A juvenile can be charged with underage drinking, drug crimes, theft, assault, DUI, sex crimes, essentially the same offenses an adult may be charged with. In the state of Florida, most offenses involving underage children (those under the age of 18) are tried in the Juvenile Justice System, although in some circumstances a juvenile may be tried as an adult. As a parent, learning that your teen has been accused of a crime is devastating news; it can affect your entire family, and you don't know what to expect. Because the criminal justice system is confusing at best, especially where juveniles are concerned, it is critical to work with an experienced Ocala juvenile defense attorney. At Adams, Luka, & Benton, we work diligently to secure the best possible resolution of cases involving youthful offenders. Your child deserves a second chance.
Could your child possibly face jail time or juvenile detention? What are the legal options, and how will criminal charges affect your child's education and future employment opportunities? We understand you have many questions and concerns. While our state claims to focus on rehabilitating juveniles rather than subjecting them to harsh punishment, prosecutors often see things in a different light. The fact is, an underage child can potentially face jail time, fines, probation - the same punishment an adult faces. It is important to have a defense lawyer on your side who will work to protect your child's legal rights and freedom, and who will explore all possible legal options such as pre-trial diversion programs. Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to have charges dropped in some cases.
Our firm brings more than 30 years of combined experience to the table for juveniles accused of all types of crimes. Some of our areas of focus include:
When a juvenile is found guilty of a crime, possible punishments or consequences may include confinement in a juvenile detention center, house arrest, probation, community service, fines, loss of driving privileges, counseling, substance abuse programs, even prison time if charged as an adult. In order to reach positive results, it is essential you work with a capable Ocala juvenile defense lawyer who will do everything possible to prevent harsh punishment and devastating consequences that could impact your child's future, such as a criminal record.
In many cases it is possible to avoid a juvenile conviction through juvenile diversion programs or a juvenile civil citation program for juveniles who are first-time offenders and are accused of a misdemeanor offense. Juveniles have legal rights, just as adults do. Your child's legal rights must be protected from the beginning, and an effective defense strategy developed in the event the case does go to trial. We have the skill, experience, and dedicated approach essential to obtaining good results.
Contact Adams, Luka, & Benton TodayOur top priority is helping your child avoid harsh punishment and a permanent criminal record, which could negatively impact many areas of his/her future including educational and employment opportunities, housing, and more. We will explore all possible mitigating factors and defenses in our effort to reach your desired outcome. For unsurpassed legal guidance and representation, contact the Ocala juvenile defense attorneys at Adams, Luka, & Benton today for a free consultation at (352) 787-2101.
I would like thank my attorney Thomas Luka. I knew from the beginning I had the right guy in my corner. While celebrating with family and friends at a Public Park in Seminole County, a fight broke out among various people. Myself, and a good friend, broke up the fight and the instigators left. Six months later, I was wrongly accused as the person who started the fight. The first attorney I hired could not even get a response from the State Attorney handling the case. Someone referred me to Tom and I felt comfortable at his demeanor and reactions.
After conversations with Tom, who knew I would settle for nothing less than a FULL DISMISSAL due to my innocence, I hired him. His firm Adams, Luka, & Benton did the due diligence by interviewing witnesses and the police who were on the scene, as well as starting a dialogue with the State Attorney. After gathering statements from witnesses, Tom was able to present a strong argument on my behalf to the State Attorney on why the case should be dismissed. If the State Attorney was not willing to dismiss the case, Tom was ready to take the case to trial.
The result by Thomas Luka: Case Dismissed.
I am 53 years old with a spotless record and glad to keep it that way thanks to the time, effort, hard work, and professionalism of Adams, Luka, & Benton.