As a parent, receiving a call explaining that your child has been arrested can seem like the beginning of a nightmare. Depending on the specific charge, you may want to consider hiring a Melbourne juvenile crime lawyer to help.
The process of detention, courts, fines, and everything involved with a criminal prosecution of a minor can be overwhelming. At Bogin, Munns & Munns, we understand the complexities of the juvenile justice system. We can help you and your child understand each step of the process.
How We Can Help With a Juvenile Criminal Case
Children don’t come with instruction manuals. When they get in trouble, even if they are innocent, the process of court appearances can become very confusing. If your child needs help, our juvenile defense team can:
- Help you navigate the courts while protecting your child’s rights
- Gather evidence to support your child’s defense
- Represent your child in court if necessary
- Work to lower potential fines, jail time, or probation
When juveniles have a criminal charge against them, it can follow them for the rest of their lives. Our juvenile defense team will work to seal or expunge records to protect your child’s future.
To consult with an experienced juvenile crime lawyer serving Melbourne
(855) 780-9986
Can You Afford to Hire an Attorney?
Perhaps the real question might be, “Can you afford not to hire an attorney?” We understand that the cost of hiring an attorney can seem like a lot. However, weighing it against the potential consequences of a possible juvenile criminal conviction may make it an expense you deem necessary.
When you consider the possible outcome of a juvenile conviction, it may benefit you to consider a Melbourne juvenile crime lawyer to assist you and your child.
Types of Juvenile Crimes Cases We Can Help With
No matter what type of juvenile offense your child may be suspected of or charged with, we can help. Some common offenses that juveniles may be charged with include:
- Drug violations
- Disorderly conduct
- Obstruction of justice
- Trespassing
- Underaged drinking
- Vandalism
- Burglary
If you are unsure about the type of charge or detention circumstances, it might be beneficial to have a Melbourne juvenile crime lawyer on your side. In Florida, juvenile crimes are handled differently than adult offenses.
How do Juvenile Diversion Programs Work?
Juvenile diversion programs are a way to offer a second chance to many first-time offenders. Upon completion of a diversion program, the offender’s record is sealed. This permits kids who make bad decisions to rectify their wrongs and continue with productive lives.
Participation in a diversion program means that a juvenile offender might be assigned community service rather than detention or jail. Other programs include instructional coursework on drugs and alcohol, educational seminars, or perhaps writing an apology letter to those affected by their actions.
The goal of these state-run diversion programs is to educate youth and decrease repeat offenses. Because the records are sealed following the completion of a program, one infraction doesn’t ruin your child’s prospects.
Benefits of Juvenile Diversion Programs
Juvenile diversion programs may not be available for serious offenses, but having an attorney who knows the filing procedure may significantly help your child. There are four significant benefits of juvenile diversion programs:
- Maintaining connectedness to the community by keeping youths in their homes, schools, and stable environments.
- Cost reductions compared to placement in youth detention facilities.
- Less need for out-of-home placements for youthful offenders.
- Reduced involvement in the less-favorable areas of the juvenile justice system.
Requesting assignment to a diversion program can assist your child and encourage them not to re-offend.
Melbourne Juvenile Crime Lawyer Near Me
(855) 780-9986
Working with Serious Offenses
Many juvenile cases are for misdemeanor offenses. However, some juveniles face more severe charges. It may be beneficial to contact a Melbourne juvenile crime lawyer when that happens.
A criminal defense lawyer can explain everything from the first court appearance through the entire process. They will treat you and your child with respect and work to defend them against any charges. Some of the factors that are used in determining the seriousness of an offense may include:
- Whether the action involved a firearm
- Prior criminal history, if any
- The victim(s) of the crime
- Whether the alleged crime was gang-related
A juvenile may receive a referral to adult court for some serious offenses.
If Your Child Receives a Referral to Adult Court
If your child is referred to adult court for any alleged offense, you may want to hire a Melbourne juvenile crime lawyer.
In Florida, a person is considered a juvenile until they reach 18 unless the nature of an alleged offense is severe enough to reclassify the juvenile as an adult for prosecutorial purposes. The youngest a juvenile can receive reassignment to adult court is 14 per Florida Statues § 985.557(1).
Once a juvenile is tried and convicted of an offense within the adult court system, they will be remanded to adult court for all future offenses unless a juvenile sanction is authorized.
Protect Your Child Before Court
It is essential to protect your child’s rights before going to court. That means proper preparation. A Melbourne juvenile crime lawyer can assist you by explaining the process.
The court system can be overwhelming. Pressure from the prosecution or public defender’s office should not dictate your decisions. Some charges in Florida include mandatory jail, probation, and other consequences that a public defender may not discuss.
Suppose you feel your child has been wrongly accused. In that case, an experienced juvenile crime lawyer will fight for your child’s innocence and make sure you understand the entire process.
Understanding the Role of a Parent in a Juvenile Criminal Case
Any time a juvenile appears in court, a parent or legal guardian must accompany them. The role of a parent or guardian can be crucial in helping a juvenile make decisions and plan strategies with a juvenile crime lawyer.
Click to contact our Melbourne Juvenile Crime Lawyers today
Call Bogin, Munns & Munns for a Case Review
After being accused of an offense, you don’t have long to act. Contact Bogin, Munns & Munns to schedule a case review and learn how a Melbourne juvenile crime lawyer can help you. Our firm has more than 40 years of experience, which gives us the ability to handle your case effectively.
In addition to our Melbourne office, we have offices throughout Central Florida: Orlando, Clermont, Daytona, Gainesville, Cocoa, Leesburg, Kissimmee, Titusville, Orange City, St. Cloud, Ocala, and The Villages. We can meet for your case review at the location most convenient for you.
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