When a child or teenager is accused of a crime, the experience can be frightening and confusing for both the youth and their family. The juvenile justice system in Florida operates differently from adult court, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment — but the consequences can still be serious and long-lasting.
At Roussos Law Group, we represent juveniles and their families across Florida in cases ranging from minor misdemeanors to serious felony charges. Our team brings valuable insight into how prosecutors handle juvenile cases and how to protect a young person’s rights and future.
Under Florida Statute §985.03, a juvenile offense occurs when a person under the age of 18 is alleged to have violated a state, federal, or local law. Juvenile cases are handled within Florida’s Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) system, which emphasizes supervision, education, and rehabilitation.
Common juvenile charges include:
Although the juvenile system is designed to be rehabilitative, certain offenses can lead to adult prosecution under §985.56 or §985.557, depending on the severity of the crime and the youth’s prior record.
Possible consequences for juvenile offenses may include:
Juvenile cases rely heavily on school reports, witness statements, and law enforcement referrals. Prosecutors and the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) work together to assess the child’s background, prior offenses, and the nature of the alleged act before recommending sanctions.
Common forms of evidence include:
Our criminal defense team understands the process behind these evaluations and how charging decisions are made. Our firm reviews each piece of evidence to determine whether the child’s rights were respected and whether law enforcement acted appropriately during questioning and arrest.
Defending minors requires more than legal knowledge; it requires understanding the developmental, emotional, and educational context of each case. At Roussos Law Group, we focus on protecting both the child’s immediate rights and their long-term opportunities.
Common defense strategies may include:
We also work closely with families to ensure they understand each stage of the process — from detention hearings to adjudication and potential expungement options.
While Florida’s juvenile system aims to rehabilitate, a finding of delinquency can still impact a child’s education, employment, and future opportunities.
Consequences may include:
In certain cases, juvenile records may be eligible for expungement under §943.0582 after completion of a diversion program, helping restore opportunities as the youth transitions to adulthood.
This summary is provided for general educational purposes and may not reflect the latest legislative updates. Always consult an attorney for advice about your specific situation.
Juvenile records are generally confidential, but in some cases—especially if the child is tried as an adult—they may become public. Some records can later be expunged.
{cdla2}
Diversion programs allow minors to complete counseling, community service, or restitution instead of facing formal prosecution. Eligibility depends on the charge and prior record.
School-based incidents often involve both administrative and criminal components. Legal representation ensures that rights are protected in both settings.
Yes. Under certain statutes (§985.56 and §985.557), serious or repeat offenders can be “direct filed” into adult court. This makes experienced representation essential.
Our experienced attorneys are ready to guide you through every step with confidence.
Founder
Director of Criminal Defense & Equity Partner
Equity Partner
Complete the form below to connect with a Roussos Law Group attorney for your free, confidential consultation.
Juvenile records are generally confidential, but in some cases—especially if the child is tried as an adult—they may become public. Some records can later be expunged.
{cdla2}
Diversion programs allow minors to complete counseling, community service, or restitution instead of facing formal prosecution. Eligibility depends on the charge and prior record.
School-based incidents often involve both administrative and criminal components. Legal representation ensures that rights are protected in both settings.
Yes. Under certain statutes (§985.56 and §985.557), serious or repeat offenders can be “direct filed” into adult court. This makes experienced representation essential.
