Miami-Dade County Juvenile Crimes Lawyer

Aggressive Defense for Juvenile Defendants in South Florida

Juvenile crimes can be any crime that an adult commits but is committed by a minor under 18. Most minors are charged as juveniles, which allows them to have their records sealed as adults, but some are charged as adults if the seriousness of the crime warrants it. If your minor child is facing juvenile crime charges, having a good Miami-Dade County juvenile crimes attorney representing and protecting his rights is vital. Failure to do so could impact your child’s future for some time.

Is your child facing a juvenile crimes charge in Florida? Call The Law Offices of Eric M. Matheny, P.A. today at (305) 504-6655 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our juvenile crimes attorney in Miami-Dade County!

Juvenile Crime Cases We Handle

Some of the types of juvenile crimes our firm can represent your child for include:

• Shoplifting
• Underage Drinking
• Truancy
• Battery
• Sexual Misconduct
• Gang-Related Activities
• Drug Offenses
• Property Crimes
• Underage Alcohol Consumption
• Traffic Violations
• Runaways
• Vandalism
• Smoking
• Fake ID / False Identification
• Curfew Violations
• Theft
• Trespassing
• Assault

How Florida's Juvenile Court System Works

The Florida Juvenile Court System handles cases involving minors under 18 accused of committing delinquent acts. It has two branches: dependency court for child protection and delinquency court for holding minors accountable while providing support. The minor has the right to an attorney and trial by jury, but many cases are resolved through plea agreements or diversion programs. The court aims to promote the child's well-being and rehabilitation, with a focus on the best interests of the child.

In addition to the court proceedings, the Florida Juvenile Court System provides a range of services and programs to support the rehabilitation of minors. These include counseling, substance abuse treatment, educational support, and job training. The system also involves various stakeholders such as parents, guardians, probation officers, social workers, and other professionals to ensure the child's comprehensive needs are met.

It's important to note that the Juvenile Court System operates under different laws and regulations than the adult court system. For example, the focus is on rehabilitation rather than punishment, and the records of delinquency court cases are generally sealed to protect the child's privacy.

When will a Child be Tried as an Adult?

In Florida, a child can be tried as an adult for criminal charges in certain circumstances. Generally, if the accused is 16 or older and charged with certain serious crimes, they are tried as adults. However, that decision is made on a case-by-case basis depending on the severity of the crime and other factors such as past convictions, juvenile history, and mental development. The court may also consider whether or not the accused acted out of anger or intent to cause harm. Ultimately, it is up to a judge to decide whether or not a child should be tried as an adult in Florida.

Contact Our Miami-Dade County Juvenile Crimes Attorney

Because a conviction of a crime for your minor child can have such grave consequences, choosing a reputable and dedicated defense lawyer will take the time and personal attention you will need during this difficult time is essential. When your child is possibly facing penalties that include fines, court and legal fees, community service, probation, and even jail time, it is vital to take the necessary steps to avoid conviction.

More importantly, if your child is facing being charged as an adult, it becomes doubly important to move forward with an aggressive and devoted legal counsel to present a strong defense. If your child’s future is at stake, don’t delay contacting our office for legal help.

Contact The Law Offices of Eric M. Matheny, P.A. today to schedule a FREE case evaluation with our juvenile crimes lawyer in Miami-Dade County!