Juvenile Crimes
Defending Juveniles from Criminal Charges throughout Florida
Sometimes parents become aware of juvenile charges at the moment their child is arrested. But often, parents become aware when an allegation is made prior to any arrest. This may happen at school, or some other place where an allegation is made. If an allegation has been made against your child, or your child has been taken into custody and arrested, it is imperative that you contact a lawyer experienced in juvenile proceeding. Since 1993, McIntosh Law has provided legal counsel for juveniles throughout Florida.
We will independently investigate the details of your child’s arrest to help you determine the best course of action.
Comprehensive Defense Against All Juvenile Crimes
Depending on the seriousness of the offense, your child can be detained for 21 days before being returned home. For the most serious charges, the state can file charges against the juvenile as if they were an adult.
Competent representation in the early stages of your child’s case is critical. Our years of experience and knowledge of the Sarasota and Bradenton court system will help get you and your family though this difficult time.
We represent juveniles charged with a broad range of criminal charges, including:
- Drug violations, including possession of marijuana or prescription medication.
- Grand or petty theft, burglary or vandalism Sex offenses such as sexual battery, lewd exhibition or sexting Driving offenses such as a DUI, racing or reckless driving.
- Crimes at school or on campus.
Juvenile Crimes and The Florida Courts
Juveniles who are accused of committing crimes are often treated differently by the Florida criminal justice system. In fact, Florida has a criminal justice system set up just for juveniles, including a Department of Juvenile Justice, separate prosecutors, and judges assigned just to juvenile cases. It is important that you look for a lawyer who has experience with the juvenile justice system.
Florida law views and treats juveniles differently because, as the U.S. Supreme Court has stated, as compared to adults, juveniles have a lack of maturity and an underdeveloped sense of responsibility; juveniles are more vulnerable or susceptible to negative influences and outside pressures, including peer pressure; and juveniles’ characters are not as well formed.
In many instances, a juvenile charged criminal conduct is not criminal at all. In other instances, the juvenile has committed an act that could technically be considered a crime but perhaps they lacked the intent or knowledge that what they were doing was criminal. As a society, we do not absolve juveniles of responsibility for their actions simply because they are under 18 years of age; but, the Florida courts, based upon the precedent of the U.S. Supreme Court, note that juvenile transgressions are not as morally reprehensible as that of an adult.
Juvenile versus Teenager
The Florida courts do separate juveniles from “teenager” – meaning when someone is 18 years old they are considered an adult and are prosecuted for crimes in adult court. But even the U.S. Supreme Court has noted that “the qualities that distinguish juveniles from adults do not disappear when an individual turns 18.”
Developments in psychology and brain science continue to show fundamental differences between juvenile and adult brains. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “in key ways, the brain doesn’t look like that of an adult until the early 20s.” According to one legal article published by the American Bar Association’s Juvenile Justice Center in 2004, the “evidence is now strong that the brain does not cease to mature until the early 20s in those relevant parts that govern impulsivity, judgment, planning for the future, foresight of consequences, and other characteristics that make people morally culpable…Indeed, age 21 or 22 would be closer to the “biological’ age of maturity.”
When seeking representation for your child – juvenile or teenager – keep in mind that it is important to seek representation of a lawyer who has experience in juvenile court or both juvenile and adult criminal court.
Act Quickly To Preserve Your Child’s Future
Juveniles are entitled to legal representation by an attorney during all stages of the proceedings. Although juvenile records are supposed to be confidential, in this the age of the internet your child’s arrest may become public and follow them for life.
Act today to protect your child’s future and reputation. Schedule an initial consultation at 941-306-3230 or by completing our contact form.
