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Miami Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney

It’s been said that youth is wasted on the young, and Florida’s youth often make mistakes, some of which rise to the level of criminal offenses. While parents are responsible for teaching their children the difference between right and wrong, crimes committed by minors under the age of 18 are not uncommon. If your child has been charged with a crime, it is imperative to consult an experienced Miami juvenile criminal defense attorney.

Valiente Law routinely handles juvenile crimes in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and throughout South Florida. Knowing that a child with a criminal record faces an uncertain future, we will work to protect your child’s rights in the juvenile justice system. Our criminal defense attorneys are familiar with the procedures of the juvenile court and will work to protect your child’s rights and pursue available alternatives. We frequently handle a wide range of juvenile offenses, including:

Ultimately, having the right criminal defense attorney defend your child can mean the difference between an acquittal and a conviction (or as it’s known in the juvenile system: a finding of delinquent or not delinquent). When you enlist the services of Valiente Law, you will have peace of mind, knowing that our juvenile crimes attorneys are committed to protecting your child’s future.

How Florida’s juvenile justice process works

The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), including juvenile probation and intake personnel, handles juvenile justice screening and recommendations. The Department of Children and Families is not the agency to identify as the ordinary delinquency-intake authority. The state attorney makes charging decisions.

A child has important rights, including counsel, notice of charges, and the right to challenge the evidence. The juvenile process is not identical to adult criminal court; delinquency adjudicatory hearings are ordinarily decided by a judge rather than a jury.

Depending on eligibility and the case, options can include diversion, dismissal, a negotiated plea, or a contested adjudicatory hearing. Ineligibility for diversion does not automatically mean a trial. Completion of diversion does not automatically seal every record; sealing and expungement have separate conditions.

If a delinquent act is proved, the court conducts the appropriate disposition process, considering statutory criteria and DJJ recommendations. Dispositions may include probation, services, community sanctions, or commitment at an authorized restrictiveness level. There is no universal juvenile “prison sentence” of 30 days to 36 months; duration and jurisdiction depend on the offense, disposition, age, and governing law.

Three routes to adult prosecution

  • Direct filing, §985.557: For a child age 14 or 15 at the time of the alleged offense, the prosecutor’s discretion is limited to the listed offenses and statutory conditions. For ages 16 or 17, discretion is broader, but a misdemeanor requires the specified prior delinquency history: at least two prior adjudications or withholds, including one felony-level act.
  • Judicial waiver, §985.556: A court considers transfer through the statutory waiver process. Involuntary waiver generally concerns children at least 14 and requires the applicable procedures and findings; voluntary waiver is separately addressed.
  • Grand-jury indictment, §985.56: A child of any age charged with an offense punishable by death or life imprisonment may be prosecuted as an adult after the required indictment. Constitutional juvenile-sentencing limits remain separate from the route into adult court.

A 13-year-old’s potential adult prosecution is not the ordinary direct-file route under §985.557. The child’s age at the alleged offense, charge, record, transfer method, and possible juvenile or adult sanctions must be reviewed separately.

Sources: direct filing, waiver, and indictment.

Video clarification, September 29, 2026: The older recording below is general background. Prosecutorial discretion has statutory age and offense limits; the current written explanation above distinguishes direct filing, waiver, and indictment.

Contact Our Miami Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer

When a child is charged with a juvenile offense, it can be an overwhelming experience for the entire family. When it comes to protecting your child against the devastating effects of a conviction, it is crucial to work with an attorney who is well-versed in Florida juvenile law.

At Valiente Law, we believe that minors who have been charged with a juvenile offense are entitled to the presumption of innocence, as well as the powerful legal representation we can provide. We will leverage our skills and experience to keep your child’s case out of adult court, seek to have the charges dropped or work to win an acquittal. We will also determine whether your child is eligible for a first-time juvenile offender diversion program.

Above all, our primary concern is protecting your child’s future. Please contact our office today to learn how we can defend your child for his or her alleged juvenile crime.

Featured Testimonial

Miami Juvenile Criminal Defense Review 

Great service. I called several law offices this day and no one responded to us as fast as Valiente did. It was after hours as well. Did a phone consultation and he immediately knew what I needed and knew how to help us. He took our case and handled it with confidence and never once left us with any open questions. Very professional, polite and what he promised happened. Went into court that day and he helped my nephew with his criminal case. We came out winners because of Mr. Valiente. Thank you so much for all of your help and guidance! If your looking for a lawyer he is your answer! A perfect choice.

Letty

Miami Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer

5/5

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