, have them find a summer job. If a summer job is not an option, sign them up for a club or summer classes. Have them learn a life skill such as cooking, changing oil, CPR, gardening, etc. Getting your kid involved in extra-curricular activities will not only keep them occupied and entertained during the day, but it will also let you know where they are and that they are staying out of trouble.

  7. Establish and Understand Curfews
  8. Make sure your kids are aware of curfews. If you have your own curfews for your kids, you are off to a good start. But be aware of the city curfew laws and the consequences that go along with breaking them. Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Avondale, and Glendale all observe the same curfew hours: 10 p.m. for children 15 and younger and midnight for 16- and 17-year-old children. The curfew hours end at 5 a.m. During these time periods, juveniles are not allowed to be outside of their residence without adult supervision. Violating the curfew can result in a misdemeanor offense.

  9. Educate Your Teen Drivers
  10. If your teen is driving, you need to know the months between Memorial and Labor Day are known as the deadliest days of summer. Ensure that you educate your teen and lead by example when it comes to distracted driving, the importance of buckling up, and risks of speeding for teen drivers.

As always, if you or someone you know is charged with a curfew violation, driving violation, or any other crime, please feel free to contact our office. We offer a free consultation and are available 24/7.