Fort Walton Beach Juvenile Crime Attorney

Put Our Proven Track Record to Work for You

If you or your child has been accused of a crime, it is important to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At Vanover Law Firm P.A., we are committed to providing the aggressive legal representation you need and deserve. Our Fort Walton Beach juvenile crime lawyer has years of experience and is ready to fight for your rights and your freedom.

Our team fights for the best possible outcome for each client. We will investigate every detail of your case and work tirelessly to build the strongest defense possible. We will fight for you in and out of the courtroom, and we will never give up until your case is resolved.

We offer free consultations to all prospective clients, and we are available 24/7 for any urgent matters. If you are facing charges, we urge you to contact us right away.

For a consultation with our juvenile crime attorney, contact us online or at (850) 999-0006.

What Is Juvenile Crime?

Florida defines a juvenile as anyone under the age of 18 who is charged with a crime. Additionally, a juvenile is defined as any person under the age of 18 who has committed a criminal act. This applies to those who are 16 and 17 years old, even if they are charged as an adult. A juvenile who is 16 or 17 years old, who has committed a felony, may be tried as an adult.

A person under the age of 18 is considered a victim of a crime if they are sexually exploited, abused, or neglected. In these cases, the state may petition the court to have the juvenile declared a dependent child.

What Types of Crimes Are Juveniles Charged With?

There are a wide range of crimes that juveniles can be charged with. The most common crimes that juveniles are charged with include:

• Drug possession
• Drug trafficking
• Murder
• Sexual battery
• Robbery
• Arson
• Assault
• Burglary
• Theft
• Vehicular theft

If a juvenile is charged with a crime, the state of Florida may petition the court to have the juvenile declared a dependent child. This is done to protect the juvenile from their parents or guardians. In these cases, the juvenile is removed from their home and placed in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.

What Are the Penalties for Juvenile Crimes?

The penalties for juvenile crimes are different than the penalties for adult crimes. The state of Florida has established a grading system for juvenile crimes, which determines the penalties that may be imposed. The grading system is based on the severity of the crime, the prior record of the juvenile, and the willingness of the court to rehabilitate the juvenile.

The grading system includes the following penalties:

• Grade 1: The court may impose a commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice for a period of time up to the maximum period of imprisonment that could be imposed for an adult committing the same crime. The court may also impose a fine up to $500, community service, or restitution to the victim.
• Grade 2: The court may impose a commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice for a period of time up to 3 years. The court may also impose a fine up to $1,000, community service, or restitution to the victim.
• Grade 3: The court may impose a commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice for a period of time up to 5 years. The court may also impose a fine up to $2,500, community service, or restitution to the victim.

If a juvenile is convicted of a crime, the court may also place the juvenile on probation. The court may also impose conditions for the probation, including:

• Restitution to the victim
• Community service
• Treatment
• Curfews
• Counseling
• Restrictions
• Prohibited activities

If a juvenile is found to have violated the terms of probation, the court may also impose penalties, including:

• Community service
• Counseling
• Restitution to the victim
• Restitution to the Department of Juvenile Justice
• Placement in a Department of Juvenile Justice facility
• Probation with conditions
• Probation with restrictions
• Probation with prohibited activities

It is important to note that a juvenile may be charged with a crime even if they were not the person who committed the crime.

For a consultation with our juvenile crime attorney, contact us online or at (850) 999-0006.