Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale

When your juvenile loved one has been charged with a crime, you need an attorney who will put their experience to work for you. At George Reres Law, P.A., we have years of criminal defense experience, including juvenile cases, and we will use every bit of it to help you get the best possible outcome for your case.

We understand how much is at stake with your child’s case. They could be facing serious penalties, including time in a juvenile assessment center, probation, and even being tried as an adult in some cases. We will do everything in our power to make sure they aren’t convicted of criminal charges.

We represent clients throughout Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas who have been charged with all types of juvenile crimes, including vandalism, shoplifting, burglary, assault, and more. No matter what charges your child is facing, we will be there for you every step of the way to ensure their rights are protected. Contact George Reres Law, P.A. today at  954-543-1186 for a free initial consultation.

What are Common Juvenile Crimes?

There is no definitive answer when it comes to common juvenile crimes. This is because the definition of a juvenile crime can vary from state to state. However, there are some offenses that tend to be classified as juvenile crimes more often than others. These include:

• Underage drinking: One of the most common juvenile crimes in America, underage drinking can lead to serious consequences.
• Theft: Another common juvenile crime is theft. This can include shoplifting, burglary, and car theft. In some states, juveniles may be charged with robbery if they use force or threats of force while committing a theft.
• Vandalism: Vandalism encompasses a wide range of activities, from graffiti to the destruction of property. In many cases, juveniles will be charged with vandalism if they cause damage to public or private property without the owner’s permission.
• Breaking and entering: This offense usually refers to the act of entering a building without the owner’s permission with the intent to commit a crime. It may also be considered breaking and entering if a juvenile attempts to enter a locked vehicle without the owner’s consent.
• Possession of drugs: Juveniles can be charged with drug possession even if they do not have drugs on their person. In some states, it is enough for police to find drugs in a juvenile’s home or car. If convicted, a juvenile may be required to complete drug treatment or counseling as part of their sentence.
• Assault and battery: These are two separate offenses, but they are often charged together. Assault usually refers to the act of threatening someone with violence, while battery is the actual act of causing physical harm. Both offenses can be serious, depending on the severity of the injuries inflicted.
• Reckless driving: This offense covers a wide range of dangerous driving behaviors, such as speeding, racing, and weaving in and out of traffic.

What are the Legal Penalties for Juvenile Crimes?

The legal penalties for juvenile crimes can vary depending on the severity of the offense and the jurisdiction in which it was committed. In most cases, however, juvenile offenders will be subject to some form of probation or community service. In some instances, they may also be required to pay restitution to the victim of their crime.

More serious offenses may result in a juvenile being incarcerated in a juvenile detention center. The length of time a juvenile spends in detention will depend on the severity of their crime and their prior criminal history. Some juveniles may also be placed on house arrest or electronic monitoring as part of their sentence.

How Can a Juvenile Defense Lawyer Defend a Case?

There are several defenses that can be raised in juvenile court. These include:

• The juvenile was not aware that their actions were illegal: In some cases, a juvenile may not be aware that their actions constitute a crime. For example, a juvenile may not know that it is illegal to possess drugs if they find them on the street.
• The juvenile did not have the intent to commit a crime: In order to be convicted of most crimes, the prosecutor must prove that the juvenile had the intent to commit the offense. This is known as “mens rea” or “guilty mind.” If the prosecution cannot prove that the juvenile intended to commit a crime, then they may be acquitted.
• The juvenile was coerced into committing a crime: In some cases, juveniles may be coerced or Forced into committing a crime by someone else. For example, a juvenile may be pressured by older friends to commit vandalism or burglary. If the coercion can be proven, then the juvenile may be able to avoid a conviction.
• The juvenile was acting in self-defense: In some instances, a juvenile may be able to claim self-defense if they used force to protect themselves from harm. This defense is typically only available if the level of force used was reasonably necessary to prevent the threatened harm.

Contact George Reres Law, P.A. Today For Strong and Compassionate Service

When your child has been charged with a crime, it is important that you have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side who can protect their rights and help them through the juvenile justice system. We will thoroughly investigate the charges against your child to look for any holes in the prosecution’s case. Your child’s future can be bright, but only if you have the right defense attorney on your side. Contact George Reres Law, P.A. today at 954-543-1186 to get the juvenile criminal defense lawyer you need for your case.