Florida's current population of juveniles between the age of 10 to 17 years old is approximately 1.85 million strong. During the fiscal period of 2009 to 2010 alone, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice saw delinquency referrals that involved 75,382 young people. The following is a break-down of juvenile arrests for some of the more popular offenses:
- Burglary: 11,831 Juvenile arrests;
- Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana: 7,907 Juvenile arrests;
- Aggravated Assault & Battery: 7,158 Juvenile arrests;
- Felony Drug Offenses: 2,427 Juvenile arrests:
- Theft / Grand Theft Auto: 1,510 Juvenile arrests;
- Armed Robbery: 972 Juvenile arrests;
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: 806 Juvenile arrests;
- Sexual Battery / Rape: 582 Juvenile arrests
New Law Would Help Avoid Juvenile Arrest
On May 2nd of this year, the Florida Senate passed legislation that permits law enforcement officers to issue a "Civil Citation," rather than formally arrest a juvenile. The law was signed by the governor on June 2, 2011 and took effect on July 1, 2011. The civil citation avoids the stigma and arrest record associated with a young person who is formally taken into custody. You should think of a "civil citation" more along the lines of a "civil infraction," such as a traffic ticket. More importantly, being cited with a "civil" citation side steps all of the negative ramifications of being charged with a "criminal" offense. The program is not only designed to offer "one free bite of the apple" to juvenile offenders, but it is estimated to also save Florida taxpayers over $157.8 million dollars by avoiding the arrest, incarceration and burden on the criminal justice system.
There are nevertheless limitations and ramifications for those who fail to comply with the mandates of the citation. Florida Statute Section 985.12 provides that a law enforcement officer can only issue a civil citation to first time misdemeanor offenders. Felony criminal offenses are not eligible. Likewise, should the juvenile not fully comply with the program requirements associated with the citation, he can be prosecuted in the juvenile justice system criminally.
What Does The Citation Typically Require?
Typically, the citation would require the youth to complete community service hours, participate in intervention services such as family counseling, mental health counseling or substance abuse treatment. If appropriate, the program could entail the payment of restitution. It might also provide for a close monitoring of the youth's progress in school, along with a written letter of apology.
What if My Son or Daughter Has Already Been Arrested?
You should call our St. Petersburg / Clearwater Law Offices to schedule a free consultation:
1.) We can discuss a possible early intervention in an effort to convince the prosecutor to drop the charge;
2.) We can evaluate if your child qualifies for "The Plan" or the "Pre-Trial Diversion" program which upon successful completion will result in a dismissal of the charge;
3.) We can explain the benefits of a "Withhold of Adjudication" and a second chance through probation as a strategy to avoid a formal conviction or how plea bargains can be used in an effort to achieve the best possible outcome.
Your good reputation and the future of your child are tied to this pending criminal charge. Defense Attorneys Frank Russo, Tim Sullivan and Marc Pelletier are former state prosecutors. They know their way around the Pinellas County Juvenile Court system. Put their experience to work for you!
Has Your Child Been Arrested for a Criminal Offense?
Call a Former State Prosecutor!
Free consultation: (727) 578-0303
Possible Solutions... See: Our Pinellas County Juvenile Defense Website
Links:
Keeping Kids Outside the System - Alternatives to Juvenile Detention
How to Select the Right Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney
Avoiding Post Arrest Publicity
Misdemeanor Theft Cases
What is the charge "Dealing in Stolen Property"? Keeping Track of Troubled Pinellas Teens
Comments