Orlando Juvenile Crimes Attorney

At Adams, Luka, & Benton, we understand how stressful and upsetting it can be to have a child facing juvenile crimes charges. No parent wants a child's reputation affected at such a young age; in addition, the thought of a minor younger than age 18 being subject to criminal penalties is disturbing. We know that as humans, we all make mistakes - and teens are more prone to make mistakes than any other age group as they are often influenced by their peers. As trusted Orlando juvenile crimes lawyers, you can rely on our firm for unparalleled legal guidance and support. We are committed to securing the best possible result for every client we represent.

In Florida, individuals younger than 18 who allegedly commit crimes typically do not face the Criminal Justice System as adults do, but instead the Juvenile Justice System. However, juvenile offenders may be handled just like adults under certain circumstances. For instance, if a juvenile commits a particularly serious or heinous crime of is a repeat offender who has committed a serious criminal offense in the past, his or her case may be filed directly to adult court. The Juvenile Justice System focuses on rehabilitation for teens rather than harsh punishment.

If your child has been accused of a crime, it is vital you choose an Orlando criminal defense attorney who is thoroughly knowledgeable and skilled in the procedures of both adult and juvenile courts. Above all, you want to ensure your child's case is not handled by adult courts, as the penalties may be severe depending on the crime your child is alleged to have committed.

Minors who are under age 18 often commit many of the same crimes that adults do; unfortunately, some may be persuaded by friends to engage in serious crimes such as carjacking or robbery, which have extremely serious repercussions. Fortunately, the majority of juveniles who are accused of a crime are accused of less serious offenses including:

• Shoplifting
• Underage drinking
• Drug possession
• Vandalism
• Trespassing
• DUI
• Assault and battery
• Driving without a license
• Curfew violations
• Joyriding

Even though the Juvenile Justice System is far preferred over the adult Criminal Justice System for minors, the process is still complex. As a parent, it is likely you have many questions that need answers regarding your child's future and freedom. As compassionate Orlando juvenile crimes attorneys who have handled many cases involving teens, we want to help remove as much of the stress as possible. We represent both you and your juvenile child, and understand that when it is your child who is in trouble with the law, it is both of you together.

While cases generally progress much quicker in the juvenile system than adult cases do, there are various stages of the process. These stages include:

• Arrest, release, and detention
• Detention hearing for juveniles who are held overnight following an arrest
• Intake occurs between the initial arrest and next court date; this is when it is determined if charged will be filed, and if so, what those charges will be
• The arraignment hearing is when you and your child will be informed of the charges, and be asked to plea guilty, not guilty, or no contest
• Discovery is a process in which the prosecutor and defense attorney subpoena witnesses and examine the evidence; prosecutors provide documents, reports, and any other information they may have with the defense during this process
• Pretrial diversion programs are typically available for first-time offenders, and allow the juvenile to successfully complete specific sanctions in order to have charges dismissed. These sanctions include restitution, counseling, community service, etc.
• Plea negotiations
• Trial, when a plea negotiation is unsuccessful
• Verdict
• Dispositional hearings

As you can see, the Juvenile Justice process is quite complex. Should your child enter a plea of not guilty and not change the plea to guilty or no contest during plea negotiations, the case will proceed to trial. Ultimately, it is the goal of every criminal defense attorney to have charges dropped when possible. However, when this is not a possibility the focus is to obtain the best possible outcome.

At Adams, Luka, & Benton, we know that how your child's case ultimately comes out may depend largely on the quality of Orlando juvenile crimes attorney you choose. When a minor's future is at stake, it is critical to obtain the best possible legal counsel available. Juveniles make mistakes, however it does not mean they should be severely punished or have their futures and reputations ruined. We urge you to contact us now for a free consultation at (407) 872-0307 or (352) 787-2101.