Juvenile Client Information

Introduction

What Happens if I’m Arrested?

I’ve Never Been in Trouble Before
(Pre-trial Diversion Programs)

When Will I Get out of the Detention Center?

• Detention Hearing;
• Juvenile Detention;
• Possible Transfer to Adult Court

Can I be Charged as an Adult?
(Juveniles Charged as Adults)

Can the Public Defender Represent Me?

• Indigency Screening;
• Appointment of the Public Defender by the Judge

Filing of Formal Charges

Arraignment

How Does the Public Defender Prepare My Case?

I Want to Get this Case over With, What Can I Do?

• Guilty and No Contest Pleas;
• Consequences of a Guilty or No Contest Plea,

What Happens at the Trial?
(Adjudicatory Hearing)

What Happens If I’m Convicted at Trial?

• Disposition Hearing;
• Commitment Programs
• Appeals

Can I Get this Case off My Record?

• Sealing and Expunging Arrest Information
• Frequently Asked Questions about Seal & Expunge

Copyright © 2009,
Law Offices of the Public Defender
Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida
1320 NW 14th St., Miami, FL 33125
Phone: (305) 545-1600

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