Sarasota Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
We Serve Sarasota County & Manatee County
If your child has been arrested, the quality of the juvenile crimes lawyer you call could have a big impact on both their present and their future. McIntosh Law has experience in the juvenile system going back to 1993, we have a track record of success that we’re proud of, and we have a dedicated and experienced legal staff that works in conjunction with your attorneys to protect the rights of your child.
Call our Sarasota office at (941) 299-0701.
Depending on the seriousness of the offense, your child can be detained for 21 days before being returned home. For the most serious charges, the state can file charges against the juvenile as if they were an adult.
Competent representation in the early stages of your child’s case is critical. Our years of experience and knowledge of the system in both Sarasota and Manatee counties may prove vital in getting you and your family through this difficult time.
We represent juveniles charged with a broad range of criminal charges, including:
- Drug violations, including possession of marijuana or prescription medication
- Grand or petty theft, burglary, or vandalism
- Sex offenses such as sexual battery, lewd exhibition or sexting
- Driving offenses, including DUI, racing, or reckless driving
- Crimes at school or on campus
Skilled Defenders On Your Side Over 100 Years of Combined Experience
Here's What Sets Us Apart
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Deep Local Knowledge & Dedication
With over 25 years serving Manatee County, McIntosh Law is committed to defending our community’s rights with integrity.
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Powerful Team Approach
You don’t just get a lawyer—you get an entire team collaborating for your success. Our attorneys and paralegals have over 100+ years of combined experience.
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Strategic & Experienced Defense
Your case deserves a personalized strategy. Every team member has over twenty years in law, ensuring a skilled, thoughtful defense tailored to your specific case.
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Proven Success
Trusted by thousands, we know what it takes to navigate complex criminal cases, bringing experience and results-driven focus to every stage of your defense.
Juvenile vs. Teenager
The Florida courts separate juveniles from “teenagers” – meaning when someone is 18 years old, they are considered an adult and are prosecuted for crimes in adult court. But even the U.S. Supreme Court has noted that “the qualities that distinguish juveniles from adults do not disappear when an individual turns 18.”
Developments in psychology and brain science continue to show fundamental differences between juvenile and adult brains. To wit:
- According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “in key ways, the brain doesn’t look like that of an adult until the early 20s.”
- According to one legal article published by the American Bar Association’s Juvenile Justice Center in 2004, the “evidence is now strong that the brain does not cease to mature until the early 20s in those relevant parts that govern impulsivity, judgment, planning for the future, foresight of consequences, and other characteristics that make people morally culpable…Indeed, age 21 or 22 would be closer to the “biological’ age of maturity.”
It is important that you look for a lawyer who has experience with the juvenile justice system. McIntosh Law does.
Sealing a Child's Criminal Record in Florida
In Florida, juveniles have the opportunity to seal or expunge their criminal records, offering them a chance to start anew. Generally, juvenile records are automatically expunged at age 21, unless exceptions apply, such as serious offenses or if the individual was committed to an adult facility.
Records may not be expunged until age 26 for those who committed serious crimes or are considered habitual offenders. However, juveniles between 18 and 21 can petition for expungement if they meet certain criteria, such as not having a criminal conviction in the past five years.
The process begins with applying for a Certificate of Eligibility. Upon approval, the court will notify the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The juvenile crimes lawyers in our Sarasota office will help in filing this petition and following it through to the end.
Call (941) 299-0701 or contact us online today to set up a consultation, either in person or virtual.
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