Tampa Juvenile Crime Defense Lawyers

In Florida, the most common types of juvenile crimes usually involve drugs, underage drinking, violation of probation, or violence. Unlike the adult criminal process, the juvenile criminal process focuses on rehabilitating the minor instead of punishing them. Many people believe that minors are more likely to learn from their mistakes in comparison to their adult counterparts. Therefore, juveniles will often face legal consequences if they are convicted of a crime have to do with getting mental treatment, learning to obey rules, and adding structure to their day-to-day lives.

Understanding Florida's Juvenile Court System

What a minor faces after an arrest is far different than what their adult counterparts experience. It is important to recognize that the juvenile justice system focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. For this reason, the consequences of juvenile crimes are typically viewed as more lax, allowing for the minor to receive the guidance that they need to become a fully functioning and active member of society. According to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), they work hard to not only deal with crimes, but to also prevent crimes; this is done through their Office of Prevention and Victim Services. It is their goal to help intervene with youth that they deem to be "at risk."

What You Can Expect with the Juvenile Court System

The first step of the juvenile justice system is contact with law enforcement or a civil citation. The latter allows for the justice system to proceed without the need for law enforcement. Following either of those, the minor will be taken into custody, not arrested as an adult would be. From there, they will be taken to either a Juvenile Assessment Center, or a screener will be notified and brought to them.

At this point, there are several paths that the case can take. In one case, the child may be referred to a diversion program; these are designed to help curb delinquent behavior and to be an alternative to the child becoming immersed in the legal process. In some cases, the youth may be classified as "low-risk." In these cases, Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) may become the best option. This is a community based program which allows for the youth to avoid being detained. In some cases, the minor will undergo Detention Risk Assessment Instrument (DRAI) to determine detention.

If the child is "high-risk," they will be placed into a secure detention center while further legal action is pending. If not, they may be permitted to stay at home until their court date arrives.

The next step will be dealing with the question of guilt. There are three possible outcomes:

• The case will be dropped, which means the prosecution had decided not to pursue the case.
• Adjudication will be withheld, which means that there is enough evidence to deem the child guilty, but withhold adjudication. The child is placed into community supervision. In many cases, the minor will meet with a Juvenile Probation Officer to come up with a Youth-Empowered Success (YES) plan to help set up goals and plans for the future.
• The minor is adjudicated. After, they may be committed, placed into a residential facility or put into other supervision.

Why You Should Contact a Tampa Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Having a skilled criminal attorney will play a significant role in the way the courts handle your case. For instance, the courts will prosecute certain juvenile offenses as adult crimes, with adult penalties. A defense lawyer will be able to negotiate with the prosecution to work to have those charges lowered. We are dedicated to helping minors who have been arrested or charged with a juvenile crime.

Do not let this happen without a fight. Contact us for a free consultation today!