Category Archives: Juvenile Law
How to Keep Your Child’s Case in the Florida Juvenile Court System
In Broward County, any individual 18 years or younger who is charged with committing a crime may be processed through the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Juvenile Delinquency system instead of adult court. Though the offense itself is either a misdemeanor or felony, Florida law treats minors differently. The intent behind the juvenile system… Read More »
Juvenile Gun Charges in Florida
Every state has statutes regarding possession and use of a firearm, and Florida is no different. State gun laws cover everything from who can own one, where you can buy, types of illegal firearms, and enhancements for using a gun in the commission of a crime. There are also restrictions for juveniles and firearms,… Read More »
Proposed Reforms In Florida Juvenile Cases
If criminal justice activists can persuade lawmakers to relax Florida law on the handling of juvenile cases, 2018 may be the year that a 28-year-old bill actually becomes law. According to a December 5, 2017 article in the Tallahassee Democrat, the Sunshine State’s current juvenile crimes system is at odds with research on the… Read More »
What is Unlawful Sexual Activity with a Minor?
A Bradenton, Florida woman faces multiple charges after being arrested for providing alcohol to underage individuals and engaging in sex acts with teenagers in December 2016. ABC Local 10 News reported that authorities were tipped off to the crimes by a caller who said the woman, 40, had inappropriate sexual encounters with five teens… Read More »
Pre-Arrest Diversion Programs for Juvenile Offenders
Florida TaxWatch, a non-governmental watchdog group that focuses on efficient use of the state’s tax payer dollars, recently released results of a study covering juvenile pre-arrest diversion programs. The report demonstrated that these programs, officially termed “civil citations” under Florida law, are effective in reducing taxpayer investment in matters involving children committing certain non-violent… Read More »
Diversion Programs Offer an Alternative to Criminal Conviction
A recent article in Florida Today reported on the findings of the state’s taxpayer watchdog group, Florida TaxWatch, related to various diversion programs for criminal activities. The analysis specifically focused on Florida’s pre-arrest diversion for juveniles, but also pointed out how these programs can put taxpayer dollars to better use – as compared to… Read More »
New Florida Law Allows Juvenile Offenders to Expunge Records at 21 Years of Age or Earlier
When it comes to charging adolescents and minors with crimes, there is always a feeling that the system has failed the children. The fact that they have been arrested for a misdemeanor or a felony generally says more about the situation that they have grown up in rather than the terrible qualities or negative… Read More »
Miranda Rights and Juveniles: Are Kids Old Enough To Waive Miranda Rights?
“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to speak to an attorney before speaking to the police and to have one in the future. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you…”… Read More »
Is There a Place in Our Society for Smart Gun Technology? Can It Stop Accidental Shootings?
Gun violence has soared out of control over the last decade, and more significantly in the last couple of years. It has been estimated that since mid-April, there have been at least 23 people who have been shot and killed accidentally by a toddler between the ages of 1 and 3 years of age…. Read More »
Prohibiting the Access of Firearms to Minors in Florida
Florida, in comparison to the majority of the states around the country, is known as one of the more pro-gun states, with legislation and laws to protect the right of their citizens to possess firearms, use firearms, carry openly or concealed firearms, and protect themselves in moments of self-defense, known as Stand Your Ground…. Read More »