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When your child is arrested and charged with a crime, your entire world can change in an instant. You may be worried about their future, unsure of the next steps to take, and trying to navigate an overwhelming justice system. The veteran Tampa juvenile defense lawyers at Taracks & Associates understand how high the stakes are. Our legal team will work aggressively to protect your child’s rights, limit the long-term consequences, and seek the most favorable resolution possible.
Understanding Juvenile Crimes in Florida
Florida’s juvenile court system was created with a different goal than that of its adult criminal court. Rather than focusing on punishment, the juvenile system puts more emphasis on rehabilitation and second chances. But that doesn’t mean that the penalties are light or that the process is an easy one.
Juvenile offenders can still face severe consequences, including detention, probation, and even adult charges in serious cases. An experienced juvenile crime defense attorney can help you and your child understand your options and find the best path forward.
What Happens After a Juvenile Arrest in Florida?
From Arrest to Hearing: What Parents Should Expect
When a minor is taken into custody in Florida, they’re typically processed through a local Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC). A detention hearing is usually held within 24 hours. During this hearing, law enforcement officers and court officials will determine whether the child should be released to their parents or kept in a secure detention facility until further court dates.
This initial decision can set the tone for the entire case. Factors like the severity of the alleged offense, the minor’s prior record (if any), and the family’s support system will be considered. Getting a juvenile defense lawyer involved early on can make a significant difference in the outcome. An attorney can advocate for your child’s release and start building a strong defense right away.
Common Juvenile Offenses We Handle
Taracks & Associates has helped families across Tampa Bay avoid the worst consequences of a wide range of juvenile offenses, including:
- Drug possession or distribution
- Theft and shoplifting
- Vandalism or criminal mischief
- Underage drinking and DUI
- Assault or battery
- Cyberbullying or online harassment
- Trespassing.
It’s important to note that these offenses can sometimes overlap or lead to additional charges. For instance, an act of vandalism may also involve related offenses like trespassing or criminal mischief.
The consequences for these types of offenses can vary depending on the minor’s age and record and the severity of the alleged crime. Our juvenile crime defense attorneys work to understand every detail of each case so we can pursue reduced charges, recommend diversion programs, or get cases dismissed whenever possible.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Protecting Your Child’s Record and Future
Many parents believe that the juvenile justice system goes easy on first-time offenders or treats the arrest as a slap on the wrist. However, that’s often not the case. A juvenile conviction can haunt a young person for years, potentially impacting their ability to get into college, qualify for scholarships, secure employment, or join the military.
Working with a skilled juvenile defense lawyer in Tampa can help ensure that . . .
- Your child’s rights are protected and enforced during questioning
- You and your child understand all of your legal options from the start
- Diversion programs are explored as an alternative option to prosecution
- You and your child aren’t caught off guard by any legal procedures or outcomes.
It’s crucial to have strong allies in your corner to stand up for your child’s rights. The right legal advocate can provide trustworthy guidance and emotional support during this pivotal time. Navigating the legal system is often stressful and confusing, but a compassionate attorney can alleviate some of the burden.
Juvenile charges can have severe consequences that follow children into adulthood. Proactive legal guidance can protect their future.
Can a Juvenile Be Charged as an Adult in Florida?
Florida law allows prosecutors to charge juveniles as adults in certain cases. This process is called a “direct file.” Once a case moves to adult court, the minor can face adult penalties, including prison time.
Here are a few of the factors that could lead to a direct file:
- Felony-level charges
- Repeat offenses
- Use of a weapon during the alleged crime.
Our tenacious juvenile lawyers work to keep cases in juvenile court when possible. We believe that minors deserve access to rehabilitation services and a future beyond their mistakes.
The Long-Term Impact of a Juvenile Conviction
While juvenile court records are separate from adult records, they aren’t always confidential. Juvenile convictions can appear in background checks, affect eligibility for federal student aid, and create frustrating hurdles when applying for jobs. This is especially true when a record isn’t sealed or expunged. This possibility involves removing a conviction from public view, but it comes with stringent eligibility requirements and specific steps that must be followed.
As your child’s juvenile crime defense attorneys, our goal is to avoid or minimize these life-altering consequences. We believe in second chances and work tirelessly to ensure that young people’s mistakes don’t define their futures. Whether your child is facing a misdemeanor or a more serious charge, early legal intervention can make a world of difference in the outcome of their case.
What Are Diversion Programs for Juvenile Offenders?
Court isn’t always the only path forward when a minor is arrested. Florida’s Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) offers diversion programs that help correct behavior through education, accountability, and rehabilitation rather than life-altering punishment.
Your child may qualify for such a program if it’s their first offense or they’ve received only a minor charge. Once they complete the program, their charges may be dropped, and their record may even be eligible for sealing or expungement.
A juvenile arrest doesn’t have to lead to a lifelong record. Our team helps families explore every possible option for a better outcome.
Why a Juvenile Defense Attorney Can Be a Powerful Ally
Juvenile cases move quickly, so the earlier you begin working with a lawyer, the more options your child will likely have. The skilled legal team at Taracks & Associates has been handling these cases for over 30 years. We understand how juvenile charges can harm a child’s future and a family’s peace of mind.
Here’s how we can help:
- We’ll step in right after the arrest to protect your child’s rights.
- We’ll represent your family during every stage of the legal process.
- We’ll take steps to keep your child out of jail and out of the system.
- We’ll guide you through the process of sealing or expunging a record if eligible.
Juvenile court works differently than adult court, and the stakes aren’t purely legal — they’re also personal. Our team knows the process inside and out and is here to help you navigate it effectively.
The juvenile justice system is often overwhelming for minors. Fortunately, you and your family don’t have to face it alone. Taracks & Associates is here to provide the legal guidance and support your family needs.
Call our office today at 813-281-2897 to schedule your free initial consultation.
FAQ About Juvenile Defense in Florida
A juvenile arrest can raise many questions. Here are some of the ones we get most frequently from parents:
What should I do if my child is arrested?
Remain calm and don’t let your child speak to law enforcement (or do so yourself) without a lawyer present. Contact the juvenile crime defense attorneys at Taracks & Associates immediately.
Can my child’s record be sealed or expunged?
In many cases, yes. If your child completes a diversion program or is found not guilty, their record may be sealed or expunged.
Will my child go to jail?
Juveniles could be placed in detention, but alternatives like probation or a diversion program may also be available. Every case is different, so it’s wise to consult a knowledgeable attorney for more specific guidance.
How long can my child be held after arrest?
A detention hearing is usually scheduled within 24 hours. During this hearing, your lawyer can argue for your child’s release.
What are the penalties for juvenile crimes in Florida?
The penalties can range from community service and mandatory counseling to detention or even trial as an adult. Outcomes depend on the specific charges being brought and the facts of the case.
If you have other questions, our team is happy to address them. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you.
Why Choose Us?
Extensive Experience and Proven Results
Attorney Barry Taracks, founder of Taracks & Associates, is a former prosecutor with decades of courtroom experience. He has served as lead counsel in hundreds of jury trials and knows firsthand how both sides of the justice system operate.
Families choose our firm for the following reasons:
- We provide compassionate advocacy from start to finish.
- We understand how to challenge the prosecution’s evidence effectively.
- We pursue alternative outcomes like diversion or probation when appropriate.
- We tailor our defense strategies to each child’s unique circumstances.
Your child deserves an advocate with an eye on their future, not just the present. Call Taracks & Associates at 813-281-2897 today to speak with a juvenile defense lawyer in Tampa who understands what your family is going through.