A juvenile defense lawyer works through all aspects of your case. They investigate the incident to determine whether there’s enough evidence. They interview witnesses to gather more information about what happened. They support you through the emotional toll of being arrested. They speak on your behalf in court, using strategies to help you get an acceptable outcome. Having a knowledgeable juvenile criminal defense lawyer can make the difference in your case.
Tampa Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer
Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney In Tampa, FL
Being arrested can be overwhelming and confusing. It’s even worse when it’s your child. No parent wants a call from the police or the Hillsborough Juvenile Detention Center. The juvenile justice system in Florida can be difficult to navigate. You need a Tampa juvenile criminal defense lawyer who can guide you and your child through the process.
Amarosa Law Firm P.A. provides representation in your time of need. With years of experience in criminal law, we can tackle your case with confidence. We make you and your child our priority, focusing on getting the charges dismissed or reduced. We offer a free consultation to discuss your juvenile criminal defense case with no obligation. Sometimes, a good kid ends up in a bad situation. Let us help you by getting results.
Juvenile Crimes Across the U.S. and Florida
Overall, juvenile crime is declining in the United States. The Department of Justice released a data report in 2022 on violent crime across the nation, which showed a decline in crimes for children aged 12-17 between 1993 and 2022. They highlighted that 9.9% of violent crime arrests were minors. This report also mentions a slight rise during the pandemic.
In Florida, the same trend has been documented. The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice reports around 150,000 arrests per year in the 2000’s. For the fiscal year of July 2023 through June 2024, there were 27,491 total arrests. That’s around a 70% drop over the past few decades. The majority of these juveniles were 15 to 17 years old.
Juvenile Criminal Defense Laws
The Florida Statutes, Chapter 985, detail the laws for juvenile offenders, who are defined as under 18 years of age. The case is heard in juvenile court by a judge, not a jury. The goal in Florida’s juvenile justice system is rehabilitation and to avoid an adult criminal record. These programs can include counseling, paying restitution, or residential placement.
Common Juvenile Crimes in Florida
There’s a wide range of offenses in Tampa for minors. If caught in the act, the police can arrest the child and enter them into the juvenile system. These are some of the most common crimes among minors:
- Theft, like shoplifting and car theft
- Vandalism, including graffiti and the destruction of property
- Underage drinking
- Drug possession
- Assault, like fighting and other aggressive acts
What Happens After a Juvenile Gets Arrested?
The Florida Rules for Juvenile Procedure detail the steps a minor child must complete after being arrested. As a parent, you will be informed when they arrive at the detention center. This is when you should hire a juvenile criminal defense lawyer to guide you through the legal process.
Once your child is detained, the system can move quickly. Here’s the procedure in juvenile cases:
- After the arrest, the child is taken to the Hillsborough Juvenile Detention Center, not an adult jail.
- A hearing is held within 24 hours to determine whether they can be released or need to stay for the next 21 days. Either way, your attorney can start building a defense to dismiss the charges or reduce the sentencing, if that happens later in the case.
- A Juvenile Probation Officer interviews the child to gather information and history, which leads to possible recommendations about rehabilitation.
- For first-time offenders and minor crimes, a diversion program or community service may be suggested.
- In front of a judge, the juvenile enters a plea. Information about the case is presented. This is when having a Tampa juvenile criminal defense attorney to speak on your child’s behalf is essential. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can deliver the facts of the case while utilizing tactics to get results.
- The judge makes a decision. No jury is involved in juvenile court.
- If found guilty of the crime, the juvenile is sentenced based on the offense, their age, and past history.
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At Amarosa Law Firm P.A., we pride ourselves on aggressively fighting on behalf of our clients. People comment on our professionalism and understanding while recommending us to others around Southern Florida. Jim Amarosa, our lead attorney, is a former law professor and public defender. He’s won numerous awards, giving him the edge in your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation to discuss your case.
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