Miami Juvenile Crime Lawyer

Few situations are more stressful for parents than hearing that your child has been arrested or accused of a crime. Not only are you likely disappointed in your child’s choices, but you may be terrified of what will happen to your child’s future. Will your child get locked up? Will you lose custody of your child? How will your child’s future be affected? The experienced and committed Miami juvenile crime lawyers at the Baez Law Firm can help to answer these questions and more.

Common Juvenile Offenses in Florida

The most common juvenile offenses in Florida tend to include the following:

• Disorderly conduct;
• Petty theft;
• Underage possession of alcohol;
• DUI;
• Sex offenses;
• Having a fake ID;
• Vandalism;
• Assault;
• Reckless driving;
• Possession of marijuana.

Of course, juveniles are also capable of committing far more serious criminal offenses including robbery, drug distribution, or even homicide.

Helping your Family with the Juvenile Court Process

The juvenile court process is different from the adult criminal justice process in many ways. First, the juvenile system is focused on rehabilitation of minors to prevent future criminal behavior instead of simply aiming to punish them for their past acts. For this reason and more, parents often play a key role in the juvenile process and will often meet with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to discuss possible plans for the child. Prior to filing charges, the juvenile prosecutor will listen to any recommendations by DCF regarding alternate actions rather than pursuing charges.

If charges are filed, your child may face a hearing in front of a juvenile judge, who will make the decisions for convictions and sentencing. Your child has the right to have defense representation throughout this process to ensure their rights are protected and that they receive a fair and just outcome in their case.

What If Your Child is Tried as an Adult?

Many juveniles in Florida find that their cases are transferred to be handled by the adult criminal justice system. If your child is convicted in adult court, they will face the same punishment as adults, including potential imprisonment in an adult facility. This can be a frightening prospect for many reasons and can have a seriously detrimental effect on your child’s future. Our lawyers regularly defend against criminal charges in adult court and understand the criminal process, so we can provide qualified assistance if your juvenile’s case is transferred.

Call our Miami Juvenile Crime Lawyers for Assistance 24/7

The Miami juvenile defense lawyers at the Baez Law Firm in Miami understand how worried you must be if you discover your child has been arrested or accused of a crime. We are available around the clock to discuss your situation and provide assistance for you and your juvenile. We know that this is a trying time and we will provide personalized representation and an aggressive defense. We will always keep you fully informed about what is happening in your child’s case and will provide advice on your legal options. We offer Spanish and English services, so please do not delay in calling our office at 800-588-BAEZ today.