FDLE - Florida Department of Law Enforcement Juvenile Law and Procedures Questions and Answers Flashcards

Under Florida law, at what age is a person generally considered a juvenile for purposes of the juvenile justice system?

Answer: Under 18 years old

In Florida, a juvenile is generally defined as a person under the age of 18 for purposes of the juvenile justice system.

When a juvenile is taken into custody in Florida, what term is used instead of 'arrest'?

Answer: Taken into custody

Florida law uses the term 'taken into custody' rather than 'arrested' for juveniles to reflect the rehabilitative rather than punitive focus of the juvenile system.

Which Florida statute primarily governs the juvenile justice system, including procedures for handling juvenile offenders?

Answer: Florida Statute Chapter 985

Florida Statute Chapter 985 governs the Juvenile Justice Act, covering procedures for delinquent acts and juvenile offenders.

Under what circumstances can a juvenile in Florida be tried as an adult?

Answer: When the state attorney directly files charges in adult court or the case is transferred by a judge for serious offenses

Florida allows juveniles to be tried as adults through direct filing by the state attorney or judicial transfer for serious or repeat offenses.

When a juvenile is taken into custody for a delinquent act in Florida, what is the maximum time they may be held in a secure facility before a detention hearing?

Answer: 24 hours

Under Florida Statute Chapter 985, a juvenile held in secure detention must have a detention hearing within 24 hours of being taken into custody.

Which agency in Florida is primarily responsible for supervising juveniles placed on probation or community supervision?

Answer: Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)

The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) oversees supervision, rehabilitation, and treatment of juveniles in the justice system.