You have legal options if your child faces criminal charges in Orlando, Florida. An Orlando juvenile crime lawyer can step in immediately after an arrest. Our team at Bogin, Munns & Munns has over four decades of combined legal experience, and we’re ready to protect your family.
When you and your child navigate the justice system in Florida, you will need to know the strategies the police officers and prosecutors use. An experienced Orlando criminal defense lawyer on our team can help develop a legal strategy tailored to your family’s needs.
Contact us now to learn more about how we can help you navigate the juvenile justice system.
Why Hire a Juvenile Crime Lawyer in Orlando, FL?
Hiring a criminal defense attorney after a juvenile arrest means your child will always have someone on their side, looking out for their best interests and protecting their future. Our team understands the potential consequences of a juvenile conviction, and we’re ready to help by:
Answering All Legal Questions
A juvenile defense attorney from our team can provide clear answers to your family after an arrest. We stay available, so you can always reach out when you have questions or concerns.
We’ll give you the information you need to make informed decisions on behalf of your child.
Protecting Your Child’s Rights
Your child has constitutional rights that we protect as you navigate Florida’s juvenile court system. We stand up for these rights during all legal interviews and throughout the legal process.
Resolving Juvenile Charges
You can count on an Orlando juvenile defense lawyer to immediately work on developing a personalized defense to the charges faced by your child. We’re here to help with charges related to everything from underage drinking to juvenile drug charges.
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(855) 780-9986
Why Choose Us to Handle the Juvenile Justice Process?
Our team at Bogin, Munns & Munns has decades of experience handling juvenile criminal charges, and we know what it takes to help clients in your situation. We can adjust our services to fit your needs, and we’ll stand by your family every step of the way.
You can count on a juvenile defense lawyer from our team to put you first and to prioritize your family. We’ll keep you informed about the steps we’re taking to resolve these charges and stay available, so you can always reach out with questions or concerns.
You can learn more about how we can help by reaching out to our juvenile defense team right now.
Facts About the Juvenile Court System in Florida
The juvenile court system in Florida focuses on handling cases involving individuals under the age of majority, which is 18 in Florida. Individuals may also stay in the juvenile court system after they turn 18 if they were accused of a crime when they were 17 years old.
Defendants need to understand how to navigate the juvenile court system because the legal procedures for juveniles differ from the procedures for adults.
Legal Procedures in Juvenile Court
Minors accused of a crime in Orlando do not have all the same options as adults. For example, minors cannot hire a lawyer on their own. They require the help of a parent or guardian to secure the assistance of a juvenile crime attorney in Orlando.
Additionally, most juvenile cases go through the civil court system rather than the criminal court system. Due to these differences, many juveniles do not have the right to a trial by jury in their cases. Instead, minors usually face a legal decision by the judge handling their case.
Can Juveniles Be Tried as Adults in Florida?
Minors do not automatically go through the juvenile court system in Orlando. In fact, Florida allows prosecutors to charge some individuals as adults starting at the age of 14. Your child must face specific charges to be treated legally as an adult. These charges include:
- Aggravated assault
- Armed robbery
- Sexual assault
Typically, juveniles over the age of 16 may face charges in the adult court system for any felony accusation. Keep in mind that the adult court system often hands down sentences with far harsher penalties than a juvenile court.
If your child is facing a criminal charge, especially a felony, you may want to consult a legal team to help your family avoid these more serious penalties.
Orlando Juvenile Crime Lawyer Near Me
(855) 780-9986
Common Results of a Conviction in Juvenile Court
While the juvenile court system does not usually hand down penalties as harsh as the adult justice system, a conviction can still have serious repercussions for your child. Some examples of penalties your child may face if convicted include:
- Fines
- Restitution payments
- Incarceration
- Community service
In addition, many juveniles must stay in a detention facility until their trial date. Staying in a facility keeps them away from their home and family. Your legal team will work to protect your child throughout each step of the legal process, especially as your family needs additional support while separated.
Possible Long-Term Effects of Juvenile Charges
The effects of going through the juvenile justice system in Florida can impact your child for many years. Depending on the outcome of the case, a criminal record could make it harder for your child to get into college or to get a job.
Our juvenile defense attorneys take these allegations seriously, and we’re ready to provide the support your family needs after an arrest.
