Sarasota Juvenile Defense Attorneys

Kids make mistakes…

When a child is charged with an offense as a juvenile, the effect can be felt far beyond the court system. Future employment and educational opportunities can be negatively impacted by a record in juvenile court. At Collins, Maynard, & Associates, we will work with your family to lessen the strain this stressful experience can have on your child, and minimize the potential impact on his/her future.

In Florida juvenile charges are not considered criminal acts by the courts. A juvenile charge is considered to be a delinquent act, and a child is subject to rehabilitation and not punishment. Delinquent acts can range from:

• Underage drinking
• Driving under the Influence
• Drug Crimes
• Criminal Mischief
• Theft and burglary offenses
• Violent crimes (assault, battery, domestic violence)

The consequences for committing delinquent acts can range from a pre-trial intervention program, probation, and possibly a commitment to a Department of Juvenile Justice program. In some cases, juveniles can even be charged as adults, and face the same consequences an adult would face.

Juveniles Have Many of the Same Rights as Adults

A juvenile has the right against self incrimination and a right against an unlawful search and seizure. Protection of those rights is paramount and a constant goal of Collins, Maynard & Associates. At Collins, Maynard & Associates we will work with you to protect your child’s rights, and to insure that he or she is treated with the fairness and dignity they deserve.

Our attorneys have decades of experience dealing with juvenile prosecutors, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the court system to help your child reach the best possible result in his case: whether a dismissal of charges, reduction of charges, plea negotiations, or taking the case to trial.

Contact us for a free case evaluation for Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties.