Criminal Defense Attorneys for Juveniles

When a child is accused of a crime, the parent might ask: “Should I hire a lawyer to represent my child?” The United States Constitution gives each of us the right to remain silent under the Fifth (5th) Amendment and be represented by an attorney under the Sixth (6th) Amendment.

For all of the reasons explained in this article, children and teenagers need to exercise these rights after becoming the target of a criminal investigation.

When the investigation begins, the parent can say, “My child is not talking to anyone until the attorney is present.” The child can also say, “I want to remain silent until my attorney is present,” or “I take the 5th and the 6th.”

The parent and child can still provide biographical information without waiving these important rights. For instance, the parent or child can provide the child’s name, date of birth, and address without answering other questions.

An attorney can help you decide how to protect your child against a criminal accusation. Even for minor offenses, it is important to understand the impact a criminal record might have on the child’s future.

We can also help if your child is sent to Hillsborough County’s Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC). Each year, thousands of juveniles are booked at JAC on felony and misdemeanor charges.

In many cases, the parents will receive a “juvenile notice to appear” or a “delinquency case summons” after a petition is filed in juvenile court. The filing of the petition also triggers the arraignment hearing in juvenile court.

Talk with an attorney before waiving the right to a speedy trial or signing documents presented before the first court date.

Even if the incident occurred outside of school, if a felony petition is filed in juvenile court might trigger a suspension, change of placement, or expulsion by the school.

An attorney can help determine the best course of action. We work hard to increase the chances that the State Attorney’s Office in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit will take more favorable action, including:

• dropping the charges completely;
• allowing the child to enter the best diversion program available; or
• filing only reduced charges.

An attorney can also ensure the child understands the best ways of fighting the charges and the pros and cons of each approach.

Juvenile Defense Attorneys in Tampa, FL

Leslie Sammis has worked in the juvenile courts throughout the State of Florida. During part of her tenure as a former assistant public defender in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, Ms. Sammis was assigned to the juvenile court division, where she helped hundreds of young people fight their criminal cases.

Since entering private practice more than eighteen years ago, Ms. Sammis has continued to represent teenagers in juvenile courts throughout Hillsborough County, Hernando County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Manatee County, and Polk County, FL.

The other attorneys in the firm are also experienced in fighting juvenile cases throughout the greater Tampa Bay area.

Criminal defense in juvenile court is very different from the adult juvenile justice system. Talk with an attorney with experience in juvenile court for the jurisdiction in which your adolescent son or daughter is facing charges.

We represent juveniles at all stages of the case, from the initial criminal investigation, the first appearance, the delinquency case summons, and arraignment through the final adjudicatory hearing.

If you did not have a private attorney at the first appearance and your child is being detained in secure detention, we can help you go back to court to ask that the child is released to the parent on home detention while the case is pending.

We can also visit your child at the detention facility to discuss the case.

At Sammis Law Firm, P.A., we offer free consultations scheduled in the office or over the phone today so that you can discuss your child’s charges with an experienced attorney.

Our dedicated legal team works hard to find the best way to help your son or daughter fight the charges in Tampa, Brooksville, New Port Richey, Dade City, Bradenton, or Bartow, FL.

Call (813) 250-0500 to speak with a defense lawyer from our firm today.

Juvenile Delinquency Judges in Hillsborough County

The Unified Family Court in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit has a Juvenile Delinquency division. The court has assigned three judges to the Juvenile Delinquency Division in Tampa, FL, including:

• Division A – The Honorable Lawrence M. Lefler, 427 Annex, Courtroom 40;
• Division B – The Honorable Ronald Ficarrotta, 602 Edgecomb, Courtroom 53A;
• Division F – The Honorable Kim Brennan, 462 Annex, Courtroom 43

Other judges involved in juvenile court proceedings include:

• Division M – Delinquency Crossover – The Honorable Robert A. Bauman, 437 Annex, Courtroom 42
• Division E – Juvenile Drug Court – The Honorable Elizabeth Rice, 227 Annex, Courtroom 13

The Juvenile Delinquency Division has jurisdiction over cases in which a prosecutor with the State Attorney’s Office has alleged that a juvenile committed one of the following:

• an offense that would be a felony or misdemeanor if committed by an adult;
• when a child is found in contempt of court; or
• in violation of a local ordinance other than a traffic offense.

