fbpx

Central Florida Juvenile Law Attorney

Juvenile Law

Juvenile law is different from adult criminal cases for many reasons. The goal here is not punishment, but rather rehabilitation. The courts are careful not to place a stigma or label on juveniles. 

This is why different terms are used in juvenile court. Instead of “Defendant,” they use the word, “Child.” Instead of “Guilty,” the child may be found “Delinquent,” and so on. 

There is no constitutional right to a jury trial for juvenile offenders. Their cases will be held before a juvenile court judge only.

The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is involved in every case and makes a recommendation to the court for sentencing. Additionally, the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure are not used. Instead, the juvenile courts use the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure which vary drastically.

There are specific rules regarding the detention of juveniles awaiting trial. If your Child has been arrested, your Child will appear before a judge within 24 hours. This is to determine whether the Child shall remain in secured detention (“custody”) or be released. This hearing is known as a detention hearing. 

This determination is made by a Detention Risk Assessment Instrument (DRAI) prepared by DJJ. As of July 2019, the DRAI has been amended to account for the Child’s right to counsel, allegations of abuse, prior contact with DJJ, and the State Attorney’s recommendation of release, among other things. Ensuring that your Child is represented at the detention hearing could be important in whether your Child is detained or released.

Juveniles can be taken into custody for the same crimes that adults commit, such as drug possession, petit theft, underage drinking, sex crimes, reckless driving, driving a motor vehicle without authorization, and shoplifting, to name a few.

If a juvenile is 14 years of age or older and they are charged with a criminal traffic offense, their case will be heard in adult court, not in juvenile court.

It is important not to delay in hiring experienced representation. Central Florida Attorney Brandon Gans is a former juvenile prosecutor. Prior to that, he worked with the Department of Juvenile Justice. 

Attorney Gans is knowledgeable in the Central Florida juvenile justice system. He knows what possible outcomes there are for juvenile clients, such as diversion programs, probation, and commitment programs, and helps them get the best outcome possible. 

Brandon Gans is an exceptional criminal defense attorney!! I was charged with possession and with Brandon’s extreme attentiveness to my individual needs and necessities to fulfill my case, it was dismissed! Gans Law comes HIGHLY recommended in my book. Brandon has a uniquely creative way of thinking outside the box and that is only one asset he used to produce stress-free results!

- Lizinda

message us

Firm Overview

Gans Law offers a variety of services that range from criminal defense to suspended licenses. Here at Gans Law, we understand that sometimes good people find themselves dealing with complex legal matters.

Learn More

Case Results

Our Reviews

Serving all of central Florida

Orange

Hillsborough

Osceola

Brevard

Seminole

Polk

Volusia

Pinellas

Resisting Arrest With and Without Violence in Florida

Whenever you encounter law enforcement and they go to arrest you, it is never a good idea to resist them as you can get into more trouble. If you resist arrest with violence, you’ll face even higher penalties.   Resisting Without Violence According to Florida Statute...

Florida Traffic Tickets and Your Driving Record

When you get pulled over for a moving violation, you may wonder what is going to happen to your driving record. Is it something that prospective employers can see? If you decide to fight a traffic ticket, either by taking it to court yourself or hiring an attorney,...

Why is being on probation more dangerous than you think?

When facing potential jail time, most defendants prefer to be placed on probation instead of going to jail. Probation comes with many stipulations that many defendants fail to consider. Before accepting an offer of probation, consider the following:  Florida Statute...

Misdemeanors and Felony Charges in Florida

Felonies and Misdemeanors differ in both the severity of the crime and of the penalties. Misdemeanors tend to be less severe crimes, so the punishments for these crimes tend to be lesser. The fines are relatively small, and you can only be held in jail for up to a...

What is the Penalty for First-Time DUI in Florida?

Driving Under the Influence (DUI), often referred to as “drunk driving,” is when a driver of a motor vehicle has a blood alcohol content (BAC) over the legal limit, or their normal faculties are impaired by drugs or alcohol.  A DUI conviction in Florida comes with...

What is Disorderly Conduct?

In Florida, disorderly conduct is any behavior that disrupts a public space. Some common examples include making excessively loud noise, drunk and disorderly behavior, and fighting in the street. Florida Statute 877.03 defines disorderly conduct as acts that are of a...

Can You Lose Your License for Leaving the Scene of an Accident?

Under Florida law, it is a criminal offense for leaving the scene of an accident. Florida Statute 316.061 states that leaving the scene of an accident, also known as a “hit and run,” occurs when the driver of the vehicle involved in a crash resulting in damage to...

New Florida Law: Playing Loud or Excessive Music

On July 1, 2022, a Florida law went into effect that prohibits excessive music and other sounds from being played inside the vehicle. According to Florida Statute 316.3045, it is unlawful for any person operating or occupying a motor vehicle on a street or highway to...

What’s the Difference Between Assault & Battery in Florida?

Although assault and battery offenses in Florida are similar and are discussed together, they are two distinct criminal offenses. In Florida, the main difference between assault and battery is the absence or presence of physical contact. Assault is a verbal or...

What are Ignition Interlock Devices?

An ignition interlock device (IID) is a car breathalyzer that prevents drivers from starting their car until they blow into the device. In Florida, these are required for certain driving under the influence (DUI) convictions.  An ignition interlock device is a proper...

News & Posts

FAQs

Trivia

Orlando, FL

711 N. Orlando Ave. Suite 302B, Maitland, FL 32751

Hours: By Appointment Only

Clearwater, FL

8200 Bryan Dairy Road Suite 340
Largo, FL 33777

Hours: By Appointment Only

407-500-4267

Send Us a Message!

More Contact Info

// // "UPixel" code from roger@printingwarehouses.com //