What Happens After Your Child Is Arrested in Broward County? A Step-by-Step Guide to the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC) Process

The phone call no parent ever wants to receive. Your child has been arrested. Your mind races. You don’t know what to do first — call someone, drive somewhere, stay calm for your other kids, or simply take a moment to try to breathe.

Whatever you’re feeling right now — fear, confusion, anger, heartbreak — it’s valid. This is one of the hardest moments a family can face. But here’s what I want you to know before anything else: your child’s future is not defined by what happened today. The juvenile justice system in Florida exists, at least in theory, with rehabilitation in mind, not punishment. And with the right guidance, many young people who make serious mistakes go on to lead successful, fulfilling lives.

As a Fort Lauderdale juvenile criminal defense lawyer, I’ve walked many families through exactly this process. This guide is for you — the parent who just got that call and needs real, honest, plain-language information about what comes next in Broward County.

What Is the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC)?

When a juvenile is arrested in Broward County, they are not typically taken to a standard adult jail or booking facility. Instead, they are transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center, located at 3029 SW 2nd Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. The JAC is the entry point for every juvenile who comes into contact with the Broward County juvenile justice system.

The JAC is a collaborative, multi-agency facility. Under Florida law, specifically Chapter 985, Florida Statutes — the Juvenile Justice Code — the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is responsible for receiving and processing arrested juveniles, assessing their needs, and determining an appropriate next step. The JAC is where that process begins.

Understanding what happens at the JAC, step by step, can help you stay calm, act strategically, and protect your child’s rights from the very first moment.

Step 1: Intake at the JAC

When law enforcement brings your child to the JAC, the intake process begins. Officers will transfer custody to JAC staff, and your child will be:

Fingerprinted and photographed — yes, even as a juvenile
Searched and have personal property inventoried
Medically screened for any physical or mental health needs
Assessed using a standardized risk and needs screening tool

This intake process is governed by § 985.14, Fla. Stat., which requires the DJJ to screen each child taken into custody to assess risk to public safety and the child’s needs for services.

What you should do right now: Try to locate your child. Call the JAC directly at (954) 357-5300. Staff can confirm whether your child is there and provide basic information. Do not wait to make that call — knowing your child’s whereabouts and status is step one.

Step 2: The Risk Assessment Instrument (RAI)

One of the most consequential things that happens at the JAC is the completion of the Risk Assessment Instrument (RAI), a standardized scoring tool used statewide under § 985.245, Fla. Stat. The RAI evaluates factors including:

The seriousness of the current charge
Your child’s prior record (if any)
Prior history with the justice system
School attendance and behavior
Family circumstances
Prior failures to appear or violations of supervision

The RAI score drives the DJJ’s detention recommendation — specifically, whether the officer recommends that your child be released to you, placed in a diversion program, held in home detention (with electronic monitoring), or placed in secure detention.

This is a critical juncture. The RAI is not just a bureaucratic form — it directly shapes what happens next. A Fort Lauderdale juvenile criminal defense lawyer who intervenes early can sometimes present mitigating information to the JAC intake officer or the DJJ that affects the recommendation. If you can reach an attorney before or during this stage, do so immediately.

Step 3: Detention or Release Decision

After the RAI is completed, a DJJ intake officer makes a detention recommendation. Florida law draws a clear line between children who pose a public safety risk and those who can safely return home pending further proceedings.

Under § 985.255, Fla. Stat., a juvenile may be placed in secure detention only if:

The child is charged with a felony or a misdemeanor that involved violence;
The RAI score meets a statutory threshold for detention; or
Certain other specific criteria are met (such as failure to appear on a prior case, or being arrested for a serious or violent crime).

For most first-time, non-violent offenders, the system favors release — either outright release to a parent or guardian, or home detention, which is essentially a form of supervised release with conditions (curfew, no contact with alleged victims, electronic monitoring, etc.).

If your child is recommended for secure detention, a detention hearing must be held within 24 hours of the child being taken into custody, as required by § 985.26, Fla. Stat. That hearing takes place in front of a circuit court judge. Time is extremely short. Getting a defense attorney involved immediately is not optional — it is urgent.

What to bring to the detention hearing: If you are allowed to speak at or attend the detention hearing, your attorney will help you understand how to present your family’s circumstances, your child’s ties to school and community, and your ability to supervise your child at home. Judges pay attention to these factors when deciding whether home detention is appropriate or whether secure detention is necessary.

