Panama City Juvenile Crime Attorney

What to Do When Your Child Has Been Arrested

A large number of juvenile crimes result in a civil citation, but if your child has been arrested and taken into custody, it is vital to retain legal representation immediately to improve your chances of a favorable outcome. We can represent your child throughout the defense process and will fight to prevent this situation from having a negative impact on your child's future.

Understanding the Juvenile Crime Process in Panama City

Depending on factors such as the severity of the alleged offense and whether your child has previously been arrested, the case may proceed to an adjudication hearing in court, referral to an adult criminal court, or being placed in a diversion program. For example, a minor theft crime such as shoplifting is less likely to result in detention than a serious violent crime such as aggravated assault. If the case moves forward to a hearing, the Department of Juvenile Justice will conduct a risk assessment to determine whether your child will be detained or can await the hearing date in your home.

The outcome of a juvenile criminal case may be an adjudication of delinquency-the juvenile equivalent of a conviction-or an exoneration, or it could proceed to a diversion program or dismissal of the charges. If convicted, your child would either be placed on probation or sent to a detention facility. The process is complex and it is vital to make the right decisions at every stage-otherwise, your child could end up in detention and be facing a future of living with a criminal record.

Let a Former Prosecutor Defend Your Child's Future

At Seaton Law Offices, P.A., we understand what a stressful situation this may be for you and your family, and want to help you extract your child from the Juvenile Justice System as quickly as possible. Juvenile criminal suspects have all the same rights as adults, including the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney and the legal presumption of innocence, but these rights will do nothing for your child if they are not used properly. Let us guide you through this experience, safeguarding your child's personal interests and fighting for a favorable outcome.