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In our practice, we frequently encounter a variety of juvenile offenses, mirroring the spectrum of crimes found in adult court. One prevalent issue among younger individuals is physical altercations, leading to charges such as battery and disruption of a school assembly. Theft-related offenses, including shoplifting, burglary, and grand theft of motor vehicles, are also common.
Additionally, we see a significant number of drug and alcohol-related offenses among juveniles. It’s important to note that certain crimes, like traffic violations, are typically handled in adult court, regardless of the offender’s age. In more serious cases involving older juveniles, charges may be elevated to adult court, especially for violent or gun-related crimes.
The juvenile court system in our state primarily deals with offenses committed by individuals under the age of 18. However, the court’s jurisdiction can extend beyond the 18th birthday in specific circumstances, such as ongoing probation or placement in a juvenile rehabilitation program. In certain cases, the courts can maintain authority over an individual until they reach 21 years old.
The juvenile justice system operates with a distinct set of rules and procedures that are different than those used in adult criminal court. The process typically begins with the juvenile’s arrest, followed by a risk assessment that will be presented at a detention review hearing to determine whether the juvenile should be released to their parent or guardian, released on home-confinement, or held in a Juvenile Detention facility.
Detention review hearings play a crucial role in deciding whether a juvenile should be released or held in detention, with decisions based on a point system. The subsequent legal proceedings involve evidence review, defense preparation, and negotiations with the prosecutor. If the case goes to trial, called and adjudicatory hearing in juvenile court, it is conducted without a jury, and the judge makes the final determination as to whether the case was proven and what the appropriate disposition should be.
In the event of a guilty verdict, the sentencing phase, called and adjudicatory hearing, considers the juvenile’s background and the severity of the offense, with possible outcomes including probation, community service, counseling, or placement in a juvenile rehabilitation program.
For more information on Juvenile Offenses In Florida, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (407) 890-8472 today.