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.
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"No greater than love than that you lay down you life for another."This law firm has been AMAZING! They truly care about their clients. My daughter was/is a client and they have called to check on her well-being, fought to get her penalties reduced, and even helped with assisting with indigent status for her.- Angie
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"The man is truly a blessing. If you find yourself in any kind of similar situation call Mr. Christopher Wayne Garrett!"Let me start by wishing I could put 10 stars! I was in a horrible situation when I contacted Mr. Garrett. I was arrested and charged with a 2nd DUI within a two year span and was ultimately facing jail time. His services are reasonably priced, and he worked on my case diligently. I never had to set foot in a courtroom. my mindset from the beginning was that the best case scenario was that my charges would be dropped to a lesser charge. Which still would have hurt me financially and put my job in jeopardy. After a few continuances so Mr. Garrett had time to review my case, I got an unexpected call. The call was to inform me that my case was DISMISSED!!!!!! I couldn’t believe it. Through his knowledge of the legal system and persistence he was able to get my case thrown out. The man is truly a blessing. If you find yourself in any kind of similar situation call Mr. Christopher Wayne Garrett!- Tyler
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"A great team !"Vanoverlaw excellent team Mr Garret is an excellent lawyer and advocate, his staff is top of the mark- DAVID
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"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
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"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
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"Took very good care of my situation and were excellent at communicating with me."Mr. Garrett and his team took very good care of my situation and were excellent at communicating with me. Definitely would recommend!!- Shelby
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"Great help!"I hired Mr. Vanover to handle my DUI in Okaloosa County. Not only did he help me not lose my drivers license but my case ended up being reduced to a reckless driving. I'm very happy and would recommend the Vanover Law Firm if you find yourself charged with a crime.- Gerald
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"Team Garrett"I was so glad that I found Chris Garrett and was able to have him take my case. He answered all my questions and really listened to me. My case lasted for over 9 months, also had another charge added. I know that he fought for me all the way, he kept me out of jail and from losing everything I had. I highly recommend him and his great staff, no matter what your legal problem is. Also want to add that Angela was fantastic throughout the whole process.- Michael Buckner
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.
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Over 30 Years of Combined Legal Experience
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Client Centered. Results Driven.
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Air Force Veteran Owned Business
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Free Consultations Available
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Local Attorneys
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Successfully Handled Over 3,000 DUIs