The child or teenager is entitled to legal counsel. If you cannot afford a private attorney, apply for a court-appointed attorney at the Public Defender’s Office to represent the child during the legal proceedings. The Department of Juvenile Justice in Hillsborough County provides case management services.

Administrative Order S-2021-051 explains the Court Operations and Judicial Proceedings during Mitigation and Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic that took effect on August 2, 2021. In juvenile court, the following matters must be conducted as in-person proceedings:

• Juvenile delinquency change of plea hearings;
• Juvenile delinquency pretrial conferences;
• Delinquency trials, including disposition and post-disposition hearings, and submission of fingerprints, DNA samples, or both.

Under the new administrative order, the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is only required to transport a juvenile in secure detention charged with committing a delinquent act to a downtown Tampa courtroom for the following in-person court proceedings:

• a change of plea hearing;
• a pretrial conference scheduled within seven days of the scheduled trial date (adjudicatory hearing date);
• a trial (adjudicatory hearing), including disposition and post-disposition hearings;
• submission of fingerprints or a DNA sample, or both; and
• any other proceeding with the express prior approval of the chief judge.

The Distribution of New Juvenile Cases in Hillsborough County

For all juveniles taken into custody and not detained in accordance with Florida Rule of Juvenile Procedure 8.045(c), the notice to appear issued to the child must indicate the division in which the child will appear.

Under Administrative Order S-2019-009 (Juvenile Delinquency Division), effective on March 26, 2019, the division on the notice to appear will be the division in which the pending case is heard if the juvenile:

• has a pending case or cases;
• is on probation or commitment status;
• has ever had a pending case or cases; and
• was ever on probation or commitment status.

If the juvenile has no pending case(s), has never had a pending case, is not on probation or commitment status, and has never been on probation or commitment status, the division on the notice to appear will be designated based on the juvenile’s last name according to the following schedule:

• Division “A” – A, E, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z;
• Division “F” – D, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O; and
• Division  “M” – B, C.

There are two standard subdivisions in the Juvenile Delinquency Division:

• Division “A”
• Division “F”

Hillsborough County also has the following specialized subdivisions in the Juvenile Delinquency Division:

• Juvenile Mental Health Delinquency Division “B”
• Juvenile Drug Court Division “E”
• Unified Family Court Juvenile Crossover Division “M”

Juvenile Justice Diversion Programs in Tampa, Hillsborough County, FL

The Office of the State Attorney for the 13th Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County prosecutes juvenile cases in Tampa, FL. The Juvenile Division is part of the Circuit Court.

All misdemeanor and felony cases charged against a person under the age of eighteen are handled in that division except for misdemeanor traffic.

If a juvenile is charged with misdemeanor traffic or driving offenses, that case will be heard in a regular County Court division regardless of the driver’s age.

In the juvenile justice courts in Tampa, FL, the prosecutors used different sentencing alternatives (other than commitment programs or probation), especially for first-time offenders with no prior juvenile record. Many first-time offenses are resolved in specialized diversion programs.

Even when a diversion program is offered, it is helpful to have a privately retained criminal defense attorney help you understand the consequences of the resolution and negotiate the terms. Although entering diversion is a very good option in many cases, in other cases, entering a juvenile justice diversion program can be problematic.

Prosecutors view diversion programs in juvenile court as a way to use early intervention to redirect the youth toward a more positive future. Specialized diversion programs used to resolve juvenile cases in Hillsborough County include:

• Juvenile Arbitration Program;
• Juvenile Diversion Alternative Program (JDAP);
• Juvenile Drug Court;
• Intensive Delinquency Diversion Services;
• Walker Plan;
• Prodigy;
• Shock; and
• Stop Theft Early and Learn.

Read more about the letter from the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC) in Tampa, FL, that indicates the child meets preliminary diversion eligibility criteria.

Common Types of Juvenile Crimes under Florida Law

At Sammis Law Firm, P.A., our juvenile justice attorneys are experienced in representing minor children under 18 years old in a wide variety of cases. Our law firm can help defend the child against the following types of charges:

