Juvenile DUI Attorney in Jacksonville

If your child is facing a DUI charge in Jacksonville, every decision you make is pivotal to their future. As a dedicated juvenile DUI attorney in Jacksonville, I am committed to guiding families through Florida’s complex juvenile justice process, ensuring each legal right is protected from start to finish. At Mitchell A. Stone, P.A., my practice combines decades of experience and personal commitment. I am ready to challenge the prosecution and help your family pursue the most positive outcome for your child’s future.

Is your child facing a Juvenile DUI charge in Florida? Call Mitchell A. Stone, P.A., today at (904) 263-5005 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our Juvenile DUI attorney in Jacksonville!

Board-Certified Juvenile DUI Lawyer in Jacksonville: An Advocate When It Matters Most

As a board-certified criminal trial lawyer with over 35 years of experience in Florida courts, I approach every juvenile DUI case in Jacksonville with aggressive defense strategies and meticulous evaluation of all evidence. Dealing with charges against a minor demands special attention to unique laws, statutory considerations, and the procedures followed in Duval County courts. I personally invest in every case to ensure you have an advocate you can depend on in even the most challenging of circumstances. My goal is to provide the thorough, unwavering defense your child deserves when facing the very real consequences of a juvenile DUI allegation.

Having served as the 33rd President of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, I know the standards expected within Florida’s justice system. This background not only gives me insight into local courtroom protocols and procedures, but also a clear understanding of how judges and prosecutors may view DUI cases involving minors in Jacksonville. By maintaining awareness of legal developments and procedural changes, I work to create advantages for my clients whenever possible. My approach mirrors the goals of the juvenile justice system: ensuring fairness, protecting constitutional rights, and prioritizing genuine opportunities for growth and rehabilitation.

Understanding the Juvenile DUI Process in Jacksonville

When a minor faces a DUI arrest in Jacksonville, the legal process is different from that of adult cases. Florida law typically defines juveniles as individuals under the age of 18, and DUI offenses carry distinct standards and sanctions for those under 21. Penalties for minor DUI convictions are severe, even though the focus often shifts toward rehabilitation rather than punishment. Jacksonville’s Fourth Judicial Circuit Juvenile Division and local law enforcement agencies, such as the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and the Duval County Juvenile Assessment Center, are closely involved in these cases. Their roles shape the process from initial arrest to case resolution, making it important to work with a juvenile DUI lawyer in Jacksonville who understands the landscape.

I provide families with clear guidance every step of the way, including the intake process, detention hearings, defense investigation, and potential for diversion programs. Scrutinizing police reports, chemical test procedures, and probable cause, I seek out every opportunity to challenge the evidence. This includes identifying any procedural mistakes, violations of rights, or inconsistencies that could lead to reduced or dismissed charges, or to outcomes that focus on education and treatment, not merely penalties.

Juvenile DUI cases also introduce separate administrative hurdles, such as license suspensions overseen by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). These proceedings can affect a young person’s driving privileges immediately and often occur independently from criminal court outcomes. I help navigate both the criminal and administrative systems, ensuring your child’s legal and practical interests are addressed in tandem. Leveraging relationships with Jacksonville’s alternative sentencing and diversion programs, I seek the best possible solution for your family under Florida law.

What Sets My Representation Apart in Juvenile DUI Defense

When your child’s future is on the line, choosing a qualified juvenile DUI attorney in Jacksonville makes all the difference. Here’s what makes my approach unique for Jacksonville families:

• Decades of courtroom advocacy: I bring more than 35 years of criminal trial experience in Northeast Florida, with in-depth knowledge of Duval County’s prosecutors, judges, and juvenile justice system.
• Board-certified criminal trial representation: Board certification reflects advanced legal training and peer recognition specifically in criminal law.
• A proactive, evidence-driven approach: I challenge every aspect of the state’s case, ensuring police and prosecutors meet their full legal burden.
• Personalized guidance at every step: I provide clear communication and practical options, keeping families informed and confident throughout the process.
• A focus on alternatives and second chances: I advocate for diversion, education, and community-based sanctions whenever possible, supporting outcomes that protect your child’s record and future opportunities.

