Though originally created to rehabilitate rather than to punish children, the Florida Juvenile Justice System is understandably a scary place for a parent to maneuver on behalf of their child. If your son or daughter has been arrested, it is important to hire someone experienced in these types of matters so your child is not detrimentally affected for the rest of their life.
Tough-on-crime prosecutors often seek consequences that will be devastating to a child's future that may impact educational and career opportunities. Juvenile charges can result in a delinquency record and even placement in a facility or state run program outside the home.
Tallahassee Juvenile Defense Attorney
You may not know where to turn to get the help your child needs or where to find someone on your side with expertise in representing juveniles. Tallahassee Juvenile Defense Attorney, Don Pumphrey, Jr. can help you understand your child’s rights and how to protect them.
When you discuss the facts of your child’s particular case with a defense attorney, they may be able to find defenses or other factors to have your child’s charges reduced or even dismissed. Contact the Law Offices of Don Pumphrey, Jr. at (850) 681-7777 for a consultation on your child’s case in Tallahassee, Florida in Leon County or any of the surrounding counties through the Big Bend region of North Florida, including Quincy, Crawfordville, Monticello, and Bristol.
Juvenile Crime Information Center
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Juvenile Delinquency in Florida
In Florida, juvenile delinquency includes anyone under the age of 18 who has been charged with any crime. If your child has been charged with a crime, they will likely be processed and evaluated at the Leon County Juvenile Assessment Center after they have been arrested.
Upon assessment in the Juvenile Assessment Center, your child will then either be released to their home, be placed on home detention, or placed in secure detention. After your child is either released or detained, they will have a hearing in front of a judge, and go through judicial proceedings. The circuit courts in Florida hold jurisdiction over all juvenile cases. There is no option for a jury trial in juvenile court.
If your child’s case goes to trial, your child’s innocence or guilt is based only on the judge’s decision. Juveniles do have the advantage of a speedy trial by law, and in Florida, your child’s trial will occur within 90 days of their arrest, or from the date the petition is filed, whichever occurred first. Though Juvenile proceedings in Florida are technically considered civil matters, instead of criminal matters, the consequences of an arrest and guilty verdict are just as devastating to a child.
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Juvenile Civil Citation Program in Florida
Florida provides for a civil citation program for first time misdemeanor juvenile offenders under Florida Statutes § 985.12. The civil citation program in Florida is for juvenile offenders who have committed non-serious delinquent acts, and provides for an alternative to custody in the Department of Juvenile Justice.
A juvenile offender who is eligible for this program will be required to complete up to 50 community service hours, and may be required to participate in family counseling, urinalysis monitoring, substance abuse and/or mental health treatment.
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Consequences of Juvenile Crime
The consequences of juvenile crimes, in addition to an effect on the juvenile’s future opportunities, can include:
- Imprisonment;
- Placement in a secure facility under court order outside of the home; or
- Probation or house arrest.
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Probation for Juvenile Crimes in Florida
Probation usually requires the child to meet certain conditions, such as completing a specific number of hours of community service and paying restitution to compensate the victims for financial damages. It can also include court mandated counseling for anger management of drug or alcohol abuse. Curfews and mandatory drug testing may also be ordered.
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Juveniles Tried as Adults in Florida
A child can be tried as an adult and even sentenced to federal prison. In Florida, the State Attorney decides if a child is tried in the juvenile or the adult system. Generally, the decision is based on the juvenile’s age, the crime committed, and other statutory guidelines. Upon a guilty plea or verdict, the Department of Corrections usually files a report with recommendations to the court regarding the juvenile’s charges. A child found guilty in adult court may be sent back to the Department of Juvenile Justice for imposed sanctions and programs. It is to a juvenile’s advantage to be tried as a child, and not an adult.
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Florida Juvenile Justice Resources
Florida Department of Juvenile Justice – This governmental department’s mission is to reduce juvenile delinquency through prevention, intervention and treatment services.
Florida Department of Children and Families – DCF was created to improve the lives of individuals and families through an integrated approach that includes finding homes for children in foster care, and providing food stamps and temporary assistance for needy families.
Disc Village is a non-profit community based agency that provides for the initiation, management and coordination of delinquency and substance programs in Leon County and North Florida, including programs for juveniles. The program’s Juvenile Assessment Center is located at:
JAC
3333 W Pensacola St, Ste 400
Tallahassee, FL 32304
Phone: (850) 574-8814
Leon County Teen Court is a non-judicial proceeding for first time misdemeanor and felony juvenile offenders. All proceedings are conducted by trained teen attorneys, bailiffs and jurors with adult supervision and observation.
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The Law Offices of Don Pumphrey, Jr. | Tallahassee Juvenile Defense Lawyer
If your child has been arrested, you need help now; time is of the essence. Protect your child’s rights today, and call the Law Offices of Don Pumphrey, Jr. at (850) 681-7777 for a consultation of your child’s case. Contact an experienced Tallahassee defense lawyer to take the first steps towards safeguarding your loved one's future. Don Pumphrey, Jr. will seek the best possible outcome for your child in Leon County, Florida or any of the surrounding counties, including Gadsden County, Wakulla County, Jefferson County, and Liberty County.