• • Burglary
    • Burglary of Vehicle, Unoccupied Structure, or Conveyance
    • Burglary of an Occupied Structure or Conveyance (includes a business or residence)
    • Armed Burglary
  • Property Crimes
    • Criminal Mischief
    • Trespass
    • Arson
    • Vandalism
  • Crimes of Violence
    • Assault / Aggravated Assault
    • Battery / Aggravated Battery
    • Domestic Violence Battery
    • Robbery
    • Assault on a Specified Official (school employee, detention officer, law enforcement officer);
    • Violation of Injunction;
  • Drug and Alcohol Crimes
    • Possession of an alcoholic beverage while under 21 years old (minor in possession)
    • Drug and Prescription Drug Crimes
    • Possession of Marijuana / Cannabis
    • Disorderly Conduct or Public Intoxication
    • Possession of Drugs or Alcohol on a School Campus
  • Gang-Related Activities
  • Theft / Shoplifting
  • Serious Traffic Violations
    • Driving Under the Influence
    • Driving with No Valid License
    • Reckless Driving
    • Racing
  • Weapon Offenses
    • Exhibition of a Weapon
    • Possession of a Firearm
  • Loitering and Prowling
  • Violation of Probation in Juvenile Court
  • Sexually motivated crimes include:
    • 847.0141 (sexting- noncriminal first violations and second and subsequent criminal violations);
    • 847.0138 (transmission of material harmful to a minor by electronic device);
    • 847.0137 (transmission of pornography by electronic device);
    • 847.0135 (computer pornography);
    • 847.0133 (sale or distribution of obscene materials to minors);
    • 847.012 (sale or distribution of materials harmful to minors);
    • 847.011 (obscenity);
    • 828.126 (sexual activities involving animals);
    • 826.04 (incest);
    • 827.071 (sexual performance by a child);
    • 825.1025 (lewd or lascivious offenses committed upon or in the presence of an elderly person or disabled adult);
    • 810.14 (voyeurism);
    • 810.145 (video voyeurism);
    • 800.04 (lewd or lascivious offenses committed upon or in the presence of persons less than 16 years of age);
    • 800.03 (exposure of sexual organs);
    • 800.02 (unnatural and lascivious acts);
    • 796.07 (prostitution);
    • 796.05 (deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution);
    • 796.04 (forcing, compelling, or coercing another to become a prostitute);
    • 794.08 (female genital mutilation);
    • 794.011 (sexual battery); and
    • 787.06(3)(b), (d), (f), and (g) (human trafficking involving commercial sexual activity).

Why is Juvenile Court Different than Adult Court?

The circuit courts have jurisdiction over all cases in which an adolescent is alleged to have committed a delinquent act or violation of the law.

A violation of the law is alleged through a delinquent complaint filed by a law enforcement officer regarding a felony, misdemeanor, contempt of court, or violation of a local ordinance.

Among others, involved law enforcement can include Hillsborough County School Resource Officers and Tampa Police Officers.

A juvenile proceeding is technically a civil matter and is not considered a criminal proceeding. Although this distinction exists, the devastating consequences of an arrest and finding of guilt are very similar under Florida law.

In a juvenile proceeding, the child can be convicted and sentenced to imprisonment, residential programs that remove the child from the home, or probation. He or she can also be ordered to pay restitution and complete community service.

Young people under 18 years old do not have all of the same protections that an adult has to defend themselves against false or exaggerated accusations. Most notably, there are no jury trials in juvenile court under Florida law.

The juvenile court judge will determine your child’s guilt or innocence if the case goes to trial.

Minors maintain many valuable protections, such as the right to a speedy trial. Florida law requires the prosecutor to bring the child to trial within 90 (ninety) days of the initial arrest or the date the petition is filed, whichever occurred first.

The attorney may need to waive the right to a speedy trial in certain cases. However, that is an important decision that must be decided carefully as part of an overall strategy.

Florida’s Juvenile Court Referral Process

Once the teenager has been arrested for violating the law, the child will be taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC), where the JAC will determine whether further detention is necessary.

After arrest and detention, the child will be taken to a juvenile detention center in the county where the offense allegedly occurred. The JAC staff will contact the parents or legal guardians during the intake process.

A child arrested in Hillsborough County, for example, can be taken to either of the following detention centers in Tampa:

If your son or daughter was arrested in Polk County, the child is taken to the following location:

Any adolescent arrested in Pinellas County will be brought to the following location:

A minor arrested in Pasco County will be taken to the following location:

In many cases, especially for a misdemeanor or third-degree felony offense, the releasing officer with the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ Counselor) will issue the child a “Juvenile Notice to Appear.”

This notice directs the parent, adult relative, legal guardian, or another responsible adult to take custody of the child and promises to ensure that the child appears at the designated time for the arraignment.

