Gavel and juvenile delinquency paperwork

Juvenile Defense Attorney

If your child is charged with a crime, it can be a difficult, scary time. Juvenile delinquency can also affect your child into adulthood.

A juvenile defense attorney has your child's best interests and future at heart and can provide guidance and support for your entire family.

Why should you hire a lawyer at J. David Bogenschutz & Associates, P.A.?

Gavel and juvenile delinquency paperwork

Our Firm Provides  Assistance for Your Entire Family

Guidance Through the Process

In the state of Florida, the juvenile justice system is very different from the adult criminal justice system. Juveniles go through an entirely different process than adults. Our attorneys can guide you through the process, from beginning to end. 

Immense Support 

We understand that this is an overwhelming time for your entire family. Without the proper legal support, your child can be tried as an adult and receive serious consequences. Attorneys J. David Bogenschutz want to make sure that your child gets the second chance that he or she deserves
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What does it mean if my child is "direct-filed" into adult court?

When a child is charged with a crime, the way in which that charge is handled can have residual affects on your child's future. Like adults, children could face probation, jail time, and other serious penalties that will affect your family for years to come. 

Under Florida Statute 985.557, a prosecutor is permitted to "direct file" an Information which puts a juvenile into adult court. The law allows a prosecutor to push a child from juvenile court into adult court so long as the child was 14 or 15 years of age at the time the child allegedly committed, attempted to commit, or conspired to commit one of the following offenses:

1. Arson

2. Sexual Battery

3. Robbery

4. Kidnapping

5. Aggravated child abuse

6. Aggravated Assault

7. Aggravated Stalking

8. Murder

9. Manslaughter

10. Unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructive device or bomb;

11. Armed burglary

12. Aggravated battery

13. Any lewd or lascivious offense committed on an individual under 16

14. Carrying, displaying, using, threatening, or attempting to use a weapon or firearm in the commission of a felony

15. Grand theft

16. Possessing or discharging a weapon or firearm on school grounds

17. Home invasion robbery

18. Carjacking

19. Grand theft of a motor vehicle

This Florida Statute allows the Court to treat any child whose case is being handled in adult court as though that child were an adult. It's important to have an attorney who understands options and possible defenses available to your child when charged with any crime, whether they remain in juvenile court or are direct-filed into adult court. 

Chart comparing juvenile and criminal law

J. David Bogenschutz & Associates, P.A.

J. David Bogenschutz & Associates, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale has been providing aggressive, knowledgeable representation in all areas of criminal defense since 1971. Our team is affiliated with renowned professional organizations, including: 

  • American Bar Foundation
  • American Bar Association
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • American College of Trial Lawyers

To speak with us about your case, call us at (954) 764-2500 or request a consultation online.

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Fort Lauderdale Office

550 S. Andrews Ave.
Suite 430
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Open Today 8:30am - 5:30pm

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