A violation of the law is alleged through a delinquent complaint filed by a law enforcement officer regarding a felony, misdemeanor, contempt of court or violation of a local ordinance. The circuit courts have jurisdiction over all cases in which an adolescent is alleged to have committed a delinquent act or violation of the law.
In a juvenile proceeding, the child can be convicted and sentenced to a residential commitment program or a term of probation. He or she can also be ordered to pay restitution and complete community service. A juvenile proceeding is technically a civil matter and not considered as a criminal proceeding. Although this distinction exists, the devastating consequences of an arrest and finding of guilt are very similar under Florida law.
Minors do not have all of the same protections that an adult has to defend themselves against false or exaggerated accusations. Most notably, there are no jury trials in juvenile court under Florida law. If the case goes to trial, the juvenile court judge will determine your child's guilt or innocence.
Young people under the age of 18 maintain many valuable protections, such as the right to a speedy trial. Florida law requires the prosecutor to bring the child to trial within 90 (ninety) days of the initial arrest, or the date the petition is filed, whichever occurred first. In many cases, the defense attorney may need to waive the right to a speedy trial.