Juvenile Criminal Lawyer Daytona Beach, FL

Defense for Juvenile Crimes in Florida

In Daytona Beach, Florida, as in many jurisdictions across the United States, the treatment of juvenile offenders within the criminal justice system is a complex and sensitive matter. A criminal conviction at a young age can have a negative impact on your son or daughter’s future for years to come. Not only could your child go to jail, but he or she may be denied acceptance into college, have difficulty finding a job, and experience problems applying for loans and other types of financial aid. Furthermore, if your child is still in school, he or she may be suspended or expelled, or forced to drop out of extracurricular activities. 

When young individuals find themselves entangled in the web of the legal system, it becomes imperative to have a comprehensive understanding of how the juvenile court system operates, the common charges that juveniles may face, the potential penalties, avenues for sealing juvenile records, and the available defenses. A well-practiced Daytona Beach juvenile criminal lawyer can offer your child the aggressive defense he or she needs to improve their chances of securing a favorable outcome in court. Hager & Schwartz, P.A. specializes in providing skilled representation and guidance to juveniles and their families during their legal challenges.

Call our Daytona Beach juvenile defense attorneys at (386) 693-1637 today!

Understanding Florida's Juvenile Court System

Florida's juvenile court system operates under the premise that rehabilitation is a primary goal. Unlike the adult criminal justice system, the juvenile system aims to address the underlying causes of juvenile delinquency, focusing on rehabilitation and education rather than punitive measures. This approach is guided by the belief that young offenders can be redirected onto a positive life path with the appropriate interventions.

At Hager & Schwartz, P.A., our Daytona Beach juvenile criminal defense attorneys have a great deal of experience in the Florida juvenile court system, and have defended many minors throughout Volusia County facing criminal charges. We understand the toll a criminal conviction at a young age can take on a minor’s future. Whether it means securing reduced penalties, negotiating for a reduction of the charges, or seeking treatment for our clients through the courts, we always strive to find a way to help our young clients avoid a conviction.

Common Juvenile Charges

Juveniles in Daytona Beach, FL, can face a wide range of criminal charges. Common charges include:

• theft
• vandalism
• drug possession
• underage drinking
• assault and battery

Additionally, more serious offenses such as:

• burglary
• robbery
• certain sexual offenses

Each case is unique, and the severity of the charges will impact the potential consequences a juvenile may face.

Juvenile Criminal Penalties in Florida

When a juvenile is found delinquent (the juvenile equivalent of being convicted in the adult system), the court has several options in terms of penalties. These options include:

• probation
• community service
• restitution
• counseling or therapy
• placement in a residential facility
• even commitment to a juvenile detention center

The goal of these penalties is to address the specific needs of the juvenile offender and provide an opportunity for rehabilitation and personal growth.

Sealing a Child’s Criminal Record in FL

One crucial aspect of the juvenile justice system in Florida is the potential for sealing a juvenile's criminal record. Sealing a record involves making the records of the case inaccessible to the public. This can be of significant importance for the future prospects of the juvenile, as a sealed record will not appear in most background checks. However, not all cases are eligible for record sealing, and the criteria for eligibility can be complex. Hager & Schwartz, P.A. can guide families through the process of determining whether a record can be sealed and assist with the necessary legal procedures.

Defenses for Juvenile Criminal Charges in Florida

When facing criminal charges, it's essential to mount a strong defense. Juveniles, like adults, have the right to legal representation, and having experienced Daytona Beach juvenile defense attorneys from Hager & Schwartz, P.A. can make a significant difference in the outcome of the case.

Some potential defenses for juvenile criminal charges in Florida include:

• Lack of Evidence: If the prosecution's case lacks substantial evidence connecting the juvenile to the alleged offense, a defense based on the insufficiency of evidence may be pursued.
• Violation of Rights: Just as with adult cases, juveniles have certain constitutional rights that must be respected by law enforcement. If there were violations of these rights during the arrest, questioning, or evidence gathering process, it could lead to suppression of evidence or even dismissal of charges.
• Mistaken Identity: If there is credible evidence that the juvenile was misidentified as the offender, this can be a strong defense strategy.
• Self-Defense: If the juvenile can establish that they acted in self-defense or in defense of others, it might result in reduced charges or acquittal.
• Mental Health: In cases where the juvenile has a diagnosed mental health condition, this information can be used to argue for reduced charges or alternative dispositions that focus on treatment rather than punishment.
• Alibi: If the juvenile can provide evidence that they were not present at the scene of the alleged offense, it could serve as a strong defense.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement induced the juvenile to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed, an entrapment defense may apply.
• Lack of Intent: Some offenses require a specific intent to commit the crime. If it can be proven that the juvenile did not have the required intent, this could be a viable defense.

How a Daytona Beach Juvenile Criminal Lawyer Can Help

Navigating the juvenile court system requires specialized knowledge and a compassionate approach that recognizes the potential for rehabilitation and growth. Hager & Schwartz, P.A. is poised to provide the guidance and advocacy necessary to secure the best possible outcome for young clients in the midst of legal challenges. We believe that even the youngest people deserve strong and committed defense representation. Should you retain our services, you can trust that our Daytona Beach juvenile defense lawyers will stand up for your child’s rights, protect his or her best interest, and do everything we can to help him or her overcome the charges to avoid a conviction. We strongly believe that everyone makes mistakes or acts on poor judgment. We’re here to make sure your child’s lapse in judgment doesn’t haunt them for the rest of their life and compromise their future!

Contact a Daytona Beach juvenile criminal attorney at Hager & Schwartz, P.A. for more information about our services by calling (386) 693-1637. We proudly represent children, teens, and young adults throughout Daytona Beach, Deltona and all of Volusia County facing criminal charges.