At The Fleming Law Group, P.A., we understand that it can be extremely difficult to learn that your child has been arrested. Fear and uncertainty does not even begin to cover the spectrum of emotion you can feel. Though it is known that youths often act out, whether in rebellion or otherwise, getting caught up in a run in with the law due to illegal behavior can be something that could be life-changing for a child. If your child has been arrested, or if your child’s future is in danger due to a juvenile crime, you must speak with an experienced defense lawyer immediately.
We Are a Law Firm Devoted to Protecting
The Future of Your Child
When your child’s rights are hanging in the balance, our juvenile defense firm is prepared to fight to defend their rights.
Get a Free ConsultationWe Are a Top Juvenile Defense Firm
Proudly Defending Minors in the Area
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J.S. Lucas Fleming, Esq.
Criminal Defense Attorney
With nearly 25 years of experience in criminal law, attorney Lucas Fleming helps clients with addictions and mental disorders find treatment instead of incarceration.
Fleming has served as the former State Prosecutor for the State Attorney's Office in Tampa. He has provided legal commentary on the O.J. Simpson case on Fox 13 and Bay News 9 and has been quoted in the St. Petersburg Times and the Tampa Tribune.
In addition, Fleming is the founder of Lawyers for Literacy, a non-profit dedicated to helping disadvantaged children pass the FCAT and build a foundation for success, lowering their risk of involvement in the juvenile criminal system.
Fleming is a Graduate of the University of Florida and Stetson University College of Law. He is a member of the Florida Bar and has been admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Fleming is also a member of the Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, a member of the St. Petersburg and Clearwater Bar Associations and a former president of the St Petersburg Bar Association.
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Amanda F. Bettker
Criminal Defense Lawyer
With over ten years of experience as a State Prosecutor handling both jury and non-jury trials in juvenile, misdemeanor and felony divisions, Amanda Bettker handles specialized cases involving domestic violence, sexual battery, DUI and career criminal prosecution.
A lifelong resident of Pinellas County and graduate of Northeast High School, Bettker is a graduate of the University of Maryland and Hofstra University College of Law.
Bettker was selected to serve as a member of the State Attorney Gang Prosecution Team and became certified as a gang investigator, serving as an instructor for the Florida Gang Investigators Association.
In addition, Bettker was appointed lead trial attorney of a county court division and is a member of the St. Petersburg Bar, the Hillsborough County Bar Association and has been admitted to U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida.
Client Testimonials
Put Your Case in Capable & Competent Hands
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“The end results were nothing short of amazing.”
Ann
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“His office staff was able to communicate in detail the answers to questions and concerns the very same day.”
Gary
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“If I didn't have them by my side, I don't know what I would have done.”
Previous Client
Why Choose Fleming Law Group?
We'll Devote Our Time & Energy Toward the Positive Resolution of Your Case
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Available 24/7 to Answer Your Call & Address Your Concerns
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Honest Guidance to Maintain Realistic Expectations
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Former State Prosecutor Can Help You Gain the Upper Hand
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Backed by Decades of Combined Legal Experience
Juvenile Criminal Penalties
Most juvenile courts have a wide range of sentencing options, which are used primarily to punish juveniles who have been found “delinquent,” or guilty of violating a criminal law. This includes things like incarceration and non-incarceration options.
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House arrest
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Electronic monitoring
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Sentence in a juvenile detention facility
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Probation or community service
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Extensive fines
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In some cases, sentence to adult jail
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The Juvenile
Justice SystemThe juvenile system has differences from adult criminal court. We can explain how the system handles young offenders so you know what to expect.
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Your Child’s
RightsYour child has rights that must be protected. Just like adults, minors have the right to remain silent & to have access to the best possible counsel.
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Your Child’s
FutureJuvenile charges do not mean they are somehow less severe. Your child deserves to live a life without the obstacles associated with a criminal record.
Juvenile Defense FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
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Questions
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My child was arrested. Will he/she be put in jail?
Answer
Because juvenile cases are handled differently, penalties typically will not involve jail. A juvenile may be faced with more serious penalties if the case is handled in adult court.
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What types of violations trigger a juvenile arrest?
Answer
Each state recognizes different types of violations as a juvenile offense. These can include things like curfew, truancy, liquor-related offenses, drug-related offenses, theft, and more.
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What age is considered to be juvenile?
Answer
Every state has different eligibility criterion, but most states recognize the maximum age for juvenile court as 18. Others can recognize 16 or 17 years, or as old as 19 years.
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What is the difference between juvenile and criminal court?
Answer
The juvenile system is much different than an adult criminal court, and therefore, the procedures are very different as well. Speak with an attorney to learn what to expect in your case.
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Possible Case Outcomes
Plea Agreement
If a case remains in juvenile court, the minor can enter a plea agreement. This is usually based on the condition that the juvenile attend counseling or other alternatives.
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Possible Case Outcomes
Judge Diversion
If a judge chooses to divert a case, the minor will need to complete a court-approved program. Failure to do so could force the court to reinstate the charges.
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Possible Case Outcomes
Adjudicatory Hearings
Also known as a juvenile trial, a judge will determine if the juvenile is delinquent (has violated criminal law). A judge will determine the penalties if the juvenile is ruled delinquent.
We Hear Your Concerns. You Aren’t Alone.
Let Us Help You Understand What to Expect
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Is my child
going to jail? -
How serious
is this? -
I can't afford
to pay the fines -
Is this going on my
criminal record? -
Can you help?
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They just made a mistake