Juvenile Offenses

Get Help from a Sanford Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Florida’s juvenile justice system recognizes that children and teens are fundamentally different from adults. While they may commit serious offenses, the system aims to guide the state’s youth toward better choices instead of imposing lifelong consequences.

That said, being charged with a crime in Florida is a serious situation that can have a lasting impact on a young person. It is important to address the charges head-on, with the help of an experienced attorney.

Sanford juvenile defense lawyer Ryan Yadav helps people and families navigate the justice system, seeking to limit the impact of criminal charges on young Floridians. Ryan is a seasoned criminal defense attorney with a strong track record of getting optimal results for his clients in Seminole County and across the region.

Common Juvenile Criminal Offenses in Florida

Juvenile offenses vary widely. Still, certain types of charges arise more frequently due to behavioral patterns, peer pressure, and other environmental influences. Here are some of the most common offenses among Florida youth.

Theft and Shoplifting: These crimes involve stealing items typically valued under $750. These often are minor or impulsive acts, but theft can have serious consequences and may lead to detention, restitution, and probation.

Underage Drinking, Fake IDs: Possession or consumption of alcohol by minors is illegal in Florida. These cases typically result in community service, fines, or enrollment in substance abuse programs. Steeper penalties often apply when a minor uses a false identification to try to obtain alcohol or for other purposes.

Drug Possession: Juveniles are frequently arrested for possessing marijuana, prescription drugs, and other controlled substances. Possession is often charged as a misdemeanor, but can become a felony depending on the type and amount of drugs.

Battery and Assault: Fights at school or in the community may result in charges of simple battery or aggravated assault, depending on the presence of a weapon or the severity of injuries.

Criminal Mischief or Vandalism: Graffiti, property destruction, or tampering with public utilities are typically considered criminal mischief. These offenses may seem like pranks, but they are taken seriously and often result in restitution or community service.

Burglary, Trespassing: Breaking into homes, schools, or other buildings can lead to burglary or trespassing charges, even if nothing is stolen in the process. Juveniles may also be charged if they enter a restricted area, like a construction site or private property, without permission.

Traffic Offenses: Driving without a license, reckless driving, and joyriding in stolen cars are frequent offenses for teenagers.

How Are Juvenile Cases Different Than Adult Cases in Florida?

The criminal justice process for juveniles in Florida differs significantly from the process for charging adults with crimes.

The overall distinction is that the juvenile process heavily emphasizes rehabilitation, education, and intervention, rather than punishment. A juvenile court aims to help youth avoid future criminal behavior, while prosecutions against adults emphasize punishment, deterrence, and public safety.

Juvenile proceedings are typically closed to the public, with records kept confidential. Adult criminal proceedings, on the other hand, are open and create a permanent public record unless sealed or expunged.

Juvenile judges have more flexibility when it comes to sentencing and correction. There are several alternatives to incarceration, which are widely available because these courts are not subject to mandatory minimum sentences and strict guidelines, unlike those in many adult criminal cases.

It is essential to know that a juvenile may be charged as an adult in Florida in certain, relatively rare situations. This is more likely when the offense is a serious felony and the juvenile has a significant criminal history.

Florida’s Juvenile Justice Process

Juvenile cases typically begin with an arrest or a civil citation. Florida law encourages officers to use discretion by issuing a civil citation for first-time, non-violent misdemeanors. This diversion avoids court involvement and allows the juvenile to complete community service or counseling.

If the offense is more serious, the person may be arrested and detained at a juvenile assessment center, a facility for processing people under the age of 18 who are accused of crimes. A hearing must be held within 24 hours to determine whether the youth will be held in secure detention, released for home detention, or released pending trial.

Next, local prosecutors must determine whether to file formal criminal charges. This may be based in part on an assessment by the Department of Juvenile Justice of whether to prosecute, divert prosecution, or drop charges. The evaluation is based on the circumstances, including the nature of the alleged offense and the child’s background, risk level, and needs.

Cases that move forward go to trial – called an “adjudicatory hearing” – before a judge. The judge will determine whether the child committed the alleged offense based on evidence and testimony. The burden in these cases is on prosecutors to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

A juvenile who is found guilty of a crime in Florida is “adjudicated delinquent,” rather than convicted of the crime. The judge typically holds a separate hearing to determine punishment, or “disposition,” which can include:

• Probation
• Community service
• Treatment programs
• Restitution payments to victims
• Placement in a non-secure or secure residential program
• Commitment to a Department of Juvenile Justice facility

Like adults, juveniles have the right to be represented by an attorney at trial and throughout the proceedings. An experienced juvenile defense attorney will work actively to build the strongest possible defense and explore all alternatives to prosecution.

Diversion Programs

Florida emphasizes diversion for first-time offenders or low-risk youth. A juvenile who successfully completes a diversion program may be able to have the charges dropped and their records expunged.

In Seminole County, the primary option for diversion is Prosecution Alternatives for Youth (PAY). The 90-day program is an alternative to formal court proceedings, meant to instill accountability in juvenile defendants. It emphasizes restitution and community service, as well as personal development.

Expungement of Juvenile Records

Most juvenile records are automatically expunged when the child turns 21 or 26, depending on the situation.

The problem is that a juvenile criminal record can significantly harm a person’s ability to get into school or find employment until the record is expunged. An experienced juvenile defense attorney can help you seek to get the record expunged early.

Sanford Juvenile Defense Lawyer Ryan Yadav Can Help

If your child has been charged with a criminal offense in Florida, you do not need to go it alone. Sanford juvenile defense lawyer Ryan Yadav can help you understand your situation and begin defending the case right away. Ryan will fight aggressively to protect your child’s rights. Call 407-878-7855 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Sanford juvenile defense lawyer.