Juvenile Crimes

MELBOURNE, BREVARD COUNTY | JUVENILE DEFENSE LAWYERS

Defending Juveniles in Brevard County

If your child has been arrested and charged with a juvenile offense in Brevard County, it can be a stressful time for both you and your family. As the child’s parent/guardian, you will likely have many questions: what possible penalty is my child facing? Will he/she have a criminal record? Will they be charged as an adult? How will this impact their future?

Regardless of the alleged offense, the juvenile justice system can be stressful and confusing. During these times, it is vital to obtain the services of an experienced Brevard County juvenile defense attorney who can protect the rights of your child. At our firm, we advocate for children who have become involved in the juvenile justice system. Our goal is simple: to help young people navigate through the legal system safely and get them to a place where they can move forward with their lives. Because the consequences of juvenile violations can be severe, making sure your child has the strongest possible defense is the best protection you can give them.

• Delinquency Overview
• Detention and Commitment
• Children in Adult Court
• Juvenile Probation
• Juvenile Diversion

Aggressive Juvenile Defense in Melbourne, Florida

Our experienced attorneys have vigorously defended juveniles against both misdemeanor and felony criminal charges, including:

• Sex Crimes
• DUI / DWI
• Drug and Alcohol Charges
• Assault and Battery
• Burglary and Trespass
• Weapons Offenses
• Domestic Violence
• Theft Offenses
• Vandalism
• Criminal Mischief
• “Fake ID”
• Reckless Driving
• Resisting Arrest

Introduction to the Juvenile Justice System

When a juvenile is arrested and charged with a crime, the case is referred to the juvenile justice system. This system handles cases much differently than the adult justice system. The Circuit Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over proceedings involving children who are alleged to have committed a delinquent act or violation of law. Separate rules and procedures govern juvenile offenses. Unlike adult court, Juvenile Courts focus on rehabilitation – not punishment. Juvenile Courts aim to educate and deter the child from becoming adult offenders. However, juveniles in Juvenile Court enjoy significantly less legal freedoms than adults. For example, there is no right to a jury trial in Juvenile Court. Juveniles have no right to bail. Juveniles may be held in juvenile detention for up to twenty-one (21) days after their arrest (and possibly more if the crime is a serious felony). Prosecutors can consider previous juvenile offenses to determine the specific offense to charge the child with and the sentence they wish to pursue.

Children Charged As Adults

On rare occasions, juvenile cases are heard in adult court. These cases typically involve either repeat juvenile offenders or juveniles facing serious felony charges. Any felony offense committee by a 16 or 17-year-old child can be transferred to adult court. Even 14 or 15-year-old children can be charged in adult court for certain offenses such as robbery, aggravated battery, or possession of a weapon on school grounds. Any offense committed with a firearm under the “10-20-Life” provisions of Florida law can also be transferred to adult court.

If a juvenile is tried as an adult, the penalties for which adults are subject to will apply. It is important to note that the juvenile justice system does not have jurisdiction in criminal traffic violations. If your child has been charged with a crime, contacting an experienced Melbourne juvenile defense lawyer is your best protection against your child being tried in adult court.

The Canina Law Firm | Juvenile Offense Attorneys

A juvenile should never go into the legal system alone. If your child has been arrested in Melbourne or anywhere in Brevard County, Florida, for a misdemeanor or felony offense, CONTACT The Canina Law Firm today for your FREE Case Evaluation.

Brevard County Florida Criminal Defense Attorney

The Canina Law Firm proudly defends all residents of Brevard County and all cities and towns along Florida’s Space Coast including: Melbourne, Viera, Suntree, West Melbourne, Melbourne Village, Palm Shores, Palm Bay, Rockledge, Merritt Island, Titusville, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Satellite Beach, Grant, Valkaria, Micco, Barefoot Bay, Scottsmoor, Mims, and Sebastian, as well as neighboring Volusia County, Seminole County, Orange County, Osceola County, and Indian River County, FL.

Your Defense Starts NOW! CONTACT us today for a FREE Case Evaluation!

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