Juvenile Law

Juvenile law is the area of criminal law that deals with persons not of age to be held responsible for criminal acts. In Florida the age for criminal culpability is set at 18 years of age.

The Federal Juvenile Delinquency Act defines juvenile delinquency as any act that is othewise a crime, but is committed by someone under 18 years of age. The Federal Act sets forth rules by which state laws must comply with regard to juvenile court procedures and punishments.

Juvenile law is mainly governed by state law. Persons under the age of 18 at the time of their criminal offenses are considered juveniles, and are treated differently from adult offenders. Unlike the criminal justice system, which punishes perpetrators, the primary goal of the juvenile justice system is seeking rehabilitation.

The most common juvenile criminal activity includes, but is not limited to:

• Robbery
• Assaults
• Drug abuse
• Vandalism
• Burglary
• Traffic violations
• FAQ

Depending on a juvenile’s age and the nature of the crime in question, a juvenile may be tried as an adult. If the juvenile court waives or relinquishes its jurisdiction, juveniles can be transferred into adult court. With a focus on the use of transfer to adult court as a means of addressing juvenile crime in Florida, prosecutors have been given broad powers in deciding who is fit to be tried in juvenile court.

The moment you are notified your minor child has a problem with the law, you should contact an experienced juvenile law attorney to protect your child’s legal rights. Because of the significant amount of discretion the Florida State Attorney has during the filing of charges against children 15 -17 years of age, it is imperative to retain an attorney who can work to keep the case in juvenile court. Or, if the case goes to adult court, it is vital the attorney knows the appropriate juvenile sanctions with which to approach the court and ensure the case is resolved with the child receiving proper sentencing.

At the Law Firm of Shanna Rose, Esq. we provide legal services for clients in towns throughout Seminole County, including but not limited to Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Apopka, Oviedo and Sanford.

Blending experience as a former Seminole County juvenile prosecutor and in-depth knowledge of the Florida justice system, attorney, Shanna Rose provides her clients with a level of expertise that can make a significant difference in the outcome of each case.

When a minor child in your family is accused of a juvenile crime, you will have questions and will need trusted legal guidance. For a free initial consultation, call attorney, Shanna Rose anytime. She will be glad to explain the charges facing your child, and help you understand your available legal options. Call our law firm at 407.712.7661 to arrange a no-cost initial consultation.