If a juvenile in Florida is determined to be a violent and repeat offender, then under The Violent and Repeat Juvenile Offender Accountability and Rehabilitation Act, they may be federally prosecuted as an adult. This act has increased the penalties for such offenders because of an assessment that the current model of sentencing for juveniles is inappropriate.
According to The Violent and Repeat Juvenile Offender Accountability and Rehabilitation Act, juveniles must take responsibility for their violent criminal acts. Under this law, a juvenile as young as 14 may be federally prosecuted for repeated violent crimes in the same way that an adult would be prosecuted.
Acts that are considered “violent crimes” regardless of whether they were committed by a juvenile or an adult include:
- robbery and armed robbery;
- arson;
- assault and battery;
- carjacking;
- child abuse;
- domestic violence;
- manslaughter;
- murder; and
- other crimes defined by U.S federal law.
The Violent and Repeat Juvenile Offender Accountability and Rehabilitation Act also tightens gun control laws.
If you have been labeled a violent and repeat juvenile offender, and you are being charged as an adult, you should get the professional help of a Miami juvenile criminal defense lawyer. With a strong defense, an experienced lawyer may be able to beat your criminal charge.
Contacting a Miami Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are facing criminal charges in South Florida, your legal team is your best defense. Contact the Miami juvenile criminal defense lawyer team at Falk & Ross to discuss your case – (877) 663-5110.