Jacksonville Juvenile Crime Attorneys

Fighting to Protect Your Child’s Future

If your child has been arrested or cited and charged with a criminal offense, you have every reason to be concerned. Youth offenders can face tremendous uphill battles in Florida’s juvenile justice system, and the consequences of a conviction can have a life-altering impact on their futures. At a time when your child should be focusing on their next steps in life, dealing with a criminal allegation can put almost everything on the line.

Owenby Law, P.A. has earned a reputation for providing hard-hitting defense strategies to clients throughout Jacksonville, including children and teenagers facing juvenile charges. Our top-rated team has extensive experience protecting the rights of the criminally accused, as well as protecting the futures of minors who have been charged with crimes handled in the state’s juvenile justice system.

Why should you make Owenby Law, P.A. your first choice?

• Thousands of cases successfully handled
• Strong record of success in criminal defense
• Backed by over 20 years of collective experience
• Client satisfaction and attention are priorities

If your child has been charged with a crime, talk to our Jacksonville juvenile crime lawyers now. Contact us online or dial (904) 770-3141 to request a FREE and confidential consultation.

Future-Oriented Juvenile Defense

Our attorneys understand that youthful mistakes can sometimes lead to criminal charges and serious consequences, which is why we work tirelessly to review and investigate each situation, explore available options and defense strategies, and work toward securing a fair resolution. While we try to secure charge dismissals that pose no penalties, we also understand the value of working with prosecutors and the court to adjudicate alternative sentencing options. Sometimes, this approach allows a minor to remain out of incarceration and complete their education.

Our juvenile criminal defense lawyers in Jacksonville can provide the representation that youths and their parents need in a wide range of cases, including those involving:

• Drug crimes, including possession
• Underage DUI
• Theft crimes, including burglary and shoplifting
• Assault
• Battery
• Domestic violence
• Vandalism and property crimes
• Sex crimes
• Traffic Crimes

How the Florida Juvenile Justice System Works

Florida’s juvenile justice system is designed differently from the adult criminal court, but that does not mean the consequences are minor. You and your child should know the nuances of the system and how they could affect the juvenile crime case.

A few important aspects of the juvenile justice system are:

• Intake and assessment: After an arrest or referral, the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) conducts an intake assessment. This process evaluates the alleged offense, prior history, and perceived risk to determine whether formal charges will be pursued and whether detention is recommended.
• Detention hearings: If the State seeks to detain a juvenile, a detention hearing is typically held within 24 hours. A judge decides whether the child will be held in a juvenile detention center or released to a parent or guardian, often with conditions.
• Adjudicatory hearings: The adjudicatory hearing is similar to a trial in adult court. The judge determines whether the allegations are proven. Juvenile cases are decided by a judge, not a jury.
• Disposition hearings: If the child is adjudicated delinquent, the court moves to disposition. This phase determines penalties, supervision, and required programs.
• Juvenile court vs. adult court: The juvenile court focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. However, Florida law allows certain juveniles to be charged as adults based on age, offense type, or prosecutorial discretion. Adult charges expose juveniles to significantly harsher penalties and permanent criminal records.

Penalties & Long-Term Consequences of Juvenile Charges

Even in juvenile court, the consequences of a criminal allegation can be serious and long-lasting, such as:

• Detention and supervision: Juveniles may be placed in secure detention centers or non-secure residential programs. Others may be placed on probation with strict reporting requirements, curfews, and supervision.
• Court-ordered conditions: During disposition, the court may decide that the juvenile should be penalized through community service hours, mandatory counseling or treatment programs, substance abuse or anger management classes, educational or behavioral programs, and paying restitution to alleged victims.
• School consequences: Schools may impose suspensions, expulsions, or alternative placements following an arrest, even before a case is resolved. School discipline often proceeds independently of the court process.
• Record issues: Juvenile records are not automatically sealed or expunged. Certain offenses can remain accessible to schools, employers, colleges, and government agencies unless proper legal steps are taken.
• Future opportunities: Juvenile records can impact college admissions and scholarships, employment background checks, military enlistment eligibility, and even professional licensing opportunities.

How Our Jacksonville Juvenile Defense Lawyers Help

At Owenby Law, P.A., our juvenile defense strategy focuses on early action and long-term protection. We want to do everything we can to allow your child to continue to have a promising future that is unhindered by consequences brought by the state.

When working on a juvenile defense case, we can attempt to:

• Prevent formal charges: When possible, we work to resolve cases during intake, before formal delinquency petitions are filed.
• Avoid detention: We argue for release to parents or guardians and challenge unnecessary detention recommendations.
• Keep cases in juvenile court: We aggressively oppose efforts to transfer eligible cases to adult court, which can bring even harsher penalties and collateral consequences.
• Negotiate diversion and alternative programs: Many juvenile cases can be resolved through diversion programs that avoid adjudication and protect the child’s record.
• Protect the juvenile record: When cases resolve favorably, we advise families on record sealing and expungement options to prevent long-term harm.

FAQs About Juvenile Crimes in Florida

Will my child go to jail for a first offense?
Juvenile cases do not involve adult jails, but detention is possible depending on the charge and circumstances. Many first-time offenses can be resolved without detention when handled properly.

Can a juvenile be charged as an adult in Florida?
Yes. Florida law allows certain juveniles to be charged as adults based on age, offense type, and prosecutorial discretion.

Will this stay on my child’s record?
Juvenile records are not automatically erased. Sealing or expungement may be possible, but it requires proactive legal action.

What is juvenile detention like?
Juvenile detention centers are secure facilities with structured schedules, supervision, and limited contact with family. Conditions vary, but detention can be traumatic for young people.

Should we talk to the police or the school?
Parents and juveniles are not required to speak with law enforcement or school officials without legal guidance. Statements can be used in court and disciplinary proceedings.

Can juvenile records be sealed or expunged?
In some cases, yes. Eligibility depends on the offense, case outcome, and prior history. Legal counsel helps ensure deadlines and requirements are met.

Put Our Defense Team on Your Side

Juvenile cases move quickly, and early decisions can shape the case, which in turn can shape a child’s future. Prompt legal representation is highly recommended. Reach out to Owenby Law, P.A. as soon as you can if you want help to protect your child’s rights and opportunities.

Let’s fight for your child’s future together. Call our Jacksonville juvenile defense lawyers at (904) 770-3141 now and request a FREE consultation.