Recent Statistics on Juvenile Crime in Florida

The age group being addressed in this article relates to 10-17 year olds (adolescents) and the following statistics reflect activity between 2006 and 2010. The adolescent population decreased over the past three years in Florida and as of August of last year, was estimated at 1.85 million.

Most Frequently Committed Juvenile Offenses

1. The most common reason for referral to the Juvenile Department was misdemeanor theft. During the fiscal year 2009 to 2010, there were slightly over 6,500 delinquency referrals where the most serious offense committed was misdemeanor theft.

2. The most frequent felony offense committed by juveniles was burglary. During the fiscal year 2009 to 2010, there were approximately 11, 800 delinquency referrals where burglary was the most serious offense.

Good News on Trends

Crime statistics in the juvenile offense area are going down. In almost every category of crime there are fairly substantial reductions in virtually every major offense. These positive trends are a direct result of the juvenile department's strategic plan to lower juvenile crime rates.

Summary of Trends

For those who reside in Florida, there are less likely to be victims of juvenile crime than at any other time since statistics started being tracked by the Department in 1990. In the fiscal year 2005 to 2006, juvenile delinquency referrals were at 80 per 1,000 and down to 65 for every 1,000 in the year 2009 to 2010. Last year the department received fewer delinquency referrals than any other year since 1990. Crime rates for felony offenses were down by 25% this past year as well.

If Your Child is in Trouble

If you have a child who has gotten into trouble with the law in the Fort Lauderdale area, you should contact a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney to help you. It is important that a child under the age of 18 who is charged with a crime be given strong defense against the charges to avoid conviction. At Parks & Braxton, PA, we are experienced in handling juvenile cases and our initial goal will be to have your child acquitted of the charges. We will take immediate action to keep him out of the adult criminal justice system and keep him within the juvenile system where emphasis is placed on rehabilitation, not penalty.

Contact a Fort Lauderdale juvenile crime lawyer in our office for a free consultation today.