Anyone under the age of 18 who is arrested for a crime in Florida is processed through the Department of Juvenile Justice. Once a juvenile is considered “delinquent” or a minor in violation of a crime, the judge has two options for disposition: incarceration or non-incarceration. Quite often, when non-incarceration is applicable, probation is involved. Unfortunately, once a juvenile is in the system, there can be long-term negative effects, and it is often only the beginning if lessons are not learned the first time.
Let our team of Seminole juvenile defense attorneys at The Law Office of David A. Webster, P.A. help you protect your child’s future. We can work with you to develop a strong defense and to navigate the legal system, with confidence that we can reach the best possible outcome. It pays to have an experienced lawyer by your side when your juvenile’s future is at stake.
Option for Youth Incarceration
The juvenile incarceration penalties are much different than those faced by adults, wherein they face jail and prison time. A judge can order any of the following ways for a juvenile to serve their confinement time:
- House arrest: This is the “home confinement” option, where the juvenile must stay home unless going to school, work or counseling.
- Juvenile hall or detention facilities: These options are typically used for short-term confinement when the juvenile must be detained somewhere other than at home, as determined by the judge.
- Placement with a different guardian: Removal from the current guardian or parent situation to another option such as a relative, group home, or foster parent.
- Probation after juvenile hall: This is often following the short-term option of juvenile detention.
- Secured juvenile facilities: These are reserved for long-term detention and are often called “camp” where a juvenile may stay for years depending on their crime.
- Adult jail: If a juvenile is convicted of a crime that warrants more stringent detention, he or she may have to go to a standard adult jail or poison facility.
If your juvenile is charged with a crime that does not warrant incarceration, the judge may issue a verbal warning, fines, counseling, electronic monitoring, or community service. It is important to make sure that these penalties are taken seriously so that no further action is required.
Request a Free Juvenile Crime Consultation at
Although the best option for troubled teens and children is preventative action, you may not always be able to keep your children out of trouble. If your juvenile is facing criminal charges, you need to seek legal counsel from a knowledgeable, experienced Seminole juvenile crime attorney on our team. We can help you make sure that your child’s best interests and rights are protected. A conviction can have serious long-term effects on your juvenile’s life, so let us take on of the legal system for you. Don’t face the judge alone—leave it to the professionals at The Law Office of David A. Webster, P.A.
