Opinion ID: 1833546
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Effect of Adult Filing

Text: The State notes that J.M. was prosecuted as an adult and that the Court should find this aspect of the case compelling in determining that an adjudication of delinquency should operate as a conviction. However, we note the Legislature has enacted a separate and specific notification and registration scheme for juvenile sexual offenders under chapter 985, Florida Statutes (2000). [7] See § 985.04(3)(b), Fla. Stat. (2000) (requiring Department of Juvenile Justice to inform school superintendent of juvenile sexual offender's presence); § 985.308(1)(d), (6), Fla. Stat. (2000) (expressing legislative intent for Department of Juvenile Justice to develop strategies regarding notification of schools, parents or legal guardians of victims, and law enforcement agencies of juvenile sexual offenders' return to the community). This express mechanism for registration and notification of juvenile sexual offenders clearly implies the Legislature's intent not to subject juveniles who are adjudicated delinquent to designation under the adult Predator Act. [8]