What To Do If Your Child Gets Arrested In Central Florida
It is no secret that children can get themselves into trouble. According to data from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), nearly one million minors enter the juvenile justice system each year nationwide. For parents, there are very few things more stressful than finding out that their child has been arrested. It is crucial that you know how to protect their rights, interests, and future. In this article, our Orlando juvenile justice lawyer highlights four steps to take if your child is arrested in Central Florida.
- Stay Calm and Take a Moment to Understand the Situation
The first step of dealing with a child’s criminal issue is always to stay calm. While it is normal to be stressed out and frustrated, you need to take a moment to assess the situation with a clear head. Among other things, this means:
- Knowing where your child is right now;
- Understanding what they have been accused of; and
- Evaluating the charges that your child is facing.
In Florida, minors are often released directly into the custody of their parents after an arrest. However, that is not guaranteed in every case. It will depend on many factors, including your child’s age and the nature of the allegations.
- Speak to an Orlando Juvenile Justice Lawyer
The criminal justice and juvenile justice systems are complicated. You do not have to try to navigate the complexities of the legal process alone. An Orlando criminal defense lawyer with experience handling juvenile justice matters will be able to review your case, hear your story, answer questions, and explain what you need to do next to protect your child.
- Know that there are Specialized Options for Rehabilitation
One of the central principles of juvenile justice in Florida is that rehabilitation is strongly preferred over traditional punishment. In most cases, there may be a focus on providing rehabilitative options for a minor who has been arrested and charged with a crime. If the charges are serious, the juvenile may be assigned the equivalent of a probation officer. They may also be required to attend school, take alcohol/drug tests, and go to family-based therapy/counseling.
- Protect Your Child’s Future: Take Action to Seal the Records
Another key thing to understand about juvenile criminal cases in Florida is that a minor’s records can often be sealed. This is an extremely important step for parents to take. You need to protect your child’s future. To the maximum extent possible under Florida law, you and your family should develop a comprehensive strategy to get your child’s records sealed.
Contact Our Orlando, FL Juvenile Justice Attorney Today
At The Baez Law Firm, our Florida criminal defense lawyer has extensive experience handling juvenile justice cases. If your child was arrested and charged with a crime, we are here to protect their future. Give us a call now or contact us online for a confidential initial consultation. With a law office in Orlando, we handle juvenile justice cases throughout all of Central Florida.
Source:
ojjdp.gov/ojstatbb/crime/jar.asp