Receiving a phone call from a St. Petersburg jail may cause your heart to race. Realizing your child is on the other end of the call will only cause your heart sink further. This call is one that no parent wants to receive. However, if it happens to you, the first thing you should do is hire a Juvenile Delinquency Attorney. Continue reading to learn why this step is so crucial.

1. A Juvenile Delinquency Attorney Has Experience

There are many types of lawyers in the legal profession, but just because he or she has a degree does not mean they have the background necessary to handle a Juvenile Delinquency case. Furthermore, experience is paramount in these types of cases because the youth justice system has unique processes and procedures. A Juvenile Delinquency Attorney may be able to represent your child adequately if he is familiar with these differences. So, when hiring a lawyer, check his experience and ask about similar cases that he has previously handled.

2. A Juvenile Delinquency Attorney Can Help with Family Relations

When a crime occurs between family members, it can be challenging to maintain open communications. This is especially true when the act has been committed against a parent. These families need someone such as a qualified Juvenile Delinquency Attorney to mediate. A lawyer can help manage the interactions between the victim and the perpetrator.

A seasoned Juvenile Delinquency Attorney works hard to manage the interests of both parties. He divides his attention between the adult that retained them and the youth who is facing trial.

3. A Juvenile Delinquency Attorney Can Help Your Child Stay Out of the Adult Prison System

If your child has committed a serious crime, he or she may be facing serious time. Courts are trying minors as adults in cases of malicious intent now more than ever. Unfortunately, many of those children live in St. Petersburg. The state of Florida leads the nation for the most minors ending up in the adult court system, a badge it seems some prosecutors wear with honor.

Some of the reasons your child could face trial as an adult in St. Petersburg include:

  • Participating in a violent crime while over the age of 14, and having already been adjudicated guilty for a prior offense.
  • Committing a ‘Forcible Felony’ while over the age of 14. In the state of Florida, this includes:
    • Manslaughter
    • Murder
    • Sexual Battery
    • Kidnapping
    • Arson
    • Burglary/Robbery
    • Aggravated Stalking
    • Aggravated Battery
  • If your child steals a vehicle and causes bodily harm or death, they may be tried as an adult.

Where to Find a Juvenile Delinquency Attorney in St. Petersburg

If you are in the unfortunate predicament of needing representation for your incarcerated child, turn to the professionals at McDermott Law Firm, P.A. in St. Petersburg. Frank W. McDermott has been handling Juvenile Delinquency for close to 20 years and also volunteers as a Hearing Master for the Pinellas County Juvenile Drug Diversion Program. Our team has the knowledge necessary to guide your family through this difficult time. You can contact an experienced Juvenile Delinquency Attorney today by calling (727) 367-1080.