What to do if your child gets arrested or charged

Getting that call from law enforcement that your child has been arrested or charged with a juvenile crime can very quickly turn your world upside down. In Florida, charges against people under the age of 18 are processed through the Juvenile Justice System rather than the adult Criminal Justice System.

While the Juvenile Justice System is geared towards rehabilitation rather than punishment, a minor’s criminal history can still have far-reaching negative impacts on his or her future. Employment and educational opportunities may be stifled due to these charges and convictions. Minors convicted of criminal charges face monetary fines, community service, probation and removal from the homes of their parents. Some minors may even spend time in Juvenile Prison.

The most common crimes committed by minors in the State of Florida are DUI, traffic violations, underage drinking, violent crimes, property crimes, including vandalism and theft, and drug crimes.

Just like any adult charged with a crime, your child has rights. Your child deserves a skilled, experienced criminal defense attorney working hard to conduct a thorough investigation, build a strong defense and defend his or her rights.

If your child is charged with a crime, the best thing you can do is talk with a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you can get an excellent lawyer working on your child’s case, the better the outcome will be for your child and his or her future.

We are ready to help you at The Law Offices of Gary M. Zeidwig. Use our free evaluation form to contact us, or you can send an email at gz@zeidwiglaw.com or give us a call at (954) 523-3993 so we can set up a meeting to go over your case and give you the best advice and representation. Gary Zeidwig is an award-winning trial attorney who has defended numerous juvenile clients against criminal charges and has a strong, successful history of effective criminal defense.