Tampa Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Juvenile crimes often represent something other than a criminal mindset. The still-developing brain of a child or teenager can cause them to act without considering the consequences. Additionally, many young people experiment with drugs and alcohol, leading to poor decisions that violate the law.

Depending on the severity of the offense, a Tampa juvenile defense lawyer can often persuade prosecutors or a judge that the juvenile needs counseling and rehabilitation rather than incarceration. As a result, your child could get help instead of going through a justice system that can ruin their life before it begins.

Contact Metcalf Falls, Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.A. and call 813-258-4800 to learn how we can protect your child’s future.

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Common Juvenile Crimes in Tampa

Thousands of young people enter the juvenile justice system each year in Florida. Some of the most common offenses that lead them there include:

  • Assault
  • Domestic violence
  • Theft, including shoplifting
  • Burglary
  • Robbery
  • Vandalism
  • Sexting
  • Sexual battery
  • DUI
  • Drug possession
  • Reckless driving

Although homicides get more media coverage, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice reports that these crimes accounted for only about 0.3% of juvenile arrests in 2022.

Understanding Florida’s Juvenile Justice System

Juvenile justice often sits on the civil side of the court system rather than the criminal side. However, the penalties imposed by the courts can include incarceration, community service, and restitution.

The system has two purposes. First, the judges and prosecutors aim to help juveniles turn their lives around. As a result, they place a heavy emphasis on education and rehabilitation.

Second, the system is also responsible for protecting the public, including other juveniles, from someone who poses a danger to others. When necessary, prosecutors can pursue, and judges can grant lengthy terms of incarceration in either a juvenile or adult detention facility.

What Happens at a Juvenile Detention Hearing?

After an arrest, officers will take the juvenile to a Juvenile Assessment Center. They will book them into the facility. Sometimes, they may release the juvenile to their parents or guardians. Other times, they will detain the arrestee until the juvenile detention hearing. In either case, the court will schedule a hearing within 24 hours.

A juvenile detention hearing is like a bail hearing in adult court. A judge will review the juvenile’s criminal history, current charges, and home situation. Based on this review, the judge will decide whether to:

  • Release the child to the parents or guardians without conditions
  • Order a conditional release to the parents or guardians, similar to house arrest
  • Hold the child at a juvenile detention center for up to 21 days

The judge will also set the next court date for the child’s case. The juvenile and their parents or guardians will sign a document acknowledging that they will return to court.

Possible Juvenile Justice System Outcomes

A case can be resolved in many ways. At the earliest stages, your child’s lawyer might work with prosecutors to get the charges dropped. This outcome is ideal since your child will not have a juvenile record or face judicial punishment.

If prosecutors proceed with the case, a lawyer can try to get them to divert the case. Pretrial diversion programs allow your juvenile to enter an educational and rehabilitative program. If your child completes it, prosecutors will drop the charges. Examples of diversion programs include drug courts for juveniles who need drug or alcohol rehab.

Other outcomes may include:

  • Community service
  • Probation
  • Commitment to a residential treatment facility
  • Incarceration in a juvenile detention center

The judge can order a predisposition investigation and report. This report will include information about the child’s history, family situation, and other factors that help the courts determine an appropriate outcome.

When Can a Child Be Tried as an Adult?

Juveniles as young as 14 can be tried as adults. Florida law reserves this process for juveniles who commit serious felonies or have records as serial offenders. Prosecutors may charge juveniles in adult court to expand the possible punishments available.

Penalties for Adult Convictions in Florida

Upon conviction in adult court, your child faces the same penalties that an adult would face for the same crime. However, a judge does not have to keep the case in adult court for sentencing. The judge can return the case to the juvenile justice system for sentencing.

In adult court, the judge may sentence your child to:

  • Death, if they are 16 or older
  • Imprisonment
  • Fines
  • Restitution
  • Probation

Adult courts also have adult diversion programs similar to juvenile diversion programs. If your juvenile enters one of these programs, they may be able to avoid a severe sentence and a criminal record.

What Our Clients Are Saying

Brett is the best attorney I’ve ever had. I would recommend his services to anyone in need.
Pink Taylor

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06.07.2021

“James Falls did an amazing job helping my son get some charges dismissed. He communicated with us and explained situations where we would’ve otherwise been clueless to maneuver the justice system. Highly recommend their service!”

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Sherri Albert

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05.20.2021

“This firm is the real deal … James does not mess around when it comes to his clients. Very professional.”

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Adrian Reyes

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01.20.2021

“Brett Metcalf is the best lawyer in the Tampa Bay area. He puts 100% into his work and goes far and beyond what you would expect out of a lawyer. If it wasn’t for Brett and Sam, my husband and…

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Janice Luke

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11.19.2020

“This guy treated me like I was a paying customer. He didn’t give me his opinion, he got on the phone to two separate places and got answers. Very impressed. Great free consultation. Telicia Rose went above and beyond in…

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Lee Yates

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09.18.2020

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Samantha

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08.03.2020

“Brett is an awesome professional attorney! I highly recommend him. Great responsive time and needed information.I will be calling Brett anytime legal advice is needed!!!! GREAT JOB BRETT”

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Heidi Taylor

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07.07.2020

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Latisha Walker

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06.25.2020

“Mr.Metcalf was very quick to call me back for a consultation, even though it was just a consultation. I give him 5 stars for being quick to call me back, was very professional and informative he talked to me as…

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Anthony Garcia

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06.20.2020

“Great attorney.”

