Juvenile Arbitration Program

One of the most commonly used diversion programs at the State Attorney’s Office in Tampa, FL, is the “Juvenile Arbitration Program.”

The Juvenile Arbitration Program in Hillsborough County is a program designed for children who commit misdemeanors and some third-degree felony offenses to be dealt with in a speedy and informal manner at the community or neighborhood level.

The prosecutor might offer arbitration before any formal charge through a petition is filed. If the child waives their right to a speedy trial and completes the program, then no formal charges will ever be filed.

To be eligible for arbitration, the child and his or her parents or guardian must agree to arbitration. The arbitrator will set whatever sanctions and restitution are deemed suitable to impress upon the child the seriousness of the offense. Those conditions usually require 40 hours of community service, counseling, and a letter of apology.

Attorney for the Juvenile Arbitration Program in Tampa, FL

If your child was accused of a crime, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney for juvenile cases. At Sammis Law Firm, our four attorneys help children and teenagers resolve their cases on the best possible terms.

The child should understand the pros and cons of entering the juvenile arbitration program. Even if the child decides to enter arbitration, an experienced attorney can help the child negotiate the terms that need to be completed and make sure everything goes smoothly.

Call 813-250-0500 today to speak to an experienced juvenile defense attorney in Tampa, FL.

Additional Resources

Juvenile Arbitration Program in Hillsborough County – Visit the website of Florida’s Sixth Judicial Circuit to learn more about the Juvenile Arbitration Diversion Program for first time juvenile misdemeanor offenses and the Juvenile Arbitration Felony Diversion Program for some third degree felonies.

This article was last updated on Monday, March 25, 2019.