In Florida, minors under the age of 18 are referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice. Although the potential penalties are typically less than they are for adult offenders, it is important to take this process seriously. A criminal defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale can explain the nature of the charges against your child, Also, a criminal defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale can advise you and your child of your rights during this scary process.

If your child is charged with juvenile delinquency, you have the right to be represented by a qualified defense attorney. The first thing you should do after learning about a juvenile crime charge is contact an experienced juvenile defense attorney.

You should learn about the potential crimes and punishments that your child faces. In some situations, a juvenile offender can be prosecuted as an adult and subjected to the same potential penalties. Being transferred to adult court carries serious repercussions and is a very complicated process, so it is best if you have a defense lawyer who is experienced with Florida’s juvenile justice system.

You should also learn about the role of the juvenile justice system. This is typically to educate youthful offenders about the consequences of criminal conduct and to deter this conduct in the future. Your child may have alternatives available to him or her than incarceration that you can explore, such as diversion programs, counseling or drug or alcohol rehabilitation. Identify the factors that may have caused your child to commit a criminal offense and share this information with your lawyer so he or she can best advocate for your child.