Tampa Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
Since 1977, Trombley & Hanes, P.A., and its trusted Tampa criminal defense lawyers have provided exceptional defense strategies for real people who need us — in Florida and throughout the U.S. — including juveniles accused of a crime.
Being charged with a crime as a minor can be terrifying. You may be unaware of your options, how the juvenile system works, whether you will be allowed to remain in your home, and the short- and long-term consequences of being part of the juvenile system.
Here, we are passionate about providing attentive legal representation to youth involved in the juvenile system. If you or your child is facing juvenile charges, contact our Hillsborough County juvenile crime lawyers directly today to learn more about your options and how we can help.
Being charged with a crime as a minor can be terrifying. You may be unaware of your options, how the juvenile system works, whether or not you’ll be allowed to remain in your home, and what the short- and long-term consequences of being part of the juvenile system may be. At the office of Trombley & Hanes, we are passionate about providing attentive legal representation to youth involved in the juvenile system. If you or your child is facing juvenile charges, call our Tampa juvenile crime lawyer directly today to learn more about your options and how we can help.
A juvenile is a person who has not attained his eighteenth birthday, and juvenile delinquency is the violation of a law committed by a person prior to his eighteenth birthday which would have been a crime if committed by an adult. A number of states consider persons to be adults for purposes of criminal prosecution at an age younger than eighteen years of age.
In Florida, most Circuits have a Juvenile Court Division handling all felony and misdemeanor cases, including felony traffic offenses, committed by individuals under the age of eighteen. Misdemeanor traffic offenses are typically handled in County Court.
Trusted Juvenile Crimes Defense Lawyers in Tampa, Florida
Trombley & Hanes provides insightful and practical legal advice for parents concerned about their children’s futures. With over 110 years of combined skill and dynamic legal experience, we strive to produce actual results for your case while providing the communication you need to be confident in the legal process.
Do not let the fear of the unknown overwhelm you. In Florida, most Circuits have a Juvenile Court Division handling all felony and misdemeanor cases committed by individuals under eighteen.
We are more than juvenile crime attorneys. We are child and parent advocates who provide attentive legal representation on all juvenile criminal matters, including those involving:
- Arson.
- Assault and battery crimes.
- Burglary.
- Driving offenses, including driving without a permit or license, driving while impaired, joyriding, and criminal traffic offenses.
- Drug crimes.
- Gang crimes.
- Gun possession.
- Murder and attempted murder.
- Robbery.
- Sex crimes.
- Shoplifting and petty theft.
- Theft crimes.
- Vandalism and graffiti.
If your child has been arrested for a misdemeanor or felony crime or is currently detained in a juvenile facility, contact our skilled juvenile defense attorneys in Tampa for help today.
How Does the Florida Juvenile Court System Work?
The juvenile justice process can be overwhelming and intimidating. Our lawyers provide understanding and support while navigating juvenile criminal charges. After contacting a law enforcement officer and being arrested/having charges placed against the juvenile, the juvenile will be taken into custody. Within 24 hours of being taken into custody, the youth will appear before a judge, who will decide about the need for continued detention supervision — this is called the Detention Risk Assessment Instrument, or DRAI.
After completing the DRAI, the youth will either be held in a secure detention center or await a court date at home. During juvenile court, the child has the right to an attorney, the right to a trial by a judge, the right to call witnesses, the right to remain silent, and the right to have their guilt proved by the prosecution beyond a reasonable doubt. We can help.
When Can a Juvenile Be Tried as an Adult in Florida?
Specific legal scenarios exist in Florida where the prosecutor’s office may want to pursue a juvenile case in adult court.
This includes when a defendant is at least 14 years old and is charged with a subsequent violent crime after being found guilty of delinquency based on an act, attempted act, or conspiracy to commit a felony.
The previous felony may include:
- Aggravated assault.
- Aggravated battery.
- Armed or strong-armed robbery.
- Burglary with an assault or battery.
- Carjacking.
- Home-invasion robbery.
- Murder.
- Sexual battery.
The second scenario includes when a defendant is at least 14 years old and is facing a fourth felony after previously being found guilty of three delinquencies based on an act, attempted act, or conspiracy to commit any felony.
