Juvenile Crime Defense
According to Florida State University researchers, "Florida has sentences 77 young men to spend their lives in prison, without any chance of release, based on non-homicide crimes they committed when they were 17 years old or younger." Juvenile crimes are tried in juvenile court. The system is different than a regular court. For example, in juvenile court, the case is decided by a judge only, there is no jury. When a young person is convicted of crime in juvenile court, the damage done can be extensive. In many cases, the convicted youth will spend time in a juvenile detention home, and their juvenile criminal record will list their conviction.
They also may meet up with other individuals who may not be the best associations for a young person who has made a serious error. In many cases, with the assistance of a skilled criminal defense lawyer, the charges could be dismissed or reduced. There are also options for diversion programs that could help your child avoid incarceration.
Common Underage Offenses
Types of juvenile offenses include:
Although these crimes are not exclusive to juveniles, they are the most common among younger offenders. In order to prevent future repeat offenses, many times the court will offer the option of a diversion program. These programs are designed to rehabilitate offenders and break bad habits through activities like community service, counseling, restitution, etc. In Florida, however, it is not a rare occurrence for judges to impose some of the harshest penalties.
Enlist Aggressive Advocacy
Currently, the state is the only one in the nation to sentence juvenile offenders to life sentences without the chance of parole for criminal acts like burglary, so if you or your child is facing a serious juvenile offense, it is imperative that you seek skilled legal assistance immediately. Contact our firm today to discuss your case and learn about your defense options.