When a child is charged with a crime, the consequences can be life-altering. A juvenile criminal conviction can impact a young person’s future opportunities for education, employment, and more. At The Lipsey Law Firm, we understand how stressful it is for families when their child is facing legal trouble. Our experienced Tampa juvenile defense lawyer, Attorney Theo Lipsey, is dedicated to providing compassionate, aggressive defense for juveniles. We work tirelessly to protect your child’s future and ensure that a single mistake doesn’t define their entire life.
Why Choose The Lipsey Law Firm for Juvenile Defense?
- Experience with the Juvenile Court System: Attorney Lipsey has extensive experience navigating Florida’s juvenile justice system and understands the unique procedures involved in juvenile cases.
- Family-Focused Representation: We know that a juvenile charge affects the entire family. Our firm works closely with parents and guardians to develop the best possible defense for your child.
- Goal-Oriented Defense: Our primary goal is to avoid harsh penalties like detention and focus on rehabilitation to give your child a second chance.
Common Juvenile Crimes We Defend in Tampa
Juveniles can be charged with a wide variety of crimes, many of which can have severe consequences. Some of the most common juvenile offenses we defend include:
- Shoplifting and Theft: Even minor theft offenses can result in criminal charges. We work to reduce or dismiss these charges to protect your child’s record.
- Vandalism: Acts of vandalism, including graffiti or property damage, can lead to criminal charges. We strive to find alternatives to detention, such as community service or restitution.
- Assault and Battery: Juveniles involved in fights or altercations may face assault or battery charges. We aim to reduce these charges and prevent a criminal record.
- Drug Possession: Many juveniles are charged with drug possession, which can have long-term consequences. We focus on getting charges reduced or dismissed and exploring diversion programs.
- Underage Drinking and DUI: Underage drinking or driving under the influence is a common charge among juveniles. We work to minimize the impact of these charges on your child’s future.
- Cybercrimes: In today’s digital age, juveniles may face charges related to online activity, including hacking, cyberbullying, or identity theft.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Florida
In Florida, juvenile cases are handled differently from adult cases. The primary focus of the juvenile justice system is rehabilitation, not punishment. However, in some cases, a juvenile may be tried as an adult if the crime is particularly serious or if the juvenile is a repeat offender.
Some key differences between juvenile and adult court include:
- Confidential Proceedings: Juvenile cases are typically confidential, meaning that the court records are not made public.
- Focus on Rehabilitation: Juvenile courts aim to rehabilitate the child, often using probation, counseling, and diversion programs as alternatives to detention.
- Possibility of Adult Charges: In some cases, the state may “direct file” the case, meaning the juvenile is tried as an adult. This can lead to much harsher penalties.
Our firm works diligently to keep juvenile cases in the juvenile system, ensuring that your child receives treatment and rehabilitation rather than harsh punishment.
Potential Penalties for Juvenile Offenses in Florida
Although the juvenile justice system prioritizes rehabilitation, there are still serious consequences for juvenile offenders. Potential penalties include:
- Probation: Juveniles may be placed on probation, with conditions such as attending school, maintaining good behavior, and completing counseling or community service.
- Diversion Programs: Diversion programs allow juveniles to avoid formal charges by completing certain requirements, such as community service, counseling, or educational programs.
- Detention: In more serious cases, juveniles may be placed in a juvenile detention center, either as a short-term consequence or for a longer-term sentence.
- Restitution: Juveniles may be required to pay restitution to victims for any damage or losses caused by their actions.
- Expungement: In some cases, juvenile records can be sealed or expunged, meaning they will not follow the child into adulthood.
At The Lipsey Law Firm, we work to minimize penalties and explore every option for avoiding detention or a permanent criminal record.
How We Defend Juvenile Charges in Tampa
We develop personalized defense strategies for juvenile cases by focusing on rehabilitation and minimizing the long-term impact on your child’s life. Our defense strategies include:
- Challenging the Evidence: We will carefully review the evidence to ensure that your child’s rights were not violated during the arrest or investigation. Any evidence obtained unlawfully can be challenged in court.
- Exploring Diversion Programs: We advocate for diversion programs whenever possible, helping your child avoid formal charges by completing educational programs or community service.
- Negotiating with Prosecutors: We work with the prosecution to seek alternative resolutions, such as reducing charges or securing probation instead of detention.
- Protecting Your Child’s Record: We strive to have your child’s record sealed or expunged, so their mistakes don’t follow them into adulthood.
What to Do If Your Child Is Charged with a Crime in Tampa
- Remain Calm: If your child is charged with a crime, it’s important to remain calm and not panic. The juvenile justice system is focused on rehabilitation, and we will work to protect your child’s future.
- Contact The Lipsey Law Firm Immediately: Time is of the essence in juvenile cases. Contact our firm as soon as possible to begin building a strong defense for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions About Juvenile Defense
1. Can a juvenile’s criminal record be sealed or expunged?
In many cases, juvenile records can be sealed or expunged, meaning they won’t follow the child into adulthood. We will work to ensure that your child’s record is cleared whenever possible.
2. Will my child go to jail for a juvenile offense?
Juvenile detention is typically a last resort, and we will work to avoid detention by advocating for alternatives such as probation or diversion programs.
3. What happens if my child is tried as an adult?
If your child is tried as an adult, they could face much harsher penalties, including adult prison. We will fight to keep the case in juvenile court to protect your child from adult consequences.
Contact The Lipsey Law Firm for Juvenile Defense in Tampa
If your child is facing criminal charges, you need an experienced juvenile defense attorney to protect their future. The Lipsey Law Firm is here to provide compassionate, aggressive defense for your child. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Call: 813-683-7017
Visit: 13065 W Linebaugh Ave, Suite 102, Tampa, FL 33626
Email: contactus@lipseylawfirm.info