The notice also provides that if the child fails to appear in court for the arraignment or any additional conferences or appearances scheduled by DJJ or by the Court that the failure to appear may result in a custody order being issued and that the child may be picked up and taken into juvenile detention.

The DJJ may also ask the parent to sign a statement of authorization and use of social security account numbers by parents and guardians of the youth being served by DJJ.

The form provides that DJJ is authorized under Section 985.101(3) Florida Statutes to obtain and use the child’s social security account number (SSAN).

The information is used solely to positively identify the parents, including determining Medicaid eligibility. Using or sharing the SSAN for any other purpose is forbidden under Section 119.071(f) Florida Statutes and DJJ Policy #1700.

Alternatively, after the juvenile is admitted to any Florida juvenile detention center, the child will be taken in front of the juvenile court within 24 hours for a detention hearing.

An experienced Tampa juvenile lawyer can represent your child at the detention hearing to provide your child with the best chance of being released while the case is pending.

Florida’s juvenile detention facilities are designed as a temporary program to provide detainment before the court case resolution. The child can be sentenced to a long-term residential or non-residential program if found guilty.

What Happens During a Florida Juvenile Detention Hearing?

Within 24 hours of being taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC), the child will be brought before the court for a detention hearing. During this hearing, an attorney is allowed to represent the child.

The court will then review the allegations, the juvenile’s history, and other circumstances to determine whether the detention should be continued, whether the child should be released to his parent or guardian, or whether the child should be placed on home detention.

Sometimes, the child is released to his or her parents before the detention hearing. Even then, the child and parent must appear at the detention hearing the next morning.

The juvenile court judge can release the child at the detention hearing or continue the detention for up to 21 days.

Hiring an experienced juvenile defense lawyer in Tampa to appear at the detention hearing can make the difference between continued detention or release back into parental custody.

An Overview of the Juvenile Intake Process

The Florida Juvenile Probation Officer (JPO) will initiate the intake process by reviewing a copy of the charging report from the officer who made the arrest or the court clerk.

The JPO then contacts the child and his or her family to request additional biographical information about the child, including family history, school records, and outside activities.

A juvenile defense attorney can assist the family in providing this information and presenting all favorable biographical information and mitigating factors to the JPO.

The JPO will use the information gathered during the intake process to recommend to the court how the charges against the juvenile should be resolved.

The JPO’s report and recommendation will address the type of offense charged, the risk to the community, the wishes of the alleged victims, and the child’s needs.

The intake report and recommendation are then forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office.

Available Diversion Programs for Youthful Offenders

If the JPO recommends a non-judicial intervention program, also called a Florida juvenile diversion program, then this recommendation is reviewed by the Assistant State Attorney assigned to the case.

If the State Attorney’s Office agrees, the child and his or her parents must sign certain documents to take advantage of this program.

A waiver of speedy trial rights and an agreement to complete all of the diversion program requirements must be signed by both the minor and the parent or guardian.

The diversion program essentially “diverts” the child away from the Florida juvenile courts and into a program run by the State Attorney’s Office. If the program is successfully completed, the prosecutor drops the charges.

On the other hand, if the program is not completed, then the state attorney’s office will file a formal charge with the clerk’s office, called a petition, against the juvenile.

Juvenile Court Intervention Options

If the youthful offender does not complete the diversion program, or if the Florida State Attorney’s Office will not agree to offer a diversion program that the juvenile agrees to take, then the State Attorney’s Office will file formal charges of the criminal offense, called a petition, with the clerk of court.

In some cases, a qualified Hillsborough County juvenile lawyer can discuss with the child and the parent the pros and cons of entering a juvenile drug court program.

Drug court is not appropriate in all cases. For example, it may not be in the juvenile’s best interest if:

• a valid defense exists;
• if the charges are not serious enough to warrant drug court; or
• if the child is innocent of the offense.

Hillsborough County developed a Juvenile Drug Court, established in 1996. The Hillsborough County Juvenile Drug Court is aimed at youth who have committed drug offenses or have a history of substance abuse issues.

The benefit of Juvenile Drug Court is that if the program is completed successfully, the charges will be dismissed, and the child will not be convicted of a delinquent act.

The juvenile must satisfy all contractual requirements that are negotiated before agreeing to the program, including:

• complete a screening assessment
• submission to a urine drug test
• complete a drug and alcohol evaluation
• finish any recommended drug or alcohol treatment
• stop the use of drugs or alcohol
• pursue a GED or attend school on a full-time basis.

