St. Petersburg Juvenile Crime Lawyer

A juvenile crime charge can have lasting consequences, even if it seems minor. The legal system treats juvenile offenders differently than adults, but that doesn’t mean the penalties are lenient. Courts in Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay Area take juvenile cases seriously, and some offenses can even result in a minor being charged as an adult. A single mistake should not define a child’s future, and having an experienced attorney can make the difference between a second chance and a criminal record.

At Bastos Defense, we believe that young people deserve strong legal representation, guidance, and a chance to move forward without permanent damage to their future. María Bastos has extensive experience handling juvenile cases and aims to provide each client with the best possible defense. 

Every child deserves a second chance. Contact Bastos Defense online or at (727) 800-0529 to discuss your legal options with an experienced St. Petersburg juvenile defense attorney.

How Does the Juvenile Court Process Work in Pinellas County?

Having a child arrested can be a frightening experience for any parent. Unlike adults, juveniles go through a different legal process that focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment. When a minor is taken into custody, they are usually sent to a Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC) instead of a regular jail. A probation officer evaluates their case to decide if they can go home with their parents or need to stay in a juvenile detention facility for a short period. Unlike adults, juveniles don’t have the option to post bail, so this decision is made based on their charges and risk level.

Several important steps shape the juvenile court process in Pinellas County:

• Initial assessment at the Juvenile Assessment Center determines if a child can be released to their parents or must stay at a juvenile detention facility for a brief period.
• Case review by prosecutors focuses on the details of the charges and whether diversion programs such as community service or counseling may be offered.
• Adjudication by a judge instead of a jury, with sentencing aimed toward rehabilitation—probation, counseling, or placement in a juvenile program may be ordered rather than detention.
• Possible transfer to adult court for serious offenses, where penalties can be far more severe, depending on the child's age and the charges involved.

Many parents in Pinellas County are unaware that the location of the offense and the policies of the local Juvenile Assessment Center can affect how the case proceeds. Pinellas County’s Juvenile Justice Center works closely with local law enforcement and the state attorney’s office to determine whether a child will face formal prosecution, so timely action and an informed legal approach are critical.

Once the case moves forward, a prosecutor reviews the situation and decides what happens next. In some cases, the minor may be eligible for a diversion program, such as community service or counseling, which helps them avoid a criminal record. If the case proceeds to court, there is no jury. A judge reviews the evidence and decides the outcome. Sentencing is usually focused on rehabilitation, meaning the child might receive probation, counseling, or placement in a juvenile program instead of being locked up in a detention center.

Working with a juvenile criminal attorney Pinellas County families trust can make a meaningful difference at each stage of the process—from initial detention decisions to negotiating with prosecutors for diversion options. Familiarity with the Pinellas County courthouse and its personnel allows your lawyer to advocate for the most successful path forward, protecting your child from unnecessary penalties that could affect their future.

For serious crimes, prosecutors may try to charge the minor as an adult, which could lead to harsher punishments and even prison time. Florida allows minors as young as 14 to be transferred to adult court under certain circumstances. This is why having a juvenile defense attorney is so important. The right legal representation can help keep the case in juvenile court, reduce penalties, or even get charges dropped, giving the child a second chance to move forward without a criminal record.

How a Lawyer Can Challenge the Charges Against Your Child

Hearing that your child has been arrested can be overwhelming, and figuring out what to do next can feel impossible. The juvenile justice system is different from the adult system, but that does not mean the consequences are minor. A criminal charge can impact a child's education, job opportunities, and future, making it critical to take action immediately. At Bastos Defense, we believe that one mistake should not define a child’s future. We fight to protect their rights and work toward outcomes that allow them to move forward without a criminal record.

Get the defense you need. Call today or reach out online to discuss your options.