Fort Walton Beach Juvenile Crime Attorney
Put Our Proven Track Record to Work for You
If you or your child has been accused of a crime, it is important to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At Vanover Law Firm P.A., we are committed to providing the aggressive legal representation you need and deserve. Our Fort Walton Beach juvenile crime lawyer has years of experience and is ready to fight for your rights and your freedom.
Our team fights for the best possible outcome for each client. We will investigate every detail of your case and work tirelessly to build the strongest defense possible. We will fight for you in and out of the courtroom, and we will never give up until your case is resolved.
We offer free consultations to all prospective clients, and we are available 24/7 for any urgent matters. If you are facing charges, we urge you to contact us right away.
For a consultation with our juvenile crime attorney, contact us online or at (850) 999-0006.
What Is Juvenile Crime?
Florida defines a juvenile as anyone under the age of 18 who is charged with a crime. Additionally, a juvenile is defined as any person under the age of 18 who has committed a criminal act. This applies to those who are 16 and 17 years old, even if they are charged as an adult. A juvenile who is 16 or 17 years old, who has committed a felony, may be tried as an adult.
A person under the age of 18 is considered a victim of a crime if they are sexually exploited, abused, or neglected. In these cases, the state may petition the court to have the juvenile declared a dependent child.
What Types of Crimes Are Juveniles Charged With?
There are a wide range of crimes that juveniles can be charged with. The most common crimes that juveniles are charged with include:
If a juvenile is charged with a crime, the state of Florida may petition the court to have the juvenile declared a dependent child. This is done to protect the juvenile from their parents or guardians. In these cases, the juvenile is removed from their home and placed in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.
What Are the Penalties for Juvenile Crimes?
The penalties for juvenile crimes are different than the penalties for adult crimes. The state of Florida has established a grading system for juvenile crimes, which determines the penalties that may be imposed. The grading system is based on the severity of the crime, the prior record of the juvenile, and the willingness of the court to rehabilitate the juvenile.
The grading system includes the following penalties:
- Grade 1: The court may impose a commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice for a period of time up to the maximum period of imprisonment that could be imposed for an adult committing the same crime. The court may also impose a fine up to $500, community service, or restitution to the victim.
- Grade 2: The court may impose a commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice for a period of time up to 3 years. The court may also impose a fine up to $1,000, community service, or restitution to the victim.
- Grade 3: The court may impose a commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice for a period of time up to 5 years. The court may also impose a fine up to $2,500, community service, or restitution to the victim.
If a juvenile is convicted of a crime, the court may also place the juvenile on probation. The court may also impose conditions for the probation, including:
- Restitution to the victim
- Community service
- Treatment
- Curfews
- Counseling
- Restrictions
- Prohibited activities
Testimonials
Why People Choose to Work With Us
At Vanover Law firm, we strive to provide the best representation to our clients. Please take a moment to read what our past clients had to say about their experience with Vanover Law Firm.
-
"I couldn't be happier with my experience."Mr. Garrett represented me in a DUI case and did an amazing doing so. His staff was more than helpful throughout the process and I couldn't be happier with my experience. In the end I was found not guilty do to the knowledge, experience and hard work put forth by my Mr. Garrett. Thanks again!!- Brandon
-
"DUI for charging my phone"Great team, Chris and Angela are great, although things didn’t go easy through the COVID period they battled for me, unfortunately my Life took a turn and regretfully I backed out of going to trial and took the plea offered, I know what I did and I would make the same decision again in that situation but unfortunately some of the best decisions are punishable by law, I truly think Mr. Garret would have been a force to be reckoned with at trial, and I would have love to have witnessed it, but life is life. I would whole heartedly recommend him and his team, they where a blessing to me in the understanding all my circumstances.. God Bless- Ken Strickland
-
"Mr. Garrett and his team did an amazing job representing me and helping me through the process. In the end I was acquitted by jury because of Mr. Garrett's knowledge and experience, couldn't be happier."Mr. Garrett and his team did an amazing job representing me and helping me through the process. In the end I was acquitted by jury because of Mr. Garrett's knowledge and experience, couldn't be happier. Thanks again!!- Brandon
-
"Definitely would recommend!!"Mr. Garrett and his team took very good care of my situation and were excellent at communicating with me.- Shelby
-
"Everything was done professionally, and I have the most respect for his help in my case. I would highly recommend Keith Vanover, and I use him again without hesitation."Vanover handled my case very professionally. The quote he gave me of what the cost would be to take care of my case never changed. Everything was done professionally, and I have the most respect for his help in my case. I would highly recommend Keith Vanover, and I use him again without hesitation. If someone is looking the best Lawyer in Crestview area then Keith is it.- Former Client
-
"My heartfelt thank you to all."I could not have been associated with a better, proficient, professional organization. I consider myself so fortunate to be represented by the entire staff. I would find it an embarrassment to let you and the prosecutor down. My heartfelt thank you to all.- Rick
-
"Very personal and professional and made sure I was taken care of and that justice was served in my case."Angela and attorney Chris Garret were very personal and professional and made sure I was taken care of and that justice was served in my case. They represented me in Okaloosa and Escambia and had no problem dropping everything to be there whenever I needed them in my case! Thanks again!!!- Philip
-
"A great team !"Vanoverlaw excellent team Mr Garret is an excellent lawyer and advocate, his staff is top of the mark- DAVID
Our Values
What Our Work Means To Us
Vanover Law Firm P.A. is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.
-
Over 30 Years of Combined Legal Experience
-
Client Centered. Results Driven.
-
Air Force Veteran Owned Business
-
Free Consultations Available
-
Local Attorneys
-
Successfully Handled Over 3,000 DUIs
