Stuart Juvenile Charges Lawyers

Legal Defense for Minors in Florida

Juvenile crimes can be just as serious as adult crimes. Even if your child or loved one is under the age of 18, Florida penalizes juvenile crimes seriously. Depending on the crime, minors can be taken to a juvenile assessment center (JAC) at best or serve time in jail at worst. On top of that, your child’s future and reputation could be permanently damaged without powerful defenders on your side.

Our Stuart juvenile charges attorneys have valuable experience on both sides of the law. Our founding attorney served as a former police officer prior to taking up a career in the legal field. With insider knowledge of how law enforcement thinks and operates when it comes to juvenile offenses, we are better able to prepare a strong defense against the charges that have been made.

If your child is facing criminal charges, contact us today to start discussing your options.

We Defend Juvenile Criminal Cases in Florida

Our team understands the emotional toll and hardships a juvenile crime accusation can have on your child’s record. Milestones such as going to college, getting a job and owning a home could be at stake, and our compassionate team understands how crucial it is to improve your child’s circumstances.

We are dedicated to your child’s best interests. Cases we represent include:

• Assault and battery
• Burglary
• Breaking into cars
• DUI
• Drug crimes
• Sexual offenses
• Trespassing
• Theft and larceny
• Violent crimes
• Vandalism

What is the Juvenile Court Process in Florida?

Everybody makes mistakes, especially those under 18 years old. Kids rebel here and there, but some take it further than others. What may begin as staying out past curfew could transition to breaking into cars, and may unfortunately develop into violent, drug or sexual offenses.

No matter the situation, our team is here to help. We approach each case with honesty, empathy and strategy. It’s important to have an idea of what your child may experience in court, which is why we offer guidance and preparation along the way.

After accusing a juvenile of criminal activity, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) will execute the following process:

• Intake and referral: A child is taken to a juvenile assessment center where a screening and assessment will determine whether detention is necessary.
• Detention hearing: If the DJJ decides to detain the child, a detention hearing will occur within 24 hours of being taken into custody. Then, the court must determine whether there is probable cause that the child’s act is worthy of further detention.
• Delinquency petition: If the case proceeds judicially, a delinquency petition will be filed. If the case proceeds non-judicially, the child will be placed into a diversionary program.
• Arraignment hearing: If a delinquency petition is filed, a child will plea not guilty, guilty or nolo contendere at their arraignment hearing.
• Adjudicatory hearing: If a child pleas not guilty, the court must decide whether the child committed a delinquent act or violation of law at the adjudicatory hearing. If the court finds that the act was committed, the case proceeds to disposition.
• Disposition hearing: This is essentially a sentencing, where the DJJ recommends how to dispose the case. This could mean sentencing to juvenile detention, or probation and/or conditional release.

Contact Our Stuart Juvenile Charges Attorneys for Help

We will work tirelessly to ensure your child doesn’t undergo the intimidating, stressful process of fighting for freedom. Our Stuart juvenile charges attorneys prioritize effective and personalized approaches to strengthen your case for the courtroom, and advises that you contact us to receive the advocacy you deserve.

Is your child facing criminal charges? Consult with our Stuart juvenile charges lawyers at (772) 210-9097 today!