If your child committed a serious crime, you (rightly) must fear the severity of the charges against them. Although the law traditionally rules that anyone under the age of 18 is a juvenile and will be tried in the juvenile court system, there are cases when juveniles can be charged as adults. The state of Florida only allows prosecutors to decide whether a juvenile will be tried as an adult; this is called direct file. In direct file, the minimum age a minor can be tried as an adult is 14 years old. However, no minimum age is set for capital offenses, which are offenses punishable with the death penalty or life imprisonment.
If your child faces criminal charges, the Fort Lauderdale juvenile crimes attorneys at Rudenberg and Glasser, P.A. can help you. Contact us today at (954) 543-1788 for an initial consultation.
When Is a Juvenile Tried as an Adult?
There are a few factors a prosecutor considers when deciding if a juvenile should be charged as an adult for their crimes. A juvenile may be charged as an adult if they committed a serious offense, like murder. A prosecutor will also consider the minor’s juvenile record and past crimes, along with their age. If the prosecutor sees that the juvenile’s past rehabilitation efforts were unsuccessful, they may believe that charging a juvenile as an adult is the best option.
What Are the Consequences of Being Charged as an Adult?
A juvenile charged as an adult will face serious consequences. If they are charged as an adult, they can face the same penalties as adults—including life without parole. A juvenile charged as an adult can lose access to education and employment opportunities. An adult conviction can also result in the loss of civic rights, such as the right to own a firearm and the right to vote.
Fort Lauderdale Juvenile Crimes Attorney: Call Today at (954) 543-1788
If your child was arrested, you're bound to have questions. You may be worried about how you can help your child avoid long-term penalties that jeopardize their future. We know that minors may lack the reasoning skills to understand their rights, and even if they do, they may lack the wisdom to protect themselves without the help of a lawyer. For that reason, it is vital to have an experienced attorney by their side who will defend their rights and get the best possible results for their case.
It's time to call Rudenberg and Glasser, P.A.. Our firm has handled thousands of cases, and we provide aggressive and dedicated representation. When you need an aggressive advocate who knows how to protect your child's future, call us. The first thing we'll do is make every effort to keep your child's case in the juvenile system, where rehabilitation and expungement is possible. Speak with us today!
We are available 24/7 for our clients! Contact us today for an initial consultation at (954) 543-1788.