St. Petersburg Juvenile Offenses Lawyer 

Protecting Juveniles Charged With Crimes in Pinellas County 

In Florida, the complexities of juvenile law can be overwhelming, both for young individuals facing charges and their concerned families. At The Law Office of Timothy Hessinger, we recognize that these situations can be challenging and emotionally charged. Our dedicated team of legal professionals is here to provide expert legal representation and support for juveniles facing a wide range of offenses. With our extensive experience and deep understanding of Florida's juvenile justice system, we are committed to advocating for our young clients' rights and best interests. If your child is charged with a criminal offense in Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, or Manatee County, contact us today! 

Call The Law Office of Timothy Hessinger today at (888) 863-7415 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our juvenile crimes attorney in St. Petersburg! 

Juvenile Crimes We Defend Against

Our St. Petersburg juvenile offenses lawyers are well-versed in defending juveniles against a variety of charges, including:

• Drug Possession
• Theft, Shoplifting, and Burglary
• Underage Drinking and DUI
• Battery/Assault
• Sexual Offenses, Including Date Rape
• Gang Activities

What are the Penalties for Juvenile Crimes in Florida?

Florida's juvenile justice system is designed with rehabilitation as its primary goal, but it's essential to understand that penalties for juvenile crimes can still be significant. The specific consequences vary widely, influenced by factors such as the nature of the offense and the minor's prior legal history. When a juvenile is found delinquent or guilty, the penalties they may face include:

• Probation: A juvenile may be placed on probation, which involves regular check-ins with a probation officer, adherence to specific rules, and sometimes electronic monitoring.
• Community Service: Courts often assign community service as a penalty, requiring the juvenile to perform unpaid work for the benefit of the community.
• Counseling or Therapy: Juveniles may be ordered to attend counseling or therapy sessions, addressing issues contributing to their criminal activity involvement.
• Restitution to Victims: In cases involving property damage or theft, juveniles may be required to compensate victims for their losses.
• Curfew Restrictions: Curfew restrictions can be imposed, limiting the juvenile's freedom to be out during specific hours.
• Placement in a Juvenile Detention Center: In more severe cases, a juvenile may be ordered to serve in a juvenile detention center.
• House Arrest: The court may require the minor to remain home during specified hours except for school, work, or other essential activities.
• Fines and Court Costs: Fines and court costs may be imposed as financial penalties for certain offenses.
• Mark on the Juvenile's Permanent Record: Criminal records, even for juveniles, can have long-term consequences, impacting future educational and employment opportunities.

It's important to note that the juvenile justice system prioritizes rehabilitation and second chances. The court aims to address the root causes of juvenile delinquency while considering the minor's best interests. At The Law Office of Timothy Hessinger, we understand that each case is unique, and we are dedicated to crafting personalized defense strategies tailored to our young clients' individual needs and circumstances. Our commitment is to minimize the impact of these penalties on their lives and future opportunities. 

Juvenile Court

The crimes are the same, but the juvenile justice system's rules, rights, and punishments are different. There are many diversion programs for juvenile crimes to help youths get their lives on track while still being held accountable for their actions.

We work hard to limit the impact on current schooling, college entrance, and future employment. Your child needs a St. Petersburg juvenile offenses attorney who can intervene with prosecutors on the front end of the case, defend them against untrue accusations, and negotiate for fair and reasonable sentences that avoid a criminal record.

Is Your Child Accused of a Major Felony? 

For almost all offenses, the prosecutor can charge any child over 16 as an adult. We fight to keep your son or daughter in juvenile court if possible. If your child is charged as an adult, Tim Hessinger has more than 29 years of criminal law experience, which he will use to obtain the best possible results. Our firm will explore all avenues of defense, including a Youthful Offender departure sentence and moving sentencing back to juvenile court.

Defenses Against Juvenile Crimes

Defending against juvenile crimes requires a nuanced approach that considers the unique aspects of these cases. Our experienced team employs a variety of defense strategies, including: 

• Procedural Errors: We meticulously review the case details to identify any procedural errors or violations of our client's rights, which may lead to case dismissal or reduced charges.
• Lack of Evidence: We challenge the prosecution's evidence and credibility to create doubt about our client's guilt. This may involve presenting alibis, questioning witness reliability, or disputing the chain of custody for evidence.
• Rehabilitation: In some cases, we advocate for rehabilitation programs and counseling as an alternative to punitive measures, emphasizing the potential for our client's growth and reform.
• Negotiation: We negotiate with prosecutors to secure favorable plea deals that minimize the impact on our clients' futures, seeking alternatives to incarceration whenever possible.

Contact Our St. Petersburg Juvenile Offenses Attorney Today 

At The Law Office of Timothy Hessinger, we are dedicated to defending juveniles facing a wide range of offenses in Florida. We understand the unique challenges and concerns that arise in juvenile cases and are here to provide expert legal representation and support. Our commitment to protecting our young clients' rights and best interests drives us to explore every possible defense strategy and seek the best possible outcomes.  

Contact The Law Office of Timothy Hessinger by calling (888) 863-7415 today to schedule a consultation with our juvenile crimes lawyer in St. Petersburg!