Juvenile Crimes

A Florida Law Firm Focused On Results

Florida has different laws that apply to most criminal charges involving people under 18 years old. There are even separate courts in Florida that specifically handle most juvenile criminal charges. That's why it's critical that you have a lawyer who is familiar with Florida's juvenile criminal system, someone who knows how to get results. That's why you need Aguilar & Sieron.

Co-founded more than three decades ago by respected criminal defense lawyer Mark Sieron, our law firm has a well-earned reputation in Northeast Florida for being a top-notch firm focused on results. A former Florida prosecutor, attorney Sieron understands how the juvenile justice system works and will not rest once he takes on your case.

If your child has been involved in a juvenile criminal issue, it is easy to spend your time thinking about what you could have done as a parent to prevent it. But your time is better spent supporting your child. Allow us to focus on the case for you - we will provide the best possible defense for your child.

What Makes Juvenile Crimes Different

Juveniles (minors under the age of 18 years old) can be prosecuted for the same crimes as adults. Although the stated goal of the juvenile justice system is to rehabilitate youthful offenders, sometimes probation officers, police and prosecutors are as aggressive in their prosecution of juveniles as they are of adults.

Some important differences do exist between the adult and juvenile justice systems.

• First, minors are not entitled to a jury trial under juvenile law. That means a judge alone will hear the evidence and render a verdict. It is crucial that your juvenile crime defense lawyer has experience litigating cases before juvenile judges, Each judge is unique, just as we all are. Mark Sieron has known almost every judge he appears in front of, some for as long as 30 years.  The insight and knowledge gained by understanding each judge is invaluable, especially in juvenile cases.
• Second, a minor can be eligible for informal probation, which means that if the minor complies with a probation officer's plan of supervision, the charges will be dismissed after the probationary period.
• Third, most parents are completely unaware that they can be held liable for monetary losses caused by crimes committed by their sons or daughters.

How We Can Help You

These are just a few of the reasons you will need to hire a skillful, experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney knowledgeable in juvenile law to defend your son or daughter.  Most criminal defense attorneys concentrate their practice on adult cases and rarely practice in juvenile court. Because of this, they often lack the experience and knowledge to effectively represent children in juvenile court. Your child's freedom and future are too important to entrust to an inexperienced attorney.

Attorney Mark Sieron can work with your family every step of the way, from the time of the arrest to sentencing and everything in between, including all court appearances, probation hearings and any other steps in the legal process you might encounter.

If your child has been charged with a juvenile crime, it's important to take legal action as soon as possible. Important deadlines often exist and need to be met to give your family the best opportunity for justice. Contact our office and schedule an appointment today.