Juvenile Criminal Defense Law in Florida
Defending Juvenile Criminal Cases in Florida: A Guide from a Florida Criminal Defense Attorney, Former Prosecutor and Former DCF Investigator with offices in Stuart, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach.
When a minor is arrested in Florida, it can be a deeply stressful experience for both the child and their family. The stakes are high—juvenile charges can affect a child’s education, future employment, and overall path in life. However, the juvenile justice system in Florida operates differently than the adult system, and there are powerful defenses and options available to protect the rights and future of a young person accused of a crime.
As a Florida criminal defense attorney who has represented juveniles in Palm Beach, St. Lucie and Martin Counties, here are key defenses and strategies we explore when defending minors charged with criminal offenses, such as
- Petit Larceny / Shoplifting
- Assault and Battery
- Burglary
- Drug Charges
- Criminal Mischief
- Disorderly Conduct
- Underaged Drinking
- Vandalism, etc.
1. Lack of Intent
Many juvenile crimes—like theft, assault, or criminal mischief—require intent. Our Florida juvenile criminal defense attorney, Christian Van Riper, will challenge whether the minor intended to commit a crime. Children and teenagers may act impulsively or without a full understanding of consequences. Showing lack of intent or arguing that an act was accidental or a prank can be a strong defense in juvenile cases.
2. Mistaken Identity or False Accusation
Young people are particularly vulnerable to being falsely accused or misidentified, especially in group settings like schools or parks. Eyewitness accounts from other minors can be unreliable. Our juvenile criminal defense attorney may challenge the credibility of witnesses or demonstrate that someone else was responsible for the alleged criminal offense.
3. Illegal Search and Seizure
Just like adults, minors have constitutional rights. If law enforcement illegally searched a minor’s backpack, locker, phone, or home without proper consent, a warrant, or probable cause, any evidence they found may be suppressed. Our criminal lawyer, Christian Van Riper, closely examine whether the minor’s rights were violated under the Fourth Amendment.
4. Coerced or Unlawful Confessions
Minors are more likely than adults to feel intimidated during police questioning. They may not understand their right to remain silent or ask for a lawyer. If a confession was obtained without properly advising the minor of their Miranda rights or if it was the result of coercion, it can be excluded from evidence.
5. Mental Health or Developmental Defenses
Our juvenile criminal defense lawyer oftentimes works with psychologists and educational experts to evaluate whether a child’s developmental or mental health conditions played a role in the incident. Courts are increasingly recognizing the impact of trauma, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and other conditions in juvenile behavior.
6. Diversion and Rehabilitation Options
One of the most important distinctions in Florida’s juvenile justice system is its focus on rehabilitation over punishment. In many cases, our attorney can advocate for a diversion program—such as community service, or counseling—so that charges are dismissed upon successful completion.
7. Expungement Eligibility
Even when a minor is adjudicated delinquent, Florida law allows for sealing or expunging certain juvenile records. We help families understand eligibility and file the necessary paperwork so that one mistake doesn’t follow the child into adulthood.
How We Help
Every juvenile case is different, and a personalized juvenile criminal defense strategy is essential. At our firm, with offices in St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach and Broward Counites, our juvenile criminal defense team works directly with families to protect the child’s rights, minimize consequences, and focus on their future—not just the charges at hand.
Whether your child is facing charges for shoplifting, battery, drug possession, or other offenses, we’re here to fight for the best possible outcome.
Contact Us for a Free Juvenile Criminal Defense Consultation
We offer free, confidential consultations for families facing juvenile charges. Our criminal defense attorney, Christian Van Riper, a former prosecutor and DCF investigator serves clients across Stuart, Port St. Lucie, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and beyond. Let us help guide your family through this challenging time. Contact us for free at 772-283-8712 in Martin and St. Lucie Counties, 561-948-5588 in Palm Beach County and 954-369-0776 in Broward County. Attorney Christian Van Riper, again a former DCF investigator, also represents children and families in Dependency cases involving DCF. Call Christian Van Riper for a free consultation day or night.
Main Office: Van Riper and Nies Attorneys: 900 SE Ocean Blvd, Ste. 140-E, Stuart, FL 34994
Additional Offices: West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, West Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach.