Juvenile court proceedings are different from adult criminal court proceedings, and not all of the same protections apply. However, a juvenile accused of a crime does have a right to be represented by an attorney. Generally, it is in your best interest to consult an attorney immediately after your child has been accused of a crime, whether that means a juvenile delinquency proceeding or adult criminal charges. Even a juvenile court can impose serious consequences, including placement in a residential facility. During the 2018-19 fiscal year, there were more than 2,800 commitments of juveniles to residential facilities in Florida.
Juvenile proceedings differ from adult criminal proceedings, so you will want to speak with an attorney who has specific experience in the juvenile justice system.