The downside of the program is that the minor must enter a plea and be placed on probation.

A violation of that probation could result in a harsher sentence, including the child being removed from the home. The program typically takes 12 months to complete.

In some cases, your criminal defense attorney can recommend private substance abuse counseling to:

• identify the health problems associated with substance abuse
• learn about the social, school, and family problems caused by substance abuse;
• learn to set boundaries and be assertive;
• relapse prevention; and
• identifying triggers that lead to substance abuse.

Winning a Case at Trial in Florida’s Juvenile Court System

Preparing a case in juvenile court is similar to preparing a case in adult court. The lawyer can speak to the witnesses involved, including public school resource officers, teachers, administrators, other children, and neighbors who may know the case.

When a felony offense is alleged, the attorney can take the witnesses’ deposition.

After a complete investigation of all of the evidence and witnesses the State intends to introduce at trial, the juvenile defense attorney can also present witnesses or evidence supporting the juvenile’s side of the event.

The defendant’s legal counsel can file motions to suppress evidence and motion to dismiss the charges. In many cases where the defendant has been falsely accused, the prosecutor will agree to drop the charges before trial.

The judge may dismiss the charges before trial based on a defense motion. In other cases, it may be in the minor’s best interest to take the case to trial after pursuing all pre-trial motions to resolve the case.

If the case proceeds to trial and the child is found not guilty, then the case is over. The minor’s record will be sealed.

Sentences Imposed if Minor is Found Guilty at Trial

If the child is found responsible for the allegations in the petition or guilty of a criminal offense after entering an admission or being found guilty by the court after a trial, the following types of punishments can be imposed:

• Judicial Warning;
• Probation;
• Residential Commitment and Aftercare Supervision; or
• Adult Sanctions (if the child is tried as an adult in adult court).

The sentence imposed depends on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony offense.

Probation Sentencing for Minors Under 21

The court can order a supervision program called probation after a juvenile has been found guilty of a delinquent act.

Probation is a form of supervision that restricts the child’s freedom and activities and is ordered instead of committing the child to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.

A probation sentence usually orders the child to complete certain conditions, such as community service hours and paying restitution to the victims to compensate them for financial damages.

A condition of probation can also involve submitting to a mental health evaluation or counseling. Counseling can involve anger management classes and substance abuse counseling.

The court can also impose a curfew and day treatment program, which provides additional supervision of youth in an educational setting. The court can order the child to submit a biological sample for DNA testing for certain offenses.

Consequences for Violating Juvenile Probation

After a juvenile is placed on probation, a Juvenile Probation Officer (JPO) is assigned. The JPO will supervise the child to determine whether the child is complying with the court-ordered special conditions of probation.

The court may also order that the parents or guardian report any violations of the court order by the child to the JPO and the court.

If the child commits a new offense or fails to complete timely the special conditions ordered by the court, the JPO will file a Violation of Probation Petition.

If the court finds the probation violation did occur, the court may revoke probation and impose an alternative sentence, such as placement in a residential facility run by the Department of Juvenile Justice or any other sentence that could have originally been imposed.

Post Commitment Probation or Conditional Release

After release from a residential program, the juvenile will be supervised as part of post-commitment probation or conditional release.

Post-commitment probation and conditional release require the child to comply with special conditions like those imposed in a probation sentence. Violations can result in the juvenile being recommitted to a more restrictive residential program.

Conditional Release supervision violations are governed by administrative hearings conducted by department staff of the Department of Juvenile Justice.

The court is not involved in conditional release violations. However, the court handles violations of post-commitment probation in the same manner as a violation of probation cases.

When is a Child Tried as an Adult in Florida?

For certain types of felony charges, the juvenile’s charges can be filed in adult criminal Circuit Court by either:

• Direct File;
• Waiver; or
• Indictment.

Once the case is transferred to adult court, the minor can be tried and sentenced to adult sanctions, including prison.

In Florida, any person arrested for a criminal offense who is under the age of 18 is considered a juvenile. However, even juvenile offenses can be transferred to adult court. Any felony offense allegedly committed by a 16 or 17-year-old person can be transferred to adult court.

Even a 14 or 15-year-old child can be charged in adult court for certain offenses such as grand theft auto, robbery, aggravated battery, or possession of a weapon on school grounds.

