Are there any special considerations in criminal defense cases involving juveniles?

Yes, there are special considerations in criminal defense cases involving juveniles in Florida. While the same laws regarding criminal activity still apply to juveniles, the way they are enforced and judged is handled differently. Juveniles accused of crimes will be processed through the juvenile court system, which is designed to protect the rights of the child. Juveniles are not typically tried by jury, rather they are heard by a judge or another court representative. The basis of juvenile justice is rehabilitation, instead of punishment. If a juvenile is found guilty, the sentence is typically lighter and more focused on helping the juvenile learn from their mistakes. Additionally, the laws are less strict, not requiring mandatory sentences for some juvenile crimes. In some cases, juvenile offenders may be eligible to have their records sealed or expunged. This means that the record of the conviction will not appear on background checks and the conviction will not be held against the juvenile for future job or educational opportunities. The court and other agencies will work together to provide the juvenile with proper counseling and treatment, with the goal of helping the juvenile overcome any issues that may have led them to commit the crime and to prevent them from committing more crimes in the future.

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Are there any special considerations in criminal defense cases involving juveniles?

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