Florida Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Like adults, youths can make the mistake of breaking the law which can result in a criminal record and penalties. In Florida, most juvenile cases are not treated the same way as adult crimes. Nevertheless, when accused of a delinquent act, a youth has the right to have juvenile defense attorneys on his or her side.

In Florida, juvenile cases are particularly sensitive because they involve young people who have not had a chance to fulfill their potential. Even though in most cases the penalties might not be as severe as for an adult, dealing with the Juvenile Justice System can be very confusing. No matter what the charges are, it is critical that you protect your child’s rights and future by calling a Florida juvenile defense lawyer.

Florida Definition of Juvenile Delinquency

According to the Florida Statute § 985.93, a delinquent act occurs when a youth under 18 years of age commits an act that violates any state or federal law. If a minor has committed multiple offenses, he or she would be considered a juvenile delinquent.

In Florida, there are significant differences between the crimes committed by youths and adults. One of them is the way the justice process works. Overall, these are the procedures that you can expect in a juvenile case:

  • The youth comes into contact with law enforcement for the alleged delinquent act. Unlike adults, minors are not arrested, but rather taken into custody
  • Once the minor is in custody, he or she will be referred to a Juvenile Assessment Center or an on-call screener to assess risk to public safety
  • The child is given an assessment to determine where he or she should be placed while awaiting a hearing. Possibilities include secure, non-secure, or home detention centers, and pre-trial diversion programs may be recommended
  • There will be an arraignment hearing in which a plea is entered, and a discovery process for gathering evidence will begin. Possible outcomes include dismissal of the charges by entering into a “Walker Plan,” participation in a rehabilitation program (Youth-Empowered Success (YES) Plan), juvenile drug court, commitment to a residential facility, and more

Dealing with the juvenile criminal system for a delinquent act can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience for both parents and children. As a result, you might want to retain a defense attorney who can fight to protect your children’s rights and record in Florida.

Types of Juvenile Cases and Sanctions

Even though Florida does not use the term ‘crime’ for juvenile offenses, a youth can be charged with almost any crime that might pertain to an adult. Some of the most common delinquent acts that Goldman Wetzel handles include:

  • Assault and battery
  • Underage drinking
  • DUI offenses
  • Petit theft
  • Arson
  • Drug possession
  • Robbery
  • Sexual crimes
  • Burglary
  • Vandalism
  • Possession of a fake ID

Sanctions

Although districts across Florida have increased penalties for youth, the main purpose of the juvenile justice system is to rehabilitate and provide services or treatments that have a positive effect on the minor’s behaviors.

In other words, adult offenders can be convicted and receive severe punishments while the juvenile system focuses on rehabilitation. Thus, some of the most common sanctions in Florida for delinquent acts might include:

  • Probation
  • Restitution
  • Diversion programs
  • Community service
  • Forfeit his/her driver’s license
  • Commitment to a rehabilitation program or residential facility

Juvenile delinquents (repeated offenders) can face harsher penalties. Additionally, there are some cases where a minor could be prosecuted and sentenced as an adult. Some of the criteria that the court might take into account to prosecute a minor as an adult include but are not limited to:

  • Severity of the offense
  • Past criminal record
  • Aggravating factors
  • Maturity and sophistication of the offender

Determining the penalties that your child might face depend on different factors. Whether it was a minor or a more serious offense in Florida, the Goldman Wetzel juvenile defense lawyers will fight to protect your child’s rights and future.

Are Florida juvenile records automatically sealed and expunged?

Any Florida attorney could tell you that most juvenile records are automatically destroyed. Nevertheless, some violent felonies are not eligible for sealing and expungement. If the youth meet the requirements, their criminal record will be destroyed at the age of 21 or, if they were committed to a correctional facility, at age of 26.

The Florida Statute § 943.0515 establishes that if a youth committed a forcible felony his or her record will not be eligible for sealing and expunging. Examples of these felonies include:

  • Aggravated battery and assault
  • Arson
  • Burglary
  • Carjacking
  • Murder or manslaughter
  • Robbery
  • Sexual battery

Juvenile Crimes: Useful Resources

Florida Department of Juvenile Justice: Provides information related to juvenile delinquency and the juvenile justice system. Additionally, they offer resources for parents such as a hotline and answers to frequently asked questions.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement: Among their services, they offer useful information for sealing and expunging a record in Florida.

Six Judicial Circuit: Their Juvenile Diversion Service includes information about juvenile diversion programs in Pasco and Pinellas County such as Teen Court, Juvenile Arbitration, Juvenile Arrest Avoidance Program, Juvenile Drug court, and more.

Speak to Our Juvenile Defense Attorneys in Florida

If your child has been accused of a delinquent act, you should retain a defense attorney knowledgeable in the juvenile criminal justice system. Goldman Wetzel represents clients facing criminal charges in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee County.

Call us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Florida juvenile defense lawyers.