Orlando Juvenile Crime Lawyer
Juvenile Offense Lawyers Serving Orlando, Tampa, and Miami
If a child or loved one has been charged with a juvenile offense, it can be difficult to know where to turn. You may be concerned about losing custody of your child, or about long-term impacts on his or her life and well being. In times like this, it helps to have a knowledgeable Orlando juvenile crime lawyer at your side to explain the process and defend the rights of you and your child throughout the legal process.
At The Baez Law Firm, we help families in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and throughout Florida navigate through the juvenile court system with confidence and clarity. Our juvenile lawyers can help you devise a legal strategy that helps protect your child and family for years to come. Read on to learn more about Florida’s juvenile court system and your rights as a parent or guardian.
How Florida’s Juvenile Court System Works
Florida’s juvenile court system is designed to rehabilitate, rather than strictly punish, minors who have committed crimes. When a child is arrested for a crime, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) will contact the parents or guardians and the child to arrange a conference. The DCF will then recommend actions to the state lawyer, though the state lawyer has full discretion to make a decision on whether to file formal charges.
Children placed in juvenile court have much of the same rights as adults do in criminal court, and have the right to be represented by an lawyer through all proceedings. Special conditions apply to the detention or lack thereof of your child through the duration of legal proceedings. It is best to consult with an lawyer about your options in these cases.
Children Tried as Adults
Florida leads the nation in charging children as adults. A Humans Rights Watch review published in 2014 found that more than 12,000 Florida juveniles were charged as adults over the previous four-year period, by far the greatest number in the United States. Should the state lawyer transfer your child’s case to a criminal court, it is essential to retain an experienced criminal lawyer to defend his or her rights. Sentencing for children tried as adults can be severe, with negative impacts on the child’s long-term wellbeing.
Get the Legal Help You Need
When it comes to children in the legal system, it is best to leave nothing to chance. You need to ensure that your rights as a parent or guardian, along with the rights of your children, are protected every step of the way. At The Baez Law Firm, we have years of experience obtaining positive outcomes for families going through the juvenile justice process. If you are in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, or anywhere in Florida and require representation for a juvenile defense, contact us online or call today at 800-588-BAEZ. We offer free consultations to discuss your case, our Orlando juvenile lawyers can help.
