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Criminal Defense Is All We Do – Put Over 100 Years Of Combined Experience On Your Side
Attorneys David Parry, Matthew Kindel and Curtis Crider

Dedicated Criminal Defense For Juvenile Crimes

Last updated on April 24, 2025

Hearing that your child has been accused of a crime can be a parent’s worst nightmare. While you may wish to direct all your attention toward your child during this difficult time, the legalities of juvenile court can be demanding and require focus. To make the best of a bad situation, let our criminal defense attorneys at Bauer, Crider, Kindel and Parry in Pasco County handle the legalities while you focus on your family.

Providing Criminal Defense For Minors

We understand the juvenile justice system and can assess your particular situation, advising you as to the best course of action for your child. Our attorneys will evaluate the circumstances of the supposed crime in order to portray your child’s case in the best possible light.

Common juvenile charges include:

If a minor, someone under the age of 18, is arrested, it is considered an act of delinquency and will be received in juvenile court. However, in some cases a minor may be tried as an adult in the legal justice system. Navigating the particulars is essential to building a solid defense for a juvenile crime, which is where our attorneys can help you.

Juvenile Crime Penalties In Florida

Depending on the facts of the case and the severity of the crime, juvenile charges in Florida often result in:

  • Probation
  • House arrest
  • Loss of driver’s license
  • Counseling
  • Drug screening
  • Juvenile detention

We understand how the juvenile justice system works, and we are dedicated to ensuring that your child still has access to a bright future. Whether charged as a minor or adult, the consequences for a juvenile crime can be severe and potentially life-altering if handled improperly.

Trust Our Experienced Legal Team To Protect Your Child’s Future

At Bauer, Crider, Kindel and Parry, we want to ensure that your child’s mistake is realized for what it was: a mistake. We don’t want this mistake to haunt your child for the rest of his or her life. Our goal with juvenile court is to avoid a criminal record for your child. We work to find alternative penalties, such as counseling or therapy, whenever possible in order to better guide and correct errant behavior. Each case is unique, and at our firm we evaluate each situation honestly so that we can formulate a solid defense in order to protect the rights of your child.

Frequently Asked Questions About Juvenile Crimes

When a child is charged with a crime, the process can feel overwhelming and confusing. Here are answers to some questions parents often have:

What is the difference between a juvenile delinquent and a juvenile offender?

In Florida, a juvenile delinquent is a minor found guilty of committing a criminal act under the juvenile justice system. On the other hand, a juvenile offender is a broader term that refers to any minor who commits a crime, whether handled in juvenile court or, in more serious cases, transferred to adult court.

Essentially, all juvenile delinquents are juvenile offenders, but not all juvenile offenders are officially classified as delinquents.

Will my child’s criminal record be sealed or expunged if they are charged with a juvenile crime?

Juvenile records in Florida are not automatically sealed or expunged. However, depending on the offense and the outcome of the case, there may be options to have the record sealed or expunged later.

Florida law offers certain programs, like diversion programs, which may allow for early expungement if completed. It is important to work with an experienced attorney to explore these opportunities.

If the juvenile is an adjudicated delinquent, meaning they are formally found guilty, sealing or expungement can be more difficult and may require meeting stricter criteria. On the other hand, if the case is dismissed, charges are dropped or the child completes a diversion program, expungement can sometimes happen more quickly.

Can a parent be held responsible for their child’s juvenile crime in Florida?

Under Florida law, parents can sometimes be held financially responsible for damages caused by their child’s criminal acts. It can include paying restitution to victims or facing civil liability in some cases.

While parents are not criminally charged for their children’s actions, they can still face legal and financial consequences, depending on the circumstances.

The court’s goal is to encourage parental involvement and accountability to help correct the juvenile’s behavior. Every case is different, so consulting a Clearwater juvenile defense attorney can help families understand their rights and responsibilities.

Contact A Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Our criminal defense lawyers offer a free, initial consultation appointment to assess your case and tell you more about how we can help you with your situation. You can schedule your free appointment by calling our office at 727-275-9822 or by sending an inquiry through our online form.