If a minor is over 16, they may be tried as an adult for any felony charge.
Juvenile crimes can change the trajectory of your child’s life. Getting the legal help they need as soon as possible can help change the potential outcomes of their cases so they — and you — can move forward in a positive direction. Contact our skilled juvenile crimes defense lawyers in Tampa today to learn how we can help your family put these legal troubles behind you.
Types of Juvenile Crimes We Work On
Our lawyers are passionate about representing youth who are part of the juvenile justice system, and feel confident in our ability to provide attentive legal representation on all juvenile criminal matters. Common types of juvenile crime cases we work on include:
- Driving offenses, including driving without a permit or license, driving while impaired, and criminal traffic offenses
- Theft offenses, including petty theft and grand theft charges
- Offenses at school, including property crimes committed at schools, assault crimes, etc.
- Drug and alcohol offenses, including illegal possession/use and distribution
- Violent offenses, including assault and sex crimes
If you or your child is facing juvenile offenses related to one of the above or something else, please reach out to us directly today. Our lawyers can start working on your case directly.
Understanding the Juvenile Criminal System
The juvenile justice process can be overwhelming and intimidating. Our lawyers are here to provide an understanding and support throughout the process of navigating juvenile criminal charges. After making contact with a law enforcement officer and being arrested/having charges placed against the juvenile, the juvenile will be taken into custody. Within 24 hours of being taken into custody, the youth will appear before a judge, who will make a determination about the need for continued detention supervision—this is called the Detention Risk Assessment Instrument, or DRAI.
After the DRAI is completed, the youth will either be held in a secure detention center or will await a court date while at home. During juvenile court, the youth has the right to an attorney, the right to a trial by a judge, the right to call their own witnesses, the right to remain silent, and the right to have their guilt proved by the prosecution beyond a reasonable doubt.
Call a Tampa Juvenile Crimes Attorney Today
Having your child arrested and charged with a juvenile crime can be a heartbreaking and a terrifying thing. At the law office of Trombley & Hanes, we have experience representing youth throughout the juvenile process and working with them and their parents to secure the best outcome possible. If your child is facing juvenile charges, the best thing that you can do is to hire a qualified Tampa Juvenile Crime lawyer to start working on their case as soon as possible. We are ready to help. Reach us today by phone or online to get started.
Having your child arrested and charged with a juvenile crime can be heartbreaking and terrifying. At Trombley & Hanes, we have experience representing youth throughout the juvenile process and working with them and their parents to secure the best outcome possible.
If your child is facing juvenile charges, the best thing you can do is hire a qualified Tampa Juvenile Crime lawyer to start working on their case as soon as possible. Our trusted juvenile defense lawyers in Florida have been producing actual results for real people for more than 110 combined years.
Contact us at 813-229-7918 or online to schedule a consultation to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions for Our Juvenile Crimes Defense Attorneys in Tampa, Florida
Who is Considered a Juvenile in Florida?
A juvenile is any individual under the age of 18. Even if you or your child will soon be 18 but is arrested before that date, the arrest will be considered a juvenile crime unless it meets the legal requirements to move into adult court.
Can a Minor Hire a Juvenile Defense Attorney in Florida?
A person under 18 cannot legally enter a binding contract with an attorney. For this reason, a parent or legal guardian must seek legal representation on the minor’s behalf. Contact our experienced juvenile defense attorneys in Tampa who will devise the best possible defense for your child.
What are My Child’s Rights During Juvenile Legal Proceedings in Florida?
The U.S. Constitution outlines the rights of each person during legal proceedings, including adults and juveniles.
They include, but are not limited to:
- The right to refuse any questioning.
- The right to an attorney during police questioning.
- The right to be free from any unreasonable search and seizure.
- The right against self-incrimination.
In addition, the juvenile’s parent or legal guardian must be contacted, or law enforcement must at least make a reasonable attempt to do so.
What are My Rights as a Parent During My Child’s Legal Proceedings in Florida?
As a parent or legal guardian, you have rights in cases where your child has been arrested or detained by the police.
They include:
- The right to know the reason your child was arrested or detained.
- The right to be present with your child during questioning.
- The right to have or retain an attorney for your child.
