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Originally Posted On: https://bippermedia.com/3-reasons-parents-should-hire-an-attorney-for-their-minor-accused-of-a-crime/
Did you know that over 600,000 juveniles were arrested in the state of Florida in 2019? Having your child accused of a crime can be terrifying. If you are facing this situation, the most important thing you can do is hire an attorney. An attorney will ensure that your child’s rights are protected throughout the law enforcement process.
There are 3 reasons parents should hire an attorney for their minor accused of a crime
- The first is that the attorney will help the parents and young person understand the legal system and the processes involved.
- The second is that they help the parents develop a strategy to help their minor accused both understand the legal system and have a support system in place.
- The third is that they will help them save money on legal fees.
In Florida, a minor is someone who is 18 years old or younger. Minors who commit crimes are treated differently under the criminal justice system than adults. The emphasis of the justice system is placed on education and rehabilitation for minors. Because minors don’t have the life experience that adults might have, there is more room for growth and change if they commit crimes.
Hiring an attorney is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. There are a lot of misconceptions about the role an attorney plays. An attorney is there to protect your rights and help you achieve a fair result. The decision to hire an attorney is an important one, so it is important that you select the right attorney for you.
What is the role of parents in a juvenile court?
The role of parents in a juvenile court in Florida is to provide a safe environment for their child while he or she is being processed through the court system. The parents are required to keep the child in custody while he or she is being processed. They are also required to keep the child in custody if he or she is being held in jail awaiting a court appearance. The parents are required to bring any necessary medications for their child and are required to keep the child in line with his or her medication schedule.
Parents are an important part of their child’s life in the juvenile justice system. The role of parents in the juvenile court is to be a voice for their children and to provide a support system for their children. The parents are the ones who have the most information about what happened and are in the best position to help their child understand the legal system and the process involved. The parents are also the ones who have the most experience raising their child, are in the best position to help their child, and are the ones who will be hurt the most if their child is convicted.
What is the role of the defense lawyer in a juvenile court?
The defense lawyer is an advocate for the accused. The defense lawyer is not there to make friends. The defense lawyer should help the accused understand the court system and the process involved. The defense lawyer’s goal is to develop a strategy to get the best result for the accused.
Can the child be tried as an adult?
The child’s age at the time of the alleged crime can have a dramatic impact on how a case is prosecuted. Younger children are generally tried as juveniles and older children as adults. As a general guide, if a child is younger than 12 years of age, he or she will usually be tried as a juvenile.
However, according to Florida law, a minor can be prosecuted as an adult under specific circumstances. Depending on the age of the minor, their previous criminal records, and the seriousness of the offense, a minor could be prosecuted as an adult in court. The most common offenses that result in a child being tried as an adult are murder, sexual assault, kidnapping, armed robbery, aggravated battery, and burglary.
There are three main ways for a child to be tried as an adult:
Waivers: There are three types of waivers: voluntary, involuntary discretionary, and involuntary mandatory. A voluntary waiver is when the child requests, in writing, to have their trial be heard in adult court. An involuntary discretionary waiver is when the prosecuting attorney requests the trial to be held in adult court if the child is 14 years old or older at the time of the crime. An involuntary mandatory waiver is when the prosecuting attorney requests the trial to be held in adult court if the child is 14 years old or older at the time of the crime and the child has previously committed a serious crime.
Direct Files: A direct file is when the prosecuting attorney sends a minor’s case to adult court without requiring approval from the judge. There are two types of direct files: discretionary and mandatory direct file. A discretionary direct file allows the prosecutor to move the case to adult court if the child is 14 years old or older. A mandatory direct file allows the prosecutor to move the case to adult court if the child is 16 years old or older.
Indictment: If the minor’s crime carries a death sentence or life imprisonment, the state can seek a grand jury indictment.
Because Florida’s juvenile laws allow minors to be charged as an adult in various situations, it’s crucial to hire a defense attorney who can help them navigate the legal system.
Choosing a defense lawyer for your child
Choosing a defense lawyer for a child is an important decision. You can get a sense of who will be best for your child by asking friends, family members, attorneys, and the court. All of these people can help you learn about your child’s rights.
A minor accused of a crime has their whole life ahead of them. They should be able to learn from their mistakes and move forward as a better person. At Hanlon Law, we have years of experience defending juvenile cases. If your child or a minor you know has been accused of a crime, don’t hesitate to reach out to our legal team.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and get the help your child deserves.
Hanlon Law
600 Cleveland St #1100
Clearwater, FL 33755
(727) 897-5413
https://www.criminalattorneyclearwater.net
