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Juvenile Diversion Programs

Juveniles accused of a crime might be eligible to have their case resolved in a juvenile diversion program. These programs divert the juvenile away from the judge and into a voluntary program which is usually run by or in cooperation with the State Attorney’s Office. The child is then given a list of conditions to complete including requirements such as observing a limited to a curfew, community service hours, substance abuse classes, counseling, or educational training. 

Lawyer for Juvenile Diversion Programs in Hernando County

The benefit of entering the voluntary program is that if all conditions are completed within the allotted time then the allegations and/or formal charges in the petition can be dropped by the prosecutor. In some cases the juvenile enters the program before any petition is filed, in other cases the case is diverted after the petition is filed. If your child has been arrested for a crime, contact The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. today at (352) 593-4115 so that we can fight to help him avoid having a permanent mark on his or her record.


Florida Juvenile Diversion Program Information Center


Diversion Programs in the 5th Judicial Circuit for Children Accused of a Crime

For juveniles charged throughout the 5th Judicial Circuit, including Sumter County, Citrus County, and Hernando County, FL, a number of different diversion programs exist including the Juvenile Diversion Alternative Program (JDAP). These diversion programs are not right for every child. But the benefit of the programs are that the charges can ultimately be dropped after successful completion of the program.

If your child is interested in a career in law enforcement, the military, or the health care profession there are certain collateral consequences that occur when the child agrees to enter a diversion program. It is important to consider not just the immediate impact of the charge but also all of the long term consequences. Keep in mind that the child’s school can also initiate certain disciplinary actions including a suspension or expulsion hearing after the accusation. 

If your child is under investigation for a criminal offense, never let the child talk to a law enforcement officer until after you have spoken to a criminal defense attorney. If your child has already been arrested for a juvenile offense, then call us to discuss possible defenses. We fight to protect the child’s future after a criminal accusation in juvenile court. We can help negotiate all of the terms of the diversion program and help the child navigate the juvenile justice system in Brooksville, Hernando County, Bushnell in Sumter County, and Inverness in Citrus County, FL.


Juvenile Diversion Alternative Program

JDAP is a juvenile diversion program that offers services based on the particular facts of the case and the needs of the juvenile accused of the crime. The program will only take juveniles referred to the program by the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) with the content of the State Attorney’s Office (SAO) in the fifth judicial circuit. Juveniles must be 17 years old or younger to enter the program.

Eligible offense include any child charged with a misdemeanor for a first or second offense. Eligible charges also include violent first degree misdemeanors offenses, and most first time felony offenses.

The JDAP typically takes between two to four months to complete. Successful completion of all special terms and conditions in the case plan is required. If the conditions are not completed within 4 months, and no extension is granted, then the child will be rejected from the program and sent back to court.

Court ordered sanctions can include community service, curfew and restitution. In drug cases, random urinalysis tests can be required. Other conditions can include individual, group and family counseling, anger management classes, and educational training. Depending on the facts of the case, the program can required a referral to and monitoring of substance abuse services and/or mental health services.


Common Juvenile Offenses Prosecuted in Juvenile Court

The most common juvenile offenses prosecuted in juvenile court include the following: 

  • Possession of alcohol; 
  • Possession of marijuana; 
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia; 
  • Possession of a knife or other concealed weapon; 
  • Vandalism, graffiti or criminal mischief; 
  • Trespass; 
  • Assault or battery; 
  • Domestic battery; and
  • Robbery or Burglary. 

Finding an Attorney for Juvenile Diversion Cases in Brooksville, FL

If your child has been charged with a crime in juvenile court in Hernando County, Florida, then contact an experienced juvenile defense attorney. Ashley Aulls represent clients throughout Brooksville, Florida and the surrounding areas of Inverness in Citrus County, New Port Richey and Dade City in Pasco County, and Bushnell in Sumter County, Florida. Call an experienced juvenile defense attorney at The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. at (352) 593-4115 today.