Juvenile Lawyer

Orlando, Orange County, Seminole, Osceola, & Central Florida

How do Florida courts encourage rehabilitation over basic punishment?

Juvenile courts in Florida work with law enforcement, prosecution and defense attorneys, and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) in devising rehabilitation plans for children in trouble with the law. The courts will try to ensure that the child learns from his or her experience and returns to the community as a productive citizen, hopefully without having to suffer permanent harm.

What rights do juveniles have who are arrested and facing charges?

Florida juveniles are afforded many of the same rights as adults – for instance, juveniles do have the right to consult an attorney if they are going to be interrogated regarding any alleged criminal activity. A Central Florida juvenile lawyer can help you and your child understand these rights.

Which juvenile crimes are handled in juvenile court?

Most offenses committed by children under 18 will be prosecuted in juvenile court with exceptions for criminal traffic violations such as DUI or driving while license suspended and some serious felony offenses that the government believes should be prosecuted in adult court. In some cases, juveniles may avoid juvenile court with a diversion program, resulting in dropped charges.

Why hiring an attorney is important in a juvenile case

Many parents have made the mistake of not seeking a juvenile lawyer in the past because they perceived their child would suffer no permanent harm because they were in “kiddie court”. Make no mistake, juvenile court is serious and child offenders can face commitment to a residential facility, probation and counseling. Some charges may never fall off the child’s record, leaving a permanent scar. Consult with an experienced juvenile attorney at The Umansky Law Firm right now.

What can my child expect in juvenile court?

While adult sentencing is usually centered around punishment, juvenile delinquent punishments are centered around rehabilitation. There are many options that the court may use to foster rehabilitation including counseling, probation, in-patient or out-patient programs, and classes.

However, a judge can sentence your child to a commitment program where your child will be incarcerated. An experienced Orlando Juvenile Lawyer can defend your child in court and ask the judge to set optimum rehabilitation provisions that do not result in your child being sent away to a commitment program.

Where can a juvenile be held following arrest?

While adults are charged with criminal acts, juveniles are generally charged with delinquent acts. In many cases, a child suspected of committing an illegal act cannot be held in a facility together with adults. However, it is possible that your child could be held at an adult facility in a juvenile holding area. The nature of the delinquent act will help determine if and where your child is held. Detention care may be ordered in the form of secure detention, non-secure detention, or home detention.

If your child is facing a drug offense, criminal traffic violation, DUI, domestic violence, battery, theft or shoplifting, or other charge, the Florida juvenile attorney team at The Umansky Law Firm can inform you of your child’s rights and get to work building a defense. Call or email our Central Florida Juvenile Lawyers today for a free juvenile offense consultation in Orlando.