Fort Lauderdale Juvenile Crimes Attorney

Lawyer Representing Minors in Juvenile Delinquency Cases in Fort Lauderdale

When a minor is accused of committing a criminal offense, they may face serious consequences that could have an immediate impact on their lives while also leading to long-term problems. A juvenile conviction, which is known in Florida as an adjudication of delinquency, can affect a young person's ability to apply for college, obtain financial aid, or qualify for employment. Juvenile cases are handled in a separate court system with its own procedures and potential penalties, and defending against charges will often require the assistance of an attorney who has experience with this system.

At The Hoffman Firm, our lawyer defends minors in Fort Lauderdale who are facing criminal charges in juvenile courts. He understands how emotional and overwhelming these situations can be for a child and their family. He works to protect the rights of minors and ensure that they are treated fairly throughout the legal process.

Common Juvenile Offenses

Minors may face criminal charges for a broad range of alleged offenses. These may involve behavior at school, in public places, or during interactions with law enforcement. Potential juvenile charges may include:

• Underage Drinking: Minors under the age of 21 who are found in possession of or consuming alcohol may be charged with a criminal offense.
• Possession of a Fake ID: A minor may be arrested if they attempt to use a fraudulent identification card to purchase alcohol or gain entry to bars or clubs.
• Assault and Battery: Physical altercations between minors can result in charges of simple assault or battery. More serious charges may apply if a person was allegedly injured.
• Sexual Assault or Misconduct: Allegations involving inappropriate sexual behavior, including non-consensual contact, sexting, or other related offenses, can result in severe penalties.
• Harassment or Bullying: When verbal threats, cyberbullying, or repeated unwanted behavior allegedly caused someone to experience emotional distress, a minor may be charged under Florida's harassment or stalking laws.
• Shoplifting or Theft: Retail theft is one of the most common offenses that minors may face. The charges can range from misdemeanor petit theft to felony grand theft, depending on the value of the items involved.
• Trespassing: Entering school grounds after being banned, unlawfully entering private property, or remaining in a public space after being told to leave may lead to trespassing charges for a minor.
• Vandalism: Damaging or defacing property can result in charges of criminal mischief.

Minors may also face charges for drug possession, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, firearms offenses, or other alleged violations of the law. These charges can carry serious consequences even when the alleged conduct may seem to be minor or when an offense was unintentional.

How Juvenile Cases Are Handled in Florida

Juvenile courts operate separately from the adult criminal justice system. The primary goal of the juvenile justice system is rehabilitation, and courts may take steps to help minors understand the effects of their actions and refrain from similar behavior in the future. However, this does not mean that consequences are light or that charges should be taken lightly.

The procedures followed in juvenile delinquency cases will generally include:

• Intake: After an arrest, the Department of Juvenile Justice may conduct an assessment to determine what charges may be pursued against a minor.
• Detention Hearing: This hearing will determine whether a minor may be released to their guardians or held in detention during a juvenile delinquency case.
• Petition and Arraignment: If formal charges are filed, a petition will be submitted, and the minor must appear in court to respond.
• Adjudicatory Hearing: This is the juvenile equivalent of a trial. There is no jury; the case is heard and decided by a judge.
• Disposition Hearing: If the juvenile is adjudicated delinquent, the court will hold a hearing to determine the appropriate penalties or rehabilitative measures.

In some cases, the state may seek to charge a juvenile as an adult. This may occur with the accusations against a minor involve violent crimes, sex crimes, or other serious offenses. In an adult trial, a minor may face penalties such as potential prison time, fines, and restitution, and a conviction will result in a permanent criminal record.

Penalties for Juvenile Offenses

If a minor is adjudicated delinquent, the court may impose various sanctions, depending on the nature of the offense, the child's history, and the recommendations of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Potential penalties may include:

• Community service
• Probation or supervision
• Curfews and related restrictions
• Mandatory counseling or treatment programs
• Restitution to victims
• Placement in a residential treatment facility
• Secure detention in a juvenile facility

Even in less serious cases, a record of juvenile adjudication can impact a minor's educational and professional future. That is why early legal representation is essential.

Legal Help for Minors and Their Families in Juvenile Justice Cases

When a child is facing criminal charges, their entire family may be affected. Our attorney works closely with parents and guardians to help them understand the juvenile court process and to advocate for the minor's best interests. He can:

• Provide legal advice and representation at all stages of the case
• Communicate with the court and the DJJ to seek the least restrictive options
• Pursue rehabilitative and educational alternatives that will help a minor avoid juvenile detention
• Prepare and present a defense strategy in adjudicatory hearings
• Assist with the expungement or sealing of juvenile records

Contact Our Fort Lauderdale, Florida Juvenile Defense Lawyer

When a child has been arrested or charged with a crime, it is important to act quickly to protect their future. The juvenile court system can offer opportunities for rehabilitation, but without skilled legal representation, a minor may face unnecessary or excessive penalties. At The Hoffman Firm, our lawyer can defend minors in the juvenile justice system and help families navigate these complex cases. Contact our Fort Lauderdale juvenile crimes defense attorney at 954-524-4474 and set up a free consultation.