Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

Re: adjudicated delinquent

It was because you were under 18

Re: adjudicated delinquent

Usually an adjudication would be imposed, due to a previous juvenile history, or if the charge had aggravating facts to it. And if the petit theft charge was your first contact with the criminal justice system ever, you should not have even had to consider an adjudication, as the Department of Juvenile Justice usually recommends a diversion or arbitration program. The bottom line is that if you received an adjudication, on your non-aggravated petit theft charge, when you originally pled out, you either had a previous record--even if not for theft,or you/your attorney made the wrong decision in accepting that disposition, without asking for a withholding of adjudication at the minimum.

Mark Hanks

Attorney Hanks, PA

St. Petersburg