Juvenile Law

Central Florida's juvenile defense attorney helps kids and teens in trouble

Children and teenagers under the age of 18 who commit crimes are treated differently than adults who commit crime.  The goal of Florida's juvenile justice system is to rehabilitate the juvenile offender rather than punish him or her.

Protecting your child's future and well-being can be difficult in today's world.  When your child makes a bad decision, or gets caught up with the wrong group of friends, you need an attorney who can help you limit the consequences that may be imposed by Florida's juvenile justice system.

Mitch Krause is dedicated to helping the families of juveniles charged with crimes.  He understands that juveniles who commit crimes often do so impulsively.  Mitch also knows that juveniles in the criminal justice system are at a pivotal point in their lives.  Their futures are in jeopardy.  He can help put your child back on the right path.  Whether accused of alcohol or drug charges, theft, arson, or any other charge, Mitch makes certain that both you and your child understand what is happening.  He explains the process, the procedures, and the consequences in a language your child can understand.

If your child is accused of a crime, he or she may not be arrested.  A police officer may simply give a stern warning and release your child to your care and custody.  If formal charges are filed, your child has the same rights as adults charged with a crime, including the right to an attorney.  As soon as you hear that your child has been arrested, you should contact Mitch, as several court proceedings will be quickly held and he can preserve your child's rights including the right to be released.

Mitch may negotiate a plea agreement...

Whether your child is held in a detention center or released to home detention, a detention hearing will be held within 24 hours after the county's state attorney files a petition for delinquency.  An arraignment hearing will be held within 48 hours after the filing.  It is important to have Mitch represent your child's interest at both hearings.  Mitch may negotiate a plea agreement at this stage to minimize the consequences of your child's actions if the allegations are true.

...Or aggressively defend your child at trial...

If a not guilty plea is entered, Mitch represents your child at an adjudicatory hearing—a trial—that is held in the circuit court.  It is not a jury trial, thus the judge decides all issues of fact, then applies the law to the facts that were determined.  As in criminal court, the state has the burden of proving all elements of the alleged offense beyond a reasonable doubt.  Your child, represented by Mitch, has the right to compel witness testimony in his or her defense, the right to cross-examine witnesses for the prosecution, and the right to remain silent.

...And always seeks to minimize the consequences

If your child pleads guilty or is found guilty, a sentencing hearing will follow during which Mitch may present mitigating information, such as—

An important difference between the criminal justice system and the juvenile justice system is that records are kept strictly confidential.  Juvenile records are expunged by the state of Florida when a juvenile offender reaches age 24 (age 26 for serious or habitual offenders).

Schedule a free consultation

If your child is charged with a crime, call Mitch at 407-862-7110 or contact him online.