Laws regarding the Juvenile Justice System are governed, enacted, and regulated on a state basis. The state acts as a parent to a youth who is charged with a juvenile crime. This is called the parens patriae doctrine.
The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice explains what exactly will happen with your child during the Juvenile Justice Process in the State of Florida.
1. Contact With Law Enforcement
- Law enforcement has probable cause to believe your child committed a crime.
2. Taken Into Custody/Given a Civil Citation
- Your child is taken into custody, where they are referred to the local Juvenile Assessment Center or an on-call screener. You are then notified of the arrest.
- As an alternative to an arrest, your child may be issued a Civil Citation, a program designed to address a youth’s behavior during their first encounter with law enforcement and the Juvenile Justice System.
3. Detection Process
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
- This initiative focuses on moving low-risk youth from secure detention into community-based programs.
Detention Risk Assessment Instrument (DRAI)
- Your child will assessed to determine whether or not they should be placed in secure, non-secure, or home detention care prior to a hearing.
4. Awaiting Court Date
Within a Secure Detention Center
- Depending on your child’s risk level, he or she may be required to remain in a secure detention center until further action is determined.
Home-Based Detention
- You child may also be allowed to await their court dates at home under certain conditions.
5. Possible Outcomes
Cased Dropped
- This is a formal entry by the state attorney that your child’s case will not be prosecuted.
Diversion Program
- Your child will have the right to an attorney where they may have the opportunity to enter the Diversion Program which is designed to help keep youth from entering the Juvenile Justice System.
Adult Court
- If your child is charged with a crime as an adult, they will be sentenced in court to either youth or adult sanctions.
Adjudication Witheld
- Your child is placed on community supervision.
Adjudicated
- Your child is found guilty of committing a delinquent act. He or she can be committed or placed on community supervision.
6. Youth Plans and Facilities
Released
- If the court drops your child’s case, they will be released.
YES Plan
- If your child is placed on community supervision, he or she may be required to meet with Juvenile Probation Officers (JPO) to develop a Youth-Empowered Success (YES) Plan. This plan is designed to assist officers and case managers to help your child establish meaningful goals.
Residential Facility
- If the court rules your child needs further rehabilitation, they may be sent to live and receive treatment in a residential facility.
What to do Next
We are juvenile defense attorneys, and we can help you and your child obtain he best outcome from this frightening experience.
Call us now at (904) 354-2444 or on our after-hours/emergency line at (904) 632-4888. You can also fill out a Free Case Evaluation or visit us directly at our office in Downtown Jacksonville.
Call us now at (904) 354-2444 or on our after-hours/emergency line at (904) 632-4888. You can also fill out a Free Case Evaluation or visit us directly at our office in Downtown Jacksonville.