Pasco County Juvenile Offenses Lawyer
If your child has been accused of a juvenile offense in the Tampa Bay area, having a knowledgeable and experienced attorney is critical to protecting their future. At Athanaselos & Associates, P.A., our Pasco County juvenile offenses lawyer understands the challenges families face when a minor is charged with a criminal offense. With child welfare dependency experience on both sides of Pasco County, attorney John Athanaselos provides compassionate legal guidance while fiercely defending your child’s rights in the juvenile justice system.
Common Juvenile Offenses in Pasco County
Juvenile offenses encompass a broad range of criminal acts committed by individuals under the age of 18. These cases are handled in a different system than adult criminal cases, with the focus often placed on rehabilitation rather than punishment. However, the consequences can still be severe, potentially affecting education, employment opportunities, and more.
Common juvenile offenses in Pasco County include:
- Shoplifting or theft
- Drug possession or distribution
- Underage drinking or DUI
- Vandalism or property damage
- Assault or battery
- Cybercrimes or sexting
- Truancy or school-related offenses
While the juvenile justice system is designed to address these matters differently than the adult system, prosecutors and judges take these cases seriously, and your child’s future could be at risk.
Florida’s Juvenile Justice System
The juvenile justice process in Florida differs significantly from adult criminal proceedings. Instead of being charged with a crime, a minor may be referred to juvenile court, where the focus is on rehabilitation. However, depending on the severity of the offense, prosecutors may seek to try the minor as an adult in criminal court, which could lead to harsher penalties and a lifetime of legal disabilities.
Steps in a typical juvenile case include:
- Arrest or referral – A juvenile may be taken into custody or referred to court by law enforcement or school officials.
- Intake and assessment – The case is reviewed by the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to determine how to proceed.
- Diversion programs – For less serious offenses, the minor may be offered an opportunity to participate in programs designed to avoid formal charges.
- Detention hearing – If the juvenile is held in custody, a hearing is held to determine whether they should remain in detention.
- Adjudication hearing – Similar to a trial, this hearing determines whether the juvenile committed the offense.
- Disposition – If found guilty, the court may order probation, community service, counseling, or placement in a residential program.
Dealing with this process can be overwhelming for children and their parents alike, which is why having an experienced juvenile offenses defense attorney by your side is essential.
Why You Need a Juvenile Offenses Defense Attorney
Even though juvenile offenses often carry less severe penalties than adult crimes, the consequences can still have long-term implications. A conviction in juvenile court can lead to difficulties with college admissions, obtaining scholarships, employment opportunities, joining the military, and more.
At Athanaselos & Associates, P.A., we are committed to minimizing the impact of these charges on your child’s life. Our team will investigate the circumstances surrounding the charges, advocate for diversion or alternative resolutions, defend against attempts to transfer the case to adult court, and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your child.
Protect Your Child’s Future Today
If your child has been accused of a juvenile offense in Pasco County, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Athanaselos & Associates, P.A. is here to provide the skilled defense your family needs during this challenging time. Our goal is to protect your child’s rights and ensure their best possible future.
Contact us today for a no-cost, confidential consultation. Our Pasco County juvenile crime lawyer will review the details of your child’s case and outline a strategy tailored to their unique circumstances. Call us at 727-810-8405 or complete our online contact form to get started now.