Over the last decade there has been an increase in the number of children facing criminal charges.  In Florida, children under the age of 18 are considered juveniles.  If a child is arrested for a crime and is under 18 years of age, that child can face criminal charges.  These charges are usually brought in juvenile court.  However, for certain serious crimes, charges can be brought against a child in adult court.  Florida Statute Section 985.227 gives the State Attorney=s Office the discretion to file charges against a child in adult court rather than juvenile court depending on the crime and the child=s age.

In adult court, the child will then face the same penalties that an adult would face.  Thus, the child can be sent to prison just like an adult.  The child can also receive juvenile sanctions rather than adult sanctions.  Nevertheless, the child is in an extremely precarious position when facing adult charges due to the possible potential penalties. 

Even if a child is charged in juvenile court and avoids adult court, there are potential long-term consequences for the child.  Although, records in juvenile court are not available to the general public, certain government agencies along with schools or employers may request copies of the records.  For this reason, parents must do everything possible to hire an experienced juvenile lawyer who knows and understands the juvenile system.

Mr. Tendler spent two years working in the juvenile division of the Public Defender=s Office.  While there and in private practice, Mr. Tendler has been successful in his representation of hundreds of children charged in juvenile court and many children charged in adult court.