St. Augustine Juvenile Crimes Lawyer

Defending Against Juvenile Crimes in Florida

If you are a minor who is facing criminal charges or if you are the parent of a minor charged with a crime in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, St. Johns, or the surrounding areas, we strongly urge you to discuss your case with a lawyer at our firm immediately. Our legal team has more than 40 years of combined experience which can be utilized on your behalf. 

We are well-versed in juvenile law and procedures and are familiar with the local court systems and the Juvenile Justice System. Our firm welcomes the opportunity of guiding you and your son or daughter through the legal processes involved in any juvenile criminal charges.

Understanding Florida's Juvenile Justice System

When an individual who is under the age of 18 is charged with a crime in Florida, the case is generally processed through the Juvenile Justice System. A juvenile may be prosecuted in an adult court if he or she is a repeat offender who is accused of a serious crime but this is not common. The Juvenile Justice System focuses on rehabilitation as opposed to punishment for juveniles and has different steps than an adult court system.

Juvenile crimes include those involving alcohol and drugs, such as drug possession, or drug dealing as well as theft crimes, such as shoplifting, violent crimes, such as assault, battery, arson, and all other types of misdemeanors or felonies.

Legal Guidance for Juvenile Offenses in St. Johns County

Once your child has been arraigned, it is important that you have an attorney from our firm working on the case as it will generally go to trial about a month later. At the trial, a judge will decide the outcome; there are no juries in the Juvenile Court System. First-time juvenile offenders may be allowed to participate in a diversion program which if completed will result in dropped charges.