The state attorney and the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) will get all of the details of the charges for their review. The DJJ will contact you and your child to discuss your child’s background and the charges. Your child should not go into specifics about the crime as this could be used against him/her in court. The state attorney will get recommendations from the DJJ about how to proceed with the case. These recommendations are only advisory. The final decision will be made by the state attorney on whether or not your child will face formal charges (a delinquency petition). In most areas of Florida, less serious offenses are handled by having the child go through programs that are designed to resolve the situation without having to go to court. Be sure you are aware of these programs.
If your child has been charged with an offence, it is imperative that you receive appropriate legal counsel. We are Juvenile Criminal Defence Attorneys, focussed in the greater Tampa Bay area. So many decisions may have long term consequences. Don’t let today’s situation create a life long stigma. Today does not have to define your child’s tomorrow.
