For offenders under the age of 18 facing criminal charges, the likely forum to defend your case is in Florida’s juvenile justice system. We take a careful approach when defending underage offenders, because we understand the impact a conviction can have on your record at such a young age. Our goal is to help rehabilitate the accused so they can go on to a bright future.
There are certain preconceived notions about the juvenile justice system. We work hard to dispel any misunderstandings about the process and teach young offenders throughout the process. Some common misconceptions are:
● Summer is the time when the highest number of incidents occur: this is not accurate, statistics show incidents of delinquency actually decline in December and also in the summer.
● “Scared straight” programs are effective: studies show these types of programs can actually do more harm than good.
● Most juvenile offenders just need a “wake up call”: research points to the opposite, and shows that severe constraints and full lockdown facilities do not help with rehabilitation and can contribute to future acts of delinquency.
Most instances of juvenile delinquency are harmless, and identification of the type of punishment necessary for the offense is vital. Overcorrecting can lead to rebellion and future offenses. Attempts to scare children into good behavior can act as a turn off and result in rejection of rehabilitative efforts. The attorneys at the Ferraro Law Group value the contributions of the young, and work hard to find programs that fit the case..
If you minor child has been charged with an offense, take the steps necessary to help maintain a good record. Call our office to speak with a skilled criminal defense attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast. The first visit is a free consultation, call today.