Finding out that your child has been arrested for a crime is a stressing situation. Feelings of hopelessness can be magnified by going through the juvenile justice process and awaiting the fate of your child. In order to protect your child’s future, it is imperative to hire a defense attorney who can assist you and your child during the process.
An individual arrested under the age of 18 is considered a juvenile. Legal transgressions committed by juveniles are called “faults” and are usually processed by the juvenile court in the county where the fault was committed. Usually, after the case is presented in front of a juvenile probation officer, the juvenile is released to the parent or guardian. In cases involving serious offenses or a repeat offender, the juvenile may be taken to a juvenile detention center to be detained until the first court hearing.
During the assessment, a juvenile probation officer will interview the offender along with their family, in an attempt to develop a satisfactory solution to address the offense. The probation officer will then offer a recommendation to the state attorney on what legal actions should be taken. This recommendation usually involves the offender participating in a juvenile diversion program or being prosecuted as a youth for the alleged fault. The state attorney has the power to make the final decision and in extreme cases, the juvenile can stand trial as an adult.
In cases involving a juvenile, the main purpose of the prosecution is to rehabilitate the offender. Therefore, the penalties juveniles face are different than the criminal penalties faced by adults. Like for example, probation, rehabilitation treatment in cases where drugs or alcohol were a factor or a juvenile detention center.
Department of Juvenile Justice: This website provides information and resources to juveniles who have been charged with a crime while thoroughly explaining the process.
Florida Department of Juvenile Justice: This website informs parents on what to do if their child is arrested, how to have a juvenile’s record sealed or expunged, as well as how to find legal aid for a juvenile.
If your child has been charged with a juvenile offense in Kissimmee, Orlando, Poinciana or any Central Florida area contact Attorney Luis F. Vega a dedicated criminal defense attorney who will focus his time and energy on finding a way to help your child avoid any serious penalty.
If you are in need of a criminal attorney, give us a call at the Law Office of Luis F. Vega 407-847-4029 for a free, confidential consultation. We represent clients across Central Florida.