Beyond legal counsel, I understand the stress and emotional toll these situations place on your family. I create an atmosphere built on trust, open communication, and clear advice, so you never feel alone or uninformed. By working with local substance abuse counselors, education providers, and Jacksonville-based support programs, I aim to demonstrate to the courts your child’s genuine commitment to making positive changes. This holistic approach consistently makes a significant impact on the options available to juveniles under local court guidelines and helps your family move toward a more stable future.

The Step-By-Step Juvenile DUI Process & Local Considerations

A juvenile DUI arrest triggers a unique and time-sensitive process in Jacksonville. Here’s how I support your family through each stage of the case:

• Immediate intake & assessment: After an arrest, minors are processed at the Duval County Juvenile Assessment Center, where their needs and circumstances are evaluated. I review the circumstances of the intake for any legal or procedural errors that could advocate for your child’s release.
• Detention hearings: Within 24 hours, the court determines whether continued detention or release is most appropriate. I present well-documented arguments and personal history to advocate for release or alternatives to incarceration.
• Formal arraignment & plea: Jacksonville’s juvenile courts operate separate dockets, usually overseen by judges focused on youth cases. I safeguard all legal rights during arraignment and provide realistic guidance on defense strategy and available diversion options.
• Evidence review & case building: I examine every detail of the arrest, including the validity of any roadside tests, the legality of the stop, and how evidence was collected according to Florida law and local protocols.
• Case resolution or trial: I pursue resolutions that favor rehabilitation—such as substance abuse education or counseling—in alignment with current priorities in the local court system. When a trial is required, I present a vigorous and strategic defense for your child.

As your case moves forward, I provide proactive updates and prompt responses to all your questions. I understand the realities of the Jacksonville juvenile court system and what families can expect in terms of court schedules, probationary requirements, or school-related concerns. Working alongside local probation officers, counselors, and diversion program coordinators, I seek to limit court involvement whenever appropriate and maintain your child’s educational momentum and family stability. My approach is always to put your child’s best interests at the center of every decision and action taken on their behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Blood Alcohol Level Leads to a Juvenile DUI in Florida?

In Florida, a driver under age 21 can be charged with DUI if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.02% or higher. This strict threshold means even a small amount of alcohol can result in a charge for minors.

Can My Child’s Driver’s License Be Suspended After a Juvenile DUI?

Yes, an administrative license suspension is likely after a juvenile DUI arrest, often lasting several months. I help families explore eligibility for hardship licenses or early reinstatement, depending on circumstances and compliance with administrative requirements.

Will a Juvenile DUI Stay on My Child’s Record?

Juvenile records in Florida are generally confidential but certain offenses, including DUI, can affect future opportunities. I advise on eligibility for record sealing or expungement, in line with Florida statutes, to help minimize long-term consequences.

What Alternatives to Detention Exist in Jacksonville?

Jacksonville’s courts frequently support alternatives such as diversion, community service, or counseling for minors. I work to identify and pursue these opportunities whenever they are available and appropriate for your family’s situation.

How Long Does the Juvenile DUI Process Take in Duval County?

Most juvenile DUI cases in Jacksonville are resolved within a few weeks to a few months, though timing can vary by complexity and court schedule. I keep families informed so they know what to expect at each stage.

Contact a Jacksonville Juvenile DUI Attorney Now

If your family is navigating a juvenile DUI charge in Jacksonville, prompt legal action makes a crucial difference. When you contact Mitchell A. Stone, P.A. at (904) 263-5005, I provide a confidential case review, answer your immediate questions, and outline a practical plan for your child’s defense. As an experienced juvenile DUI lawyer in Jacksonville, my role is to relieve your stress and bring clarity—so your family can make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.

Choosing the right legal guidance is the best way to ease the anxiety and confusion following a juvenile arrest. As soon as you reach out, I listen to your concerns, explain your options, and offer clear, actionable next steps tailored to your situation. You can depend on my experience with Jacksonville’s juvenile justice system to safeguard your child’s rights and help your family move forward with peace of mind during this challenging time.

Call our Jacksonville offices at (904) 263-5005 or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.