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Jesse P. (Big J)

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06.18.2020

“Excellent lawyer.”

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Shell 4evr

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02.27.2019

“Extremely professional and clearly the sharpest tool in any toolbox. Set the tone in the courtroom. This has to be one of the best law offices in Tampa. Thanks, Brett.”

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Daniel Turner

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08.06.2016

“Brett made the process as easy as possible for me on my end, letting me know all options and possible outcomes based on my choices. He was also very attentive and quick to respond to my questions.”

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Clay

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08.06.2016

“I could not be any happier with my experience with Metcalf Falls, Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.A. I would advise anyone who needs legal action to choose wisely and choose him for multiple reasons.”

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Marty McPhly

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08.08.2016

“In late 2015, I was in need of a lawyer who could help me. Looking on the internet and asking friends if they knew any great ones was looking pretty bad. Then my younger brother told me about a lawyer…

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Elijah Turner

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08.14.2019

“He did an amazing job for me in Polk County! When I got involved in a situation that needed a criminal lawyer, I was terrified. Having only lived in Florida a few years, I was not prepared for the complexity…

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Lisa Welsh

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08.08.2016

“Brett Metcalf is a top-notch attorney. He also understands that preparation and hard work are keys to success. He possesses the knowledge, the insights, and the advocacy skills to put your legal woes in the past. Equally important, he follows…

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Charles Goddard

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08.10.2016

“Brett Metcalf provides forward-thinking and effective legal counsel. I highly recommend Metcalf Falls, Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.A.”

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Annie Shipherd

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08.12.2016

“Very knowledgeable and compassionate. I always felt like I could contact him with questions at any time. He was extremely thorough with information – I can’t stress that enough! I would definitely hire him again and recommend him to anyone,…

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Christa Murray

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08.13.2016

“Brett Metcalf was the best experience that I’ve ever had with any legal professional! He was understanding, honest, and worked diligently throughout my entire DUI case I had several years back. Even with the odds stacked against me, he was…

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Nathan Hester

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04.05.2017

“Brett helped me win full custody of my kids. Any and every question I had, he was right there to answer and explain the process. He was open and honest about the whole process. Extremely good price… and even better…

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James Woodson

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12.02.2017

“I have consulted with Brett on various issues and have found him to be excellent. He is very practical in potential outcomes on legal issues and very reasonable.”

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Albert Piccolo

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04.06.2017

“Wonderful experience with Brett Metcalf. If I had to do it again, I would not change a thing. It’s a good feeling when you know you’re in good hands and your attorney is genuinely concerned about the outcome of your…

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Gerald

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04.08.2017

“Brett Metcalf is the best lawyer in the Tampa Bay area. He puts 100% into his work and goes far and beyond what you would expect out of a lawyer. If it wasn’t for Brett, my husband and I would…

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Janice Luke

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04.09.2017

“Mr. Metcalf was there for me at the most difficult and life-changing time in my life. I was treated respectfully the whole entire process, despite my embarrassing and shameful mistake. He extended honesty and professional courtesy throughout my case, guiding…

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Sharley Lanigan

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04.10.2017

“If you’ve decided to scroll past all the other positive reviews and find yourself reading mine, I’ll start out by saying Brett’s the man. He handles business efficiently and professionally, with the clients’ best interests in mind at all times….

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Evin O

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06.19.2017

“Brett went far out of his way for my multiple cases and managed to keep me a free man even with all the charges that were put on me. 100% behind him from Plant City.”

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Issac Thomas

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08.06.2018

“Brett is an extremely knowledgeable attorney who is a straight shooter, hard worker, and always willing to go the extra mile to fight for his clients. I’ve had to use him two separate times and was more than pleased with…

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Ryan Belden

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01.11.2019

“Mr. Metcalf is very knowledgeable, friendly, and on top of things. In the midst of my confusion and thoughts of the worst possible outcome, Mr. Metcalf took charge and handled the situation with professionalism and tact. I am very pleased…

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Sherry Violet

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09.18.2019

“Brett is the best attorney I’ve ever had. I would recommend his services to anyone in need. Most lawyers just want the money, ignore your calls, and settle for deals. Not Brett! He answered and returned every call! Every penny…

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Pink Taylor

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Average 5 out of 5 rating based on 44 Reviews

Contact Our Juvenile Defense Lawyers in Tampa Today

Like everyone, your child will make mistakes. When these mistakes involve the criminal justice system, contact Metcalf Falls, Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.A., to prevent these mistakes from destroying your child’s future.

Call 813-258-4800 today or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions