South Florida Juvenile Crimes

It can be a terrifying experience to know that your child has been arrested and charged with a juvenile crime. No matter how minor the charge, the court will sometimes make very quick decisions about what will happen to a child, often without consulting the parents. To help at this painful and confusing time, immediately contact knowledgeable South Florida juvenile crime lawyers to make sure your child’s legal rights are protected.

Crimes committed by juveniles (children up to the age of 18) are
tried in separate courts from crimes committed by adults and the rules applies can be quite different. Having your child represented by a lawyer with expertise in the area of juvenile crime will get them the best possible result for their case.

In the state of Florida, the main purpose of juvenile justice is to keep the public safe. It is also the state’s goal to have children who commit juvenile crimes remain with their family, if possible, and offer services to help them make positive changes. Experienced South Florida juvenile crime attorneys will make sure the court considers the needs of your child and family. ⁽¹⁾

In some juvenile crimes cases, the state attorney may charge a juvenile as an adult. In Palm Beach County, during 2008-2009, the state attorney made 396 requests, but in only 34 cases did the judge approve that the juvenile be charged as an adult. ⁽³⁾ Aggressive representation by juvenile crime attorneys in Palm Beach County, including the cities of Boca Raton, Jupiter, Wellington and West Palm Beach, fight to prevent your child from being charged as an adult.

A number of options may be exercised by the courts for juveniles:

• If your child is charged with a juvenile crime, a juvenile probation officer will consider the needs of your child, any risk they might pose to the community and how to hold them accountable for their actions.
• Your child and family may be responsible for costs and court fees, as well as other costs and daily charges, if detained.
• If convicted and after being released from detention, your child will be placed in a probation program, similar to adult probation.
• Certain offenses may require your child to give a DNA sample. ⁽²⁾
• Your child may be placed in a diversion program. If the child successfully completes the program, he or shee will not have the crime on their record.

Skilled South Florida juvenile crime lawyers can assist you in getting the best outcome possible, based on the facts of your child’s case.

The attorneys of Perlet & Shiner, P.A. represent juvenile crimes clients in all of South Florida, including Jupiter, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Wellington and other cities.