Chapter 985, Florida Statutes governs the detention of juveniles in Florida. See ch. 985, pt. V, Fla. Stat. Part III of chapter 985 expressly states that the sole means by which a juvenile judge may take a child into custody is pursuant to an order of the circuit court issued under this chapter. Section 985.101, Fla. Stat.
Section 985.24 of the Florida Statutes sets forth the grounds on which a child may be detained. Without a statutory exception contained in Section 985.255(2), Fla. Stat., an order placing a child in detention must be based "primarily" upon at least one of those grounds and supported by a proper risk assessment of the child. Section 985.245(1), Fla. Stat. (2007).
In addition, chapter 985 authorizes a juvenile court judge to hold a child in custody prior to adjudication or disposition appears in section 985.037 of the Florida Statutes, where in the legislature afforded the juvenile court limited powers to punish a child for contempt for interfering with the court or with court administration, or for violating any provision of this chapter or order of the court relative thereto. Section 985.037(1), Fla. Stat. Contact me or go to The Law Office of Kurt Teifke to discuss defenses that may be available under Florida law for the particular facts and circumstances of your child's case.