You raise your children with the best intentions, teaching them the value of right and wrong and the importance of following the rules. But many juveniles find themselves on the wrong side of the law, not because they are a bad kid or do not have morals, but because they were influenced by others, emotionally confused and seeking attention, or testing the boundaries set before them.
At The Cochran Firm South Florida, our Miami juvenile crime attorneys understand the heartbreak that parents go through when their child is accused of a crime. We also know that things are not always black and white, and that there may be special circumstances that apply to these charges. If you contact our Miami juvenile crime lawyers, we will evaluate your child’s situation and let you know what your options are.
What to do if the police charge your child.
Criminal cases for children who are under the age of 18 are referred to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice for evaluation and punishment determination. The first step is usually detention screening using a method of risk assessment, whereby a juvenile may be placed in secure detention while awaiting a hearing with a judge. In many cases, a child may be ordered to do a home detention program under the supervision of a parent or guardian. For youths who are deemed to be at risk for repetitive crimes, a residential or non-residential correctional program may be mandatory.
Hiring an experienced juvenile attorney in Miami, Ft Lauderdale, or Fort Myers can have a deep impact on the outcome of your child’s case. The juvenile lawyers at The Cochran Firm South Florida have had much success in dealing with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, helping clients achieve reduced charges, alternative punishments, and, in many cases, dismissal of charges due to lack of evidence or violation of rights. When your child’s future is on the line, you can trust our caring lawyers to fight hard to protect his or her freedom.
For help understanding juvenile crime laws, please contact the skilled juvenile attorneys at The Cochran Firm South Florida. We look forward to providing juvenile offenders and their parents with crucial answers about their rights during this difficult time.
