Effective, Forward-Thinking Defense Against Juvenile Crime Allegations

Last updated on March 9, 2026

You just received the call no parent expects. Your child has been arrested, detained or is otherwise subjected to the juvenile justice system. What are your rights as a parent? What are your child’s rights?

At Aiken & O’Halloran, we understand your fear and apprehension. Juvenile arrests can have far-reaching consequences. If you are fortunate, it may be a relatively minor offense for underage drinking on spring break. It may be a simple curfew violation, driving offense or minor marijuana charge. On the other hand, it may be a serious felony violation like home burglary, car theft, auto burglary or robbery. In the worst case scenario, it may be a sex crime allegation that can affect your child’s entire future. Criminal charges may result in your child being immediately expelled or transferred out of school based simply on the allegations. What happens now could affect your child’s future for years to come.

For a free consultation regarding your child’s case, please call Aiken & O’Halloran in Fort Myers at 239-955-6715 or complete our contact form. We fight to protect the well-being and future of young people throughout the Fort Myers area.

Do Not Let Your Child Be Charged As An Adult

Don’t wait to hire an attorney. In some instances, your child can be charged as an adult, and timely intervention by an experienced attorney could make the difference between a clean record and the burden of a criminal history your child may have to carry for life.

It is critical that your child be represented effectively at his or her first appearance before the court. The judge will be deciding whether or not to detain your child in the juvenile justice center pending a resolution of the case.

Contact us immediately to arrange a free consultation. We can visit your child if your child is in custody, and we can get a head start on solving your child’s legal dilemma.

For free information on the following, call now:

• Gang crimes
• Sex crimes
• Burglary
• Shoplifting
• Petit theft
• Computer crimes
• Home detentions
• Curfew violations
• Juvenile programs
• Drug crimes
• Violent crimes
• Underage drinking

Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Myers Juvenile Charges

Our juvenile defense attorneys answer common questions from families facing allegations in Florida’s juvenile justice system.

Will the school automatically expel my child?

Schools are not required to automatically expel students facing criminal charges, but they often take disciplinary action based solely on arrest allegations before any court proceedings occur. Florida law requires schools to be notified when students are arrested for certain offenses, particularly felonies and violent crimes. School administrators then conduct their own internal investigations and disciplinary proceedings separate from the criminal case.

Your child may face suspension, transfer to an alternative school or expulsion depending on the alleged offense and school district policies. These consequences can occur even if charges are later dropped or your child is found not guilty.

Engaging an attorney immediately can help you communicate effectively with school administrators, understand your child’s educational rights and potentially minimize the impact on your child’s schooling. We work to coordinate criminal defense and educational advocacy to protect your child’s future. Schools must still follow due process procedures before imposing discipline.

What are diversion programs and is my child eligible?

Diversion programs offer alternatives to traditional prosecution by allowing eligible juveniles to complete requirements such as community service, counseling, restitution and educational programs instead of going through the court system. Successfully completing a diversion program typically results in charges being dropped and no formal adjudication appearing on your child’s record. Florida offers several diversion options including civil citation programs for first-time misdemeanor offenses, pretrial intervention programs and teen court.

Eligibility depends on the nature of the alleged offense, your child’s prior record, willingness to accept responsibility and whether the victims agree to participate. Violent felonies, sex crimes and repeat offenses usually disqualify juveniles from diversion.

Will a juvenile record follow my child into adulthood?

Florida treats juvenile records differently from adult criminal records, offering more protection and sealing opportunities. Juvenile records are not automatically public and have restricted access, meaning they typically do not appear on standard background checks that employers and colleges conduct. However, law enforcement and courts retain access to juvenile records when considering future charges and serious offenses like sex crimes may require registration that continues into adulthood.

In Florida, eligible juveniles can seek to seal or expunge records after meeting requirements like completing court-ordered programs, remaining crime-free for a specific time and filing proper petitions.

Contact Us For A Free Consultation

The juvenile crime defense attorneys at Aiken & O’Halloran represent young people throughout the Fort Myers area. For a free consultation, please call us at 239-955-6715 or complete our contact form. We are here to help.