Step 4: The 24-Hour Detention Hearing

If your child is held at the JAC and not immediately released, the clock starts. § 985.26, Fla. Stat. mandates that a detention hearing be held within 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays in some circumstances — though the statute requires the court to be available).

At this hearing, the judge will:

Review the charge and the DJJ detention recommendation
Hear from the prosecutor and your child’s attorney
Consider whether continued detention is legally justified under § 985.255
Set or review conditions of any non-secure detention

Your child has the right to counsel at this hearing. Under § 985.033, Fla. Stat., a child taken into custody has the right to counsel at every stage of the proceedings. If your family cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint a public defender. However, the public defender system is overburdened. If you can retain private counsel, doing so before the detention hearing can make a significant difference in the outcome.

At the Florida Supreme Court level, the principle that juveniles are entitled to meaningful due process protections has been reinforced through Florida’s adoption of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in In re Gault, 387 U.S. 1 (1967), which established that juveniles have constitutional rights — including the right to notice of charges, the right to counsel, the privilege against self-incrimination, and the right to confront witnesses. Florida courts have consistently honored these protections. Do not let anyone minimize your child’s rights simply because they are young.

Step 5: The DJJ Staffing and Diversion Options

After the initial detention decision, the DJJ begins a more thorough evaluation of your child’s case to determine the appropriate recommendation to the State Attorney’s Office.

This is where diversion becomes an important conversation. Florida’s juvenile justice system offers several alternatives to formal prosecution, including:

Civil Citation / Juvenile Civil Citation Program: For minor, first-time offenses, law enforcement or the DJJ may divert the case through a civil citation. Under § 985.12, Fla. Stat., this program allows eligible juveniles to complete community service hours, counseling, or other interventions without formal charges being filed. Broward County has a robust civil citation program — if your child is eligible, this is a powerful option.
Diversion Programs (SAO-Administered): The Broward County State Attorney’s Office operates pre-trial diversion programs for juveniles that, if successfully completed, result in no formal charge being filed or the charge being dismissed. Eligibility often depends on the nature of the offense, prior record, and willingness to participate.
Arbitration and Community Service: Broward County also offers informal resolution processes for lower-level offenses.

An experienced Fort Lauderdale juvenile criminal defense lawyer will know which programs your child may qualify for, how to make the strongest possible case for diversion, and how to navigate the DJJ staffing process in your child’s favor.

Step 6: Charges Filed — The Petition and Arraignment

If the case is not diverted and the State Attorney decides to proceed formally, the SAO will file a petition for delinquency — the juvenile equivalent of a criminal complaint. Under § 985.318, Fla. Stat., the petition must be filed within 21 days of the child being taken into custody if the child is in secure detention, or 45 days if the child is not detained.

Once a petition is filed, your child will be arraigned — brought before a judge and formally informed of the charges. At arraignment, your child (through their attorney) will enter a plea of admission, denial, or no contest.

Entering a denial (the juvenile equivalent of “not guilty”) is almost always the right initial move. It preserves all options, allows time for investigation, and does not foreclose negotiation. An experienced attorney will advise you not to enter an admission at arraignment without a full understanding of the evidence, the options, and the potential consequences.

Step 7: Adjudicatory Hearing (Juvenile Trial)

If the case proceeds past arraignment without a plea agreement, the case goes to an adjudicatory hearing — the juvenile equivalent of a trial — before a circuit court judge. Under Florida law, juveniles do not have a constitutional right to a jury trial, though the Florida Supreme Court addressed this in L.O. v. State, 2 So. 3d 101 (Fla. 2009), holding that there is no state constitutional right to jury trial in juvenile delinquency proceedings. The judge alone determines whether the State has proven the alleged delinquent act beyond a reasonable doubt.

At the adjudicatory hearing:

The State presents evidence and witnesses
Your child’s attorney cross-examines witnesses and presents a defense
The judge determines guilt or innocence (“adjudication” or “non-adjudication”)

Under § 985.35, Fla. Stat., an adjudicatory hearing must be held within 21 days of arraignment if the child is in secure detention, or within 90 days if not detained, absent good cause for continuance.

Step 8: Disposition — What Happens If Your Child Is Adjudicated

If your child is adjudicated delinquent (found guilty), the next step is disposition — the juvenile equivalent of sentencing. Under § 985.433, Fla. Stat., the court must consider the DJJ’s predisposition report, which evaluates the child’s background, family situation, school performance, prior record, and treatment needs, and recommends a level of supervision or commitment.

