SLC - Juvenile Department

Dependency Cases:

The Juvenile Clerk's office also handles dependency cases. A dependency case consists of allegations of abuse, abandonment, or neglect of a minor child. Dependency cases are started as a result of someone calling the abuse hotline. An investigation is begun and, if there is probable cause, the case is brought before the judge. A shelter hearing is held, then an arraignment. Depending on the plea, either a docket call or disposition takes place. If the parents deny the allegations then a trial is held in a non-jury court of law. The judge is the deciding factor of guilt or innocence. If the court declares the child dependent, the parent(s) enter into a case plan with the Department of Children and Families to comply with regulations or sanctions imposed by the court. The Department of Children and Families are to ensure that the child or children are safe and free from risk. Non-compliance with the case plan may result in the children being placed in the permanent custody of the State of Florida.

	Department Functions and Services: According to Florida Statues, juvenile information is confidential. However, a parent, legal guardian, or the child's attorney may obtain information by providing picture identification of the parents or notice of appearance by an attorney through our office.
	In order to request a record to be expunged or sealed visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement site to get the packet and instructions.
	Delinquency Cases: Detention hearings: When a child has committed an offense that is detainable by law, a detention hearing is held within 24 hours of the arrest. At that time the court determines whether to maintain the child in secure detention or release the child to home detention, or outright to a parent. Opening the case: After receiving an arrest or complaint affidavit, the Clerk's office numbers the case and sends the paperwork be scanned. After the paperwok is scanned, our office will queue the affidavits to the State Attorney's Office using EDMS (Electronic Document Management System). The Department of Juvenile Justice searches their copy of the affidavit through the EDMS System. Upon receiving the paperwork the Assistant State Attorney makes the determination as to whether to file a petition or to no petition (drop) the case. Once the determination to file a petition is completed, the Clerk's office prepares a summons for the Sheriff's office to serve on the parent and child with the date, time, and place for an arraignment. Arraignment hearing: An arraignment hearing is a hearing that allows the child to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest to the allegations. At the time of arraignment the child may request an attorney. An attorney may be appointed to the child at a minimum cost pending approval of the financial affidavit.	Dependency Cases: The Juvenile Clerk's office also handles dependency cases. A dependency case consists of allegations of abuse, abandonment, or neglect of a minor child. Dependency cases are started as a result of someone calling the abuse hotline. An investigation is begun and, if there is probable cause, the case is brought before the judge. A shelter hearing is held, then an arraignment. Depending on the plea, either a docket call or disposition takes place. If the parents deny the allegations then a trial is held in a non-jury court of law. The judge is the deciding factor of guilt or innocence. If the court declares the child dependent, the parent(s) enter into a case plan with the Department of Children and Families to comply with regulations or sanctions imposed by the court. The Department of Children and Families are to ensure that the child or children are safe and free from risk. Non-compliance with the case plan may result in the children being placed in the permanent custody of the State of Florida.
	Docket call: A docket call is held after an arraignment when the defendant enters a plea of not guilty. At the time of a docket call the defendant can change his or her plea and plead guilty or no contest to the charges. If a defendant pleads guilty or no contest then the case is set for a disposition or sentencing. If a defendant continues with his or her plea of not guilty, the case is then set for a non-jury trial. Disposition hearing: A disposition is simply the sentencing portion of the case at which time the child is either adjudicated delinquent or adjudication is withheld. The type of sentencing is based on the severity of the crime and the child's priors. There are different levels of punishment: Probation, low risk residential program, moderate risk residential program, high risk residential program, and maximum risk residential program. Trial: A trial in juvenile court is a non-jury process. The judge is the one that makes the determination as to whether a child is guilty or innocent based upon the evidence presented. Restitution: When the court levies restitution payments they are collected by the Juvenile Division's Clerk and forwarded to the victims. A $3.50 Clerk fee is charged every time a payment is taken for this service. The court fees are also collected by the Juvenile Department. The Clerk's office accepts Cash, Money Orders, Cashier Checks, and Credit Cards ( Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express ). The Clerk's office does NOT accept Personal Checks. Lien: A Final Judgment (Lien) is placed against the parents (or guardian) of all Juveniles that owe court fees, at time of Disposition. Failure to appear for any hearing after notice will result in an order to take the juvenile into custody.

Juvenile Department
	Address: 218 South 2nd Street Bldg B - 3rd Floor Fort Pierce, FL 34950 Directions To This Location Phone: (772) 462-6800 Fax: (772) 462-6807 Hours: 8AM -5PM, Mon - Fri		Credit cards now accepted