Any offenses committed with a firearm under the “10-20-Life” provisions of Florida Law can be transferred to adult court.

If the State Attorney’s Office files the charges in adult court, the juvenile is transferred to the county jail to a pod with other juveniles facing similar charges.

Once the case is transferred to adult court, the minor is entitled to a bond hearing under the same provisions as an adult with similar charges.

After a plea or finding of guilt, the Department of Corrections will normally file a report that makes certain recommendations to the Court regarding the child’s charges.

It is possible for a minor found guilty in adult court to be sent back to the Department of Juvenile Justice for the imposition of juvenile programs and sanctions.

Definitions Used in Juvenile Courts

The following definitions are used in juvenile court in Tampa, Hillsborough County, FL, including:

• Adjudication – finding by the Juvenile Court that a child accused of a delinquent act committed the act either after a plea or trial.
• Disposition – services order or sanctions imposed by the juvenile judge (or agreed to in a diversion program) for the purpose of addressing the juvenile’s illegal act and holding the child accountable for problematic behavior.
• Detention – status of a juvenile being secured in a juvenile facility under the court’s order temporarily while awaiting a juvenile court hearing.
• Petition – the document that formally brings charges against the child in juvenile court (analogous to the term “indictment” in adult court).
• Secure Placement – status of a juvenile being held in a secure facility under a court order to comply with the terms of a disposition order (analogous to the term “incarceration” in adult court).

Read more about the rules to expunge or seal a juvenile arrest record.

Resources for Parents and Legal Guardians

13th Judicial Court: Juvenile Diversion Programs – Find information on diversion programs to help your child avoid a juvenile record if successfully completed. Find information on programs run through the 13th Judicial Court System, serving the Hillsborough County community.

Hillsborough County’s Juvenile Justice Taskforce – This task force was established in 2009 to address the disproportionate number of minorities in the county’s juvenile justice system. Members of the task force include current and retired 13th circuit court judges, Hillsborough County school district administrators, local NAACP members, and Pastors on Patrol, among others.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office: Juvenile Assessment Center – The Department of Detention Services of the county sheriff’s office provides secure receiving, processing, and intervention for adolescents taken into custody by Florida law enforcement officers.

Juvenile Division of the State Attorney’s Office – Visit the State Attorney’s Office website in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit to learn more about why prosecutors believe that early intervention is the key to helping children accused of being juvenile delinquents. Find information on standard sections in a juvenile case, including commitment or probation administered by the Department of Juvenile Justice and alternative sections such as specialized diversion programs offered at the Tampa Courthouse in the Juveniles Delinquency Courtrooms.

Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) – The DJJ comprises more than 4,000 employees in 15 district offices, with 20 regional detention centers and more than 150 commitment programs and facilities, operating on an annual budget of $330 million. This Department is responsible for reducing juvenile delinquency through early intervention and treatment.

National Center for Juvenile Justice (NCJJ) –  The NCJJ is a private, non-profit organization providing independent and original research on topics related to juvenile justice since 1973. Parents play a critical role in every aspect of their child’s criminal proceeding, from the moment of detainment. Learn more about an important finding made by the U.S. Supreme Court regarding a parent’s involvement.

Finding a Juvenile Defense Lawyer for Your Teenager

The juvenile justice system is supposed to be geared toward rehabilitating the child. However, overzealous prosecutors often focus on taking action that can devastate the child’s future.

An accusation against a minor can create a juvenile delinquency record and possible placement outside the home. A parent wants to protect their child’s future career and educational opportunities.

In many of these cases, the prosecutors and the courts seek to place the child in State-run programs that group troubled children together instead of addressing the cause of the problem in a more productive setting.

The juvenile delinquency attorneys at Sammis Law Firm work with some of the best adolescent psychologists in the Tampa Bay area.

In cases where court intervention is necessary, Ms. Sammis is armed with the information needed to make it more likely that the court will continue in the treatment program already underway instead of being left to the mercy of state-run programs.

Regarding your child’s future, it’s important not to take chances and to consider all legal options carefully. Hire an experienced Florida juvenile attorney to represent your child in Tampa, Bartow, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, New Port Richey, or Dade City.

Our juvenile defense law firm represents adolescents charged with misdemeanor or felony crimes in Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Hernando County, and Pasco County.

We can help you learn more about the immediate and long-term consequences of adjudications of delinquency in juvenile court.

Call 813-250-0500.

This article was last updated on Friday, May 12, 2023.