Juvenile Law

We Accept Credit Cards

The information on this web site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should contact an attorney for advice on your individual situation. Contacting Crutchfield & Wilson does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Disclaimer

Asking a question does not require that you hire us. Please feel free to call or e-mail our firm, or simply ask your question by completing the following form. We'll get back to you as soon as possible – usually within a couple of hours of your email or form request submission if received during business hours (or on the following business day if sent after hours). We also have a live person answering service to take your emergency telephone call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Please complete the following form and click Submit.

We will contact you as soon as possible regarding your request.

Contact Us.

Give us a shout on FaceBook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Juvenile Law

The State of Florida classifies juvenile law into two separate categories:  Dependency cases (wherein a child is the alleged victim of abuse or neglect and involving the Department of Child and Families, also known as “DCF”) and Delinquency cases (wherein a minor child is arrested for a crime).  While there are differences in terminology, the delinquency process is similar to that of criminal cases involving adult defendants in that both types of cases are prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office.

However, a significant difference between juvenile court and “adult” court is that bond is not applicable to minor children.  Instead, a Judge determines whether the child is to remain in detention, and if so, for how long and what conditions shall be placed upon the child in order for his or her release to family.  Another substantial difference is that a minor child is not entitled to a jury trial.  Rather, the juvenile defendant is permitted to opt for a bench trial - wherein trial is held before a Judge who not only presides over the proceeding, but also makes a finding of guilt or innocence.

If your child has been arrested, it is important to seek prompt legal advice in order to protect your child’s rights.  The attorneys at Crutchfield & Wilson have extensive experience in both juvenile and adult criminal defense.  Please contact our office to discuss your child’s specific case with one of our attorneys, at no cost or obligation.

Helpful Links

18th Judicial Circuit  -  Brevard County  -  Clerk of Courts