FLORIDA JUVENILE CRIME DEFENSE

Florida Juvenile Crimes • Crimes by Minors
Juvenile Deliquency • Juvenile Court

                                          Orlando Juvenile Crimes Attorney
                                      Florida Juvenile Defense Lawyer

In Florida, crimes committed by minors (17 years or younger) are prosecuted in the Florida juvenile court system.

Juvenile courts defend cases involving children between the ages of 10 and 17. The intent is to rehabilitate the child, not punish him or her. The aftermath depend on the severeness of the crime and the criminal history of the child.

Types of juvenile crimes include:

• Skipping school (truancy)
• Gang-related activities
• Underage alcohol consumption
• DUI (driving under the influence)
• Speeding and driving without a license
• Running away from home
• Probation violations
• Three Strikes cases
  (repeat offenses)
• Theft, shoplifting, burglary
• Vandalism
• Drug use
• Arson
• Trespassing
• Sexual misconduct
• Fighting in School

Florida Law
Under Florida law, minors can be arrested under one of two categories:

• Juvenile delinquency: this is the same as committing types of crimes adults commit severe felony offenses like murder, rape, assault and robbery to less severe crimes like shoplifting

• Status offenses: these are acts are against the law because they're committed by a minor truancy, curfew violations, running away

• A misdemeanor conviction can result in probation, detention in a juvenile facility like a boot camp or ranch, a fine, or a combination. Minor infractions, such as a motor vehicle violation, are generally punished with a fine.

• A felony conviction is much additional severe. Consequences can include imprisonment in a state institution like the Florida Youth Authority, which is like a state prison for adults, and/or therapy programs, detention, home arrest (electronic monitoring), probation, community service, or graffiti cleanup.

Charging and Convicting Minors
Florida Juvenile Court is very different from adult criminal court because it has a unique set of rules and procedures. For example, minors are not entitled to a jury trial or bail. The decision to charge a crime as a misdemeanor or felony rests with the prosecutor.

When a Minor is Tried as an Adult
In cases involving a severe felony or violence, the court may decide to send the juvenile to adult court and try him as an adult. This decision is left up to the judge and the prosecutor. A minor may be tried as an adult depending on:

• The severity of the crime
• The degree of criminal sophistications
• The probability of rehabilitation (and history of past attempts)
• Previous criminal history

Time is of the Essence with a Juvenile Crime Charge!
If in fact your child is charged with a juvenile crime and you contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately, you may be able to successfully get your child's case thrown out of court (dismissed) in its initial stages. In some cases, a knowledgeable juvenile attorney may be able to minimize the juvenile offense charges your child faces if contacted early enough.

Work With a Lawyer Experienced in Juvenile cases
At the law offices of The Law Offices of William H. Bryan III, P.A., we have assisted countless families deal with the arrest of a minor child. We know the juvenile system and we advocate for our clients. Our objective in every juvenile case is to:

• Get the child released from custody
• Convince the District Attorney not to file charges if possible
• Get a dismissal (acquittal) or reduced charges
• If arrested or convicted, successfully get the least restrictive penalty (community service instead of juvenile boot camp)