Minors who are accused of criminal offenses go through the juvenile justice system, which is uniquely complex compared to the adult criminal justice system. However, conviction in juvenile court can still have lasting consequences, and some juveniles can even be tried as adults.
It is essential that parents secure the support of a Fort Myers juvenile crimes lawyer to protect their children’s futures, advocate for rehabilitative outcomes, and fight for their juvenile rights.
Juvenile cases can be incredibly stressful for both children and guardians. Getting the right legal representation is essential to smooth the process and help you secure the ideal outcome. At Atlas Defense Law, we have nearly two decades of legal experience and have handled more than 50 trials.
We understand both criminal and juvenile courts and how to navigate the unique issues in both. There are options for minors to secure lesser charges or seek alternative sentencing focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Our firm gives you the support you need and fights for a fair outcome.
Benjamin Abdulnour provides compassionate, personalized, and fierce legal support. When you reach out to our firm, he personally answers calls. His trial experience includes several successful acquittals. He also has a history of juvenile cases that have set precedent for future cases, and he has fought for results that have helped truant children in the state.
Juvenile cases affect anyone under the age of 18 at the time of their arrest. In Florida in 2021, there were 8,780 juvenile arrests for property crimes, and 2,686 juvenile arrests for violent offenses reported by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Juvenile offenses are handled by the 20th Circuit Court for Lee County, located on 2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Fort Myers. The circuit court or the county court may handle a criminal case for a juvenile tried as an adult.
Many criminal offenses are committed by those under 18. Some of them include:
A: The juvenile laws in Florida state that a child younger than seven can’t be arrested or charged with a legal violation except for forcible felonies, and that children 14 years of age or older can be tried in adult criminal court for certain offenses. Generally, juveniles younger than 18 are charged in juvenile court, unless the minor or their parents request to be tried as an adult, or the offense is very serious.
A: There are several new laws that affect minors in Florida, from allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to work longer hours to restricting 14 and 15-year-olds’ access to social media. However, the primary criminal law that impacts minors has to do with drug offenses. In July 2025, changes to the law mean that minors younger than 18 can be charged with second-degree felony murder for distributing fentanyl that causes someone’s death.
A: In the criminal court system in Florida, juveniles have several rights and protections. This includes 1) the right to remain silent when questioned or interrogated, 2) the right to legal representation after an arrest, 3) the right to a trial, but not a jury trial in the juvenile system, and 4) the right to secure support and guidance from parents or legal guardians.
A: It is essential to hire a juvenile crimes lawyer in Fort Myers to secure the ideal outcome in the case. If you are a minor or your minor child has been charged with a criminal offense, an attorney can protect a minor’s rights, help create a defense, and work to keep the case out of adult criminal court. This support helps protect the future of a minor and fight for a rehabilitative result in the case.
Juvenile offenses can lead to penalties similar to those in criminal cases, such as fines, imprisonment, and probation. Protect your child’s freedom and reach out to Atlas Defense Law today.

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