Ft. Lauderdale Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney
Has your son or daughter been arrested in Broward County or in Palm Beach? If so, you need to speak with a South Florida juvenile criminal defense lawyer who is experienced in dealing with the unique issues which arise when the State of Florida files a petition for delinquency against a child. First and foremost it is juvenile defense attorney Antonio D. Quinn's primary concern to keep his juvenile client's criminal records clean so that future educational and employment opportunities will not be limited. Any arrest can affect a child's future ability to get a job, get into college or even to maintain a driver's license in many cases
Fort Lauderdale juvenile criminal defense attorney Antonio D. Quinn, Esq. has extensive experience in juvenile court representing children who are being charged with a crime. Attorney Quinn recognizes the impact that even a single arrest can have on your child's future and he has the experience and expertise to minimize the damage. Juvenile defense attorneyAntonio D. Quinn will fight hard to ensure that a single mistake does not affect your child's entire life.
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Juvenile Delinquency Proceedings in Florida
As a juvenile criminal defense attorney who has handled hundreds of cases involving children who have been arrested, Antonio D. Quinn, Esq. is familiar with the special rules which apply in juvenile court. First of all, a child is not entitled to a jury trial in juvenile court in Florida so it is of the utmost importance to retain a criminal defense attorney who is familiar with the local judges and prosecutors in order to maximize the chance of achieving a desirable result in your child's case.
When a child is arrested, they are either issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) or for more serious offense they are arrested and taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC) for processing and evaluation. In some cases if a child is over the age of 16 and he or she is being accused of a very serious offense, the State Attorney's Office may choose to "direct file" the case to adult court where the child could be facing much more serious consequences than they would in juvenile court. The decision of whether or not to direct file a case lies solely with the State Attorney's office, so it is very important to hire an experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney immediately after a child is arrested so that the attorney can intervene with the filing attorney and work to keep the case out of adult court.
The State of Florida offers a number of diversion programs for juvenile offenders which can keep their records clean. Antonio Quinn is familiar with all of the programs in juvenile court and regularly counsels parents in deciding which is the best course of action for their child. Attorney Quinn also assists parents in sealing and expunging their child's criminal histories.
Ft. Lauderdale juvenile criminal defense attorney Antonio D. Quinn, Esq. represents juveniles accused of all crimes including:
- fighting or battery
- disrupting a school function
- possession of drugs on school grounds
- throwing a deadly missile
- possession of a concealed weapon on school grounds
- vandalism
- loitering and prowling
- disorderly conduct
- possession of marijuana
Juvenile detention and the detention center
Based upon a numerical scoring system which takes into account the seriousness of the crime with which a child is being charged along with their criminal history. There are three possible "detention status" levels. If your child has been arrested a judge will determine whether they are going to be:
- Released to a parent or guardian's custody
- Placed on home detention for 21 days or
- Be given 21 days of secure detention at the juvenile detention facility
A stay a t the juvenile detention facility can be extremely traumatic for a child as it is not a nice place to be. Antonio D. Quinn, Esq. has extensive knowledge and experience handling juvenile detention matters and retaining Quinn Law, PA as early as possible may very well make all the difference as to whether your child spends 21 days at the juvenile detention center.
Juvenile Sentencing
Sentencing in the juvenile system is completely different than it is in the adult system and it is important to retain an attorney who is experienced and knowledgeable in handling juvenile sentencing matters. The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) routinely evaluates children who have been arrested and makes sentencing recommendations to the court. It is important to have a child who can advocate on your child's behalf with the DJJ to ensure that what is recommended to the court is truly in the best interests of your child. A skilled juvenile criminal defense attorney can also present arguments to the court for departure from the DJJ recommendation if needed.
Juveniles and Competency and Mental Health
In order to best serve the needs of a child who has become involved with the criminal justice system, it is sometimes necessary to involve mental health professionals who are familiar with the issues facing young adults. Competency and psychological examinations can sometimes be required in cases where the mental health or maturity of a child appears to be at issue.
To schedule a case evaluation with a criminal defense attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced in handling juvenile criminal matters contact Quinn Law, PA at (954) 729-7770.