Disposition options range from the least restrictive to the most serious:

Probation — supervised release with conditions (curfew, community service, counseling, drug testing, school attendance)
Community Control — more intensive, home-based supervision
Day Treatment Programs — structured daily programs without residential placement
Residential Commitment — placement in a juvenile facility at one of four commitment levels (low-risk through maximum-risk) under § 985.03, Fla. Stat.

The goal of your attorney at disposition is to achieve the least restrictive outcome possible while addressing the court’s legitimate concerns about your child’s welfare and public safety. Mitigation matters enormously at this stage — evidence of school engagement, community ties, family support, remorse, counseling participation, and other positive factors can meaningfully affect the disposition.

Sealing and Expungement of Juvenile Records

One of the most important things parents often overlook is the long-term impact of a juvenile record — and the mechanisms available to address it.

Under § 943.0515, Fla. Stat., most juvenile records are automatically expunged when the child turns 21, or 26 if the offense involved a serious crime. However, certain serious offenses are exempt from automatic expungement.

Separately, § 943.059, Fla. Stat. provides a process for juveniles to petition to seal their records early, which can be critically important for college applications, scholarships, military service, and employment. A Fort Lauderdale juvenile criminal defense lawyer can advise your family on whether and when your child qualifies for early sealing or expungement and walk you through that process.

Your Child’s Rights at Every Stage — Know Them

Florida law and the U.S. Constitution give your child specific rights throughout this process. Understanding them helps you and your child avoid making mistakes that could hurt the case.

The Right to Remain Silent (5th Amendment / § 985.101, Fla. Stat.)

Your child has the absolute right to remain silent when questioned by law enforcement. This right applies at the time of arrest, at the JAC, and at every subsequent stage. Your child should not answer questions from police, DJJ staff, or prosecutors without an attorney present. This is not about guilt or innocence — it’s about protecting your child’s right to a fair process.

Under Florida law, statements made by a juvenile during a custodial interrogation without proper Miranda warnings, or without a parent or attorney present (particularly for younger juveniles), may be challenged and suppressed. § 985.101, Fla. Stat. requires law enforcement to make a reasonable effort to notify parents or guardians when a juvenile is taken into custody.

The Right to Counsel (§ 985.033, Fla. Stat.)

Your child has the right to an attorney at every critical stage. Do not allow your child to proceed through any hearing — even an informal one — without legal representation.

The Right to Confront Witnesses and Present a Defense

As recognized since In re Gault, 387 U.S. 1 (1967), your child has the right to challenge the State’s evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present their own evidence. These are not procedural technicalities — they are the foundation of a fair proceeding.

The Dos and Don’ts: A Practical Guide for Parents

DO:

✅ Call an attorney immediately — before your child speaks to anyone. Time is your most valuable asset in the first 24 hours.

✅ Go to the JAC — your presence matters. Staff will know the family is engaged and supportive, which can affect decisions.

✅ Write down everything — what your child told you happened, the names of any witnesses, the arresting officer’s name and badge number, and the approximate time of arrest.

✅ Gather supporting documents — school transcripts, attendance records, medical or mental health records, community involvement documentation, letters from teachers or coaches. These will matter at every stage from the RAI through disposition.

✅ Be respectful and composed with JAC and DJJ staff — even when you are terrified or furious. Staff exercise discretion, and how you present yourself and your family matters.

✅ Follow all court orders and conditions exactly — if your child is released on home detention, violating any condition can result in immediate secure detention.

✅ Ask about diversion — make sure your attorney is exploring every available diversion option before accepting formal prosecution.

DON’T:

❌ Allow your child to speak to police or DJJ without an attorney present — no matter how cooperative it might seem, such statements can and will be used against them.

❌ Contact alleged victims or witnesses — this can result in additional charges and violate no-contact conditions.

❌ Post anything on social media — about the arrest, the charges, or the events in question. Prosecutors regularly monitor social media.

❌ Miss any court dates — failure to appear results in additional charges and seriously damages your credibility with the court.

❌ Assume it will “just go away” — juvenile cases have real consequences. Even informal resolutions carry conditions, and violations can escalate the case.

❌ Assume the public defender will have enough time — public defenders are often excellent lawyers burdened with overwhelming caseloads. A private Fort Lauderdale juvenile criminal defense lawyer can dedicate the time, attention, and resources your child’s case deserves.

How an Experienced Fort Lauderdale Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

Navigating the juvenile justice system without experienced legal counsel is like navigating a complex medical emergency without a doctor. The system has its own language, its own timelines, its own decision-makers, and its own pressure points — and knowing where and how to intervene can be the difference between your child coming home tonight and your child spending weeks in a detention facility.

