As moms we always want the best for our children. Never in a million years would we imagine our children could ever do anything that will put them on the wrong side of the law, but let’s be realistic it could happen. Whether they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, or simply got caught hanging with the wrong crowd and peer pressure got the best of them, or they are being wrongly accused, it’s important to know a trusted criminal defense lawyer to turn to if your child finds themselves on the wrong side of the law.
What is a concerned parent to do if their child finds themselves on the wrong side of the law? Orlando parents you should know Smith & Eulo Law Firm’s criminal defense lawyers has over 20 years of combined experience handling these types of cases Their lawyers have been nationally recognized and have handled several high profile cases. They believe everyone deserves a second chance, and they know how important it is to anyone’s future, especially a child’s future, to have a fair shot at life, as having a criminal record could be a serious roadblock to a prosperous future.
Here’s what Smith & Eulo Law Firm wants you to know:
Know the rights of your child if your child is underage. If your child is over the age of 18, they will be tried as an adult. However, as parents that doesn’t lessen our worry. That’s why no matter how old your child is, it’s imperative you hire an experienced and qualified lawyer to handle your child’s specific situation. Please know that honesty is extremely important, and the criminal defense lawyer must know exactly what happened and how to be able to craft a defense strategy that applies to your child’s case regardless of age.
The state of Florida considers people juveniles up to the age of 17, although there may be rare cases where the court has jurisdiction up to the age of 21. Juvenile offenses are bucketed in two categories in the state of Florida: delinquency offenses and status offenses.
Delinquency offenses are basically any type of crime that if the minor who committed was over 18, they would have been tried as an adult. This include of course robbery, assault, drug possessions, trafficking, computer crimes, driving under the influence, harassment, staling bullying, and so forth.
Status offenses are only “crimes” that apply to minors, such as possession of alcohol for those who are under 21, or missing 15 days or more of school during a 90-day period without a proper excuse, or braking the State of Florida’s curfew laws for minors, which include: a minor should not be or remain in a public place or establishment between the hours of 11pm and 5am Sunday through Thursday, except in the case of a legal holiday, which the curfew changes to the hours of midnight and 6am, these same hours apply for Saturday and Sunday. Also, did you know that a minor who has been expelled or suspended from school may not be or remain in a public place, or within 1,000 feet of a school during the hours of 9am and 2pm during any school day.
Lastly, you should know that if a minor violates curfew and is taken into custody, the minor will be taken right away to a police station or an establishment that is operated by a religious, civic or charitable organization that runs curfew programs in conjunction with local law enforcement. After recording the necessary information about the minor, authorities will attempt to contact the parents or legal guardians, if they fail to contact then within 2 hours after the minor is in custody, law enforcement will personally take the minor to their place of residency or continue with the establish state of Florida procedures.
Meet the Smith & Eulo: Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyers’ team
With over 20 years of combined experience successfully handling juvenile and criminal defense cases in the Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Lakeland, and Kissimmee areas. Smith & Eulo: Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyers offers free consultations if you ever find your child on the wrong side of the law.
