The Consequences of Juvenile Crimes

Whether your child is accused of theft, vandalism, assault, burglary, drug offenses, gun charges, battery, robbery, or other crimes, the potential consequences can be significant. In some cases, the court may even consider trying them as adults, leading to even harsher penalties.

Protect Your Child's Future

Do not take chances with your child's future. Hiring an experienced juvenile law attorney is essential to build a strong defense for the best possible outcome. At Victoria Law, we understand the unique challenges of defending juveniles and will work tirelessly to protect your child's rights in family court.

Can a Minor Hire a Lawyer?

According to the law, individuals under the age of 18 cannot enter into a binding contract with an attorney. Therefore, it is the responsibility of a parent or legal guardian to seek legal representation on their child's behalf. By doing so, you ensure that your child receives the highest quality of defense. Public defenders, while competent, may have heavy caseloads and limited resources to dedicate to each case.

Understanding Juvenile Law

A juvenile is anyone under the age of 18, and even if your child turns 18 soon, any arrest made before that age is considered a juvenile crime. However, there are instances where the court may decide to try a juvenile as an adult.

When Can a Juvenile Be Tried as an Adult in Florida?

In Florida, minors aged 14 and above can be charged as adults for specific crimes. Prosecutors often pursue this route for particularly severe offenses. The crimes that may lead to adult charges include aggravated assault, sexual battery, armed robbery, grand theft auto, burglary, and others. Additionally, if a minor is 16 or older, they can be tried as an adult for any felony charge.

The Florida justice system focuses on rehabilitating juveniles rather than incarcerating them. To ensure your child's case remains in juvenile court, it is crucial to have an experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney who knows how to navigate the system effectively.

Common Juvenile Crimes

Juvenile courts and criminal defense lawyers frequently handle various common juvenile offenses, including shoplifting, assault, illegal purchases, drug possession, underage DUI, vandalism, truancy, and sex crimes. Some of these offenses may be considered felonies, emphasizing the need for a knowledgeable attorney who specializes in juvenile defense.

Understanding Juvenile Delinquency

A juvenile delinquent is a minor who has committed multiple crimes. It is even more crucial to hire an experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney if your child falls into this category. Judges often impose stricter penalties on repeat offenders, and the consequences for juvenile delinquents can be more severe than for first-time offenders.

Parental Responsibility for a Child's Crime

In certain circumstances, parents or guardians may be held responsible for their child's actions. For example, under Florida statute 322.09, parents are legally responsible for injuries or property damage caused by their child's negligent or willful conduct with a vehicle. Parents may also be held responsible for court costs and face negligence charges if they failed to intervene when aware of their child's dangerous behavior.

To protect yourself from potential financial and legal consequences, it is crucial to take swift action and hire a juvenile criminal defense attorney. By doing so, you can mitigate the impact of your child's actions and prevent long-term ramifications.

Felony Juvenile Charges and Background Checks

Juvenile felony charges can appear on an individual's background check as an adult. Although most juveniles have the opportunity to seal or expunge their records after reaching a certain age, felonies remain visible until then. A felony conviction can significantly affect your child's future prospects, limiting their educational, employment, and housing opportunities. Hiring a skilled juvenile criminal defense lawyer can help your child avoid such convictions and preserve their future.

Protecting Your Child's Rights

As a parent or guardian, it is crucial to be aware of your child's fundamental rights once they are arrested. While law enforcement must inform parents of their child's custody, it is a misconception that minors can be questioned without a parent present. In reality, a minor can refuse to answer questions until a parent, guardian, or lawyer is present. It is within your rights as a parent to refuse questioning by law enforcement and to have a juvenile criminal defense attorney present during any questioning.

Navigating the Juvenile Justice System with Legal Representation

When your child is accused of a crime, hiring a juvenile criminal defense attorney is essential. Regardless of the charges, it is vital to have a legal team dedicated to representing your child's best interests. Not only will this safeguard your child's future, but it will also protect you from potential financial responsibility and negligence claims. Don't let your family suffer the consequences of inadequate defense—contact Victoria Law today for a free case evaluation.