Here is specifically how a skilled Fort Lauderdale juvenile criminal defense lawyer can help at each stage:

At the JAC (Intake Stage): An attorney can contact DJJ intake staff, present mitigating information before the RAI recommendation is finalized, and advise you on what to say — and what not to say — when you arrive. Early intervention can sometimes change a detention recommendation to a release recommendation.
At the Detention Hearing: Your attorney will argue for your child’s release, present evidence of family stability and community ties, challenge any legally improper basis for detention, and ensure the judge has the complete picture — not just the State’s narrative.
During DJJ Staffing / Diversion Negotiations: An attorney will advocate for the most favorable diversion option, ensure your child is not improperly excluded from programs they qualify for, and prepare your child and family to make the strongest possible impression.
During the Adjudicatory Phase: Your attorney will investigate the facts, challenge the State’s evidence (including seeking suppression of illegally obtained statements or evidence), identify witnesses, and build the most effective defense to the charges. In many cases, charges can be reduced or dismissed entirely.
At Disposition: If adjudication occurs, your attorney will present comprehensive mitigation — school records, mental health evaluations, family support documentation, character witnesses, community service — to argue for the least restrictive disposition and to keep your child home and in school whenever possible.
Post-Adjudication: Appealing adjudications, modifying probation conditions, early termination of supervision, and pursuing expungement or sealing of records are all areas where continued legal representation makes a real difference.

A Word to Parents Who Are Struggling Right Now

I want to be direct with you: I have sat across from parents in your exact position. Parents who raised their children carefully, who did everything right, and who are now sitting in a waiting room at the JAC wondering where things went wrong. I have also sat with parents who know their child has been struggling — with school, with peers, with mental health, with substances — and who are terrified that the justice system will make things worse, not better.

Both kinds of parents deserve the same thing: honest information, fierce advocacy for their child, and a lawyer who treats their family with dignity.

The juvenile justice system in Florida is not perfect. It can move quickly in ways that feel overwhelming and arbitrary. But it also has real leverage points — places where an experienced advocate can make a genuine difference in your child’s trajectory. The earlier you act, the more options you have.

If your child was just arrested in Broward County, please do not wait. Contact a Fort Lauderdale juvenile criminal defense lawyer today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my child have a criminal record? Juvenile records are separate from adult criminal records, but they are not invisible. They can affect school enrollment, housing, military service, and in some cases future criminal proceedings. Sealing and expungement are available in many cases. Ask your attorney about this early.

Can my child be tried as an adult? In some cases, yes. Under § 985.556, Fla. Stat., juveniles 14 or older charged with certain serious crimes may be transferred (“direct filed”) to adult court by the State Attorney. This is one of the most serious risks in the system and one of the strongest reasons to retain experienced juvenile defense counsel immediately.

What if my child has special needs or a mental health diagnosis? Florida law provides specific protections and alternative pathways for juveniles with documented mental health, developmental, or substance use issues. The JAC’s assessment process should identify these needs, but an attorney can ensure they are properly documented and advocated for throughout the proceedings. Courts have broad discretion to order treatment-based dispositions for children with documented needs.

Can I be with my child at the JAC? Parents are generally permitted at the JAC, though the level of access may vary based on circumstances. § 985.101, Fla. Stat. requires law enforcement to make reasonable efforts to notify parents. Go there. Your presence matters.

How long does this process take? The timeline depends on whether your child is detained, the nature of the charges, and whether the case is diverted or proceeds to adjudication. Detention hearings happen within 24 hours. Diversion can resolve a case in weeks. A contested adjudicatory hearing may take several months. Your attorney will keep you informed of all deadlines and expectations.

Contact a Fort Lauderdale Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you are reading this because your child was just arrested in Broward County, please know: you do not have to face this alone, and you should not try to. The decisions made in the next 24 to 48 hours can shape the outcome of your child’s case — and potentially their entire future.

As a Fort Lauderdale juvenile criminal defense lawyer with deep experience in the Broward County juvenile justice system — including the JAC process, DJJ staffing, diversion programs, and adjudicatory proceedings — I am here to help your family navigate this with clarity, compassion, and aggressive legal advocacy.

Call our office now for a free, confidential consultation. There is no obligation, and everything you share is protected by attorney-client privilege.

Your child’s future is worth fighting for.

Call Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney Richard Ansara at (954) 761-4011. Serving Broward County.

Additional Resources:

Florida Department of Juvenile Justice