Seminole Juvenile Delinquency Lawyer
In Florida, juveniles who commit crimes are not usually prosecuted in the adult criminal justice system. Instead, their case is handled in the juvenile system. A minor who encounters police is taken into custody, not arrested. And those convicted are found “delinquent,” not guilty.
Despite the differences in terminology, however, minors and their parents need legal representation during their delinquency case. A finding of delinquency is serious and can lead to significant sanctions. Some people think delinquency cases are low stakes but that’s not really true. A child can end up in detention, depending on the facts.
Contact The Reep Law Firm to talk about the allegations against your child. Our Seminole juvenile delinquency lawyers are ready to help however we can.
Minors Have a Right to Legal Counsel
Many parents reach out to us after getting a call that their child was taken into custody. They have no idea what is about to happen or whether they will see their child again.
Once a minor is in custody, they are referred to the Pinellas County juvenile assessment center, which will try to assess the risk your child poses to the public. Based on this assessment, your child can be released to you, or they might be kept in a secure detention center.
Your child will also be arraigned and enter a plea. Often, we can work out an agreement with the state. The focus of juvenile justice is rehabilitation, not punishment. Depending on the offense, your child might be offered a chance to participate in a rehabilitation program.
Your child can also argue they did not commit the offense, in which case a hearing is necessary. Your child has the right to present evidence on their behalf, and a judge will determine whether your child is delinquent.
Judges have the option to impose many different sanctions when a child is delinquent:
- Restitution
- Diversion
- Probation
- Commitment to a rehabilitation program or facility
- Community service
- Loss of driver’s license
Judges have discretion, and it is important to work with an attorney who has appeared in juvenile court before. A favorable outcome is one where a juvenile gets necessary help which allows them to move forward productively as an adult. The goal is usually to avoid detention, even for a short period of time.
Some minors might be charged as an adult. A judge will consider the severity of the offense, as well as the minor’s past criminal history. A minor who is charged as an adult also has the right to legal counsel, so there is no reason to delay calling our firm.
Our Seminole Juvenile Delinquency Case Lawyers Can Help
Our clients are often shocked when their teen is picked up by the police. They have fears for their child’s future and aren’t sure what will happen. Please reach out to our law firm to speak with a Seminole juvenile delinquency case lawyer. We can meet for a consultation to answer questions and review the delinquency process.