Examples of Common Juvenile Crimes in Orlando
Your child can face several charges in Florida’s juvenile court system depending on the circumstances of their case. Most lawyers with experience in the juvenile court system in Florida have managed cases involving:
- Drug possession, including possession for sale
- Underage driving or drunk driving
- Robbery or burglary
- Assault and battery
- Theft offenses, including shoplifting
- Trespassing and vandalism
- Disorderly conduct
- Sexual assault
Seeking legal help quickly can help your family feel more confident about addressing these serious charges. Your lawyer’s team can listen to your child’s side of the story and provide professional support regardless of the juvenile offense charges your child faces.
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What Happens Following a Juvenile’s Arrest in Orlando?
You will need to understand how to navigate multiple systems and procedures following a juvenile arrest in Florida. If you are inexperienced with the legal process, it is important that a legal team walk you through each step to handle juvenile charges in Florida.
From assessments to formal charges, below are the key aspects you need to know about after a juvenile arrest.
Assessments by a Department of Juvenile Justice Counselor
Generally, police officers will first take juveniles to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). Once at the DJJ, a counselor conducts an interview with your child and performs a risk assessment. The counselor looks at your child’s current charges and any prior history when completing this assessment.
When finished, the counselor can make a recommendation that determines whether your child may be released to your care. In some cases, counselors recommend that juveniles stay in secure detention.
If a counselor requests to keep your child in secure detention, they must appear before a judge within 24 hours. A judge then reviews the counselor’s assessment and decides to either maintain secure detention or release your child into your care.
Formal Decisions Regarding Charges
The State Attorney’s Office is responsible for deciding whether your child will face official charges. They may also file a Petition for Delinquency if they decide to pursue charges.
If the State Attorney’s office files charges, they must provide your child’s defense attorney with information obtained during discovery, including:
- Police reports
- Victim statements
- Witness statements
Once your Orlando juvenile crime lawyer receives this information, they can begin working on a defense for your child. In many cases, your child’s charges can be reduced or dismissed with the right legal team. For this reason, you should choose an experienced team to represent your child in the juvenile court system.
Understanding Florida’s Diversion Programs
Juvenile charges in Orlando do not automatically mean a conviction. Your lawyer can work to resolve the case in the best way possible for your child. In many situations, this option can include focusing on the diversion programs offered by the state.
Diversion programs allow your child to avoid a conviction in exchange for fulfilling certain requirements issued by the court. For example, your child may have to complete:
- Drug treatment
- Counseling
- Community service
In exchange for fulfilling these requirements, the court may set aside or even erase any charges your child faced. However, the court can only do so if your child successfully completes the entirety of the program.
You may want to discuss the best ways to resolve your child’s legal issues. Diversion programs do not work for everyone, but they represent an option that can allow your family to avoid the effects of a conviction.
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What Should You Do After a Juvenile Arrest in Orlando?
After an arrest for a juvenile crime, you should act quickly to provide the support your child needs. First of all, you should contact a juvenile crimes lawyer who can assess your situation and provide immediate advice about your next steps.
You do not have to wait to get legal help after an arrest. In fact, you should get in touch with a juvenile defense lawyer before discussing your child’s charges with police officers or the prosecution. These individuals are not on your side, and they can use the things you and your child say to push for a conviction.
Your lawyer will protect your family’s best interests and help you avoid mistakes that could impact your child for the rest of their life.
How Long Does it Take to Handle Juvenile Charges?
The time it takes to resolve juvenile offenses in Florida will vary based on the strategy your attorney uses to handle these charges and other factors. Our team does everything possible to minimize the time your family has to spend going through the legal system.
However, we never cut corners. We’re ready to put in the time and effort necessary to assist with all hearings and court dates related to the charges your child faces. Find out more about how we can help by reaching out to us for a consultation with a member of our dedicated team.
Speak to a Juvenile Crime Attorney in Orlando Today
Is your child facing charges in juvenile court? If so, you have the option to reach out to a juvenile crimes attorney in Orlando for immediate assistance. Our team at Bogin, Munns & Munns can provide your child with representation in the juvenile court system while answering your questions and protecting your child’s rights.
Speak to a member of our team today to discuss your child’s situation and provide your family with the legal advice you need.
We’re standing by and ready to take charge of all legal challenges faced by your family after an arrest.
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