When a child is taken into custody by the police, most parents will stop at nothing to come to their aid. Your child has Constitutional rights and a presumption of innocence, which needs to be zealously protected. However, sometimes being arrested as a juvenile can be a good thing, as it presents an opportunity for a parent(s) to get their child away from the wrong crowd and back on the right track, by utilizing Juvenile sanctions and Judicial oversight as a form of discipline.

No parent wants their child to move on to more serious crimes. Truancy is by far the number one indicator of a future life of crime. It is a mistake to assume that just because a crime is charged to a juvenile a conviction won’t have lasting consequences. If your child is accused of a crime, any legal action against them can carry penalties and results every bit as serious as an adult charge. The Florida State attorney has the option to prosecuted children under age 18, as an adult for serious charges.

Fortunately, there are pathways through the juvenile court system that utilize alternative or treatment options, instead of severe criminal penalties. The juvenile process can abound in opportunities for your child to avoid significant and lasting consequences, which can affect their future education, employment, and criminal record. However, being able to take advantage of these opportunities requires a lawyer with proven experience and a deep understanding of Juvenile Law.