Juvenile Defense: Protecting Your Child's Future, Freedom, and Clean Record
When a minor faces criminal allegations, the juvenile justice system moves quickly. An attorney who knows local Sarasota court procedures inside and out can help keep young people out of detention and back on track.
Deep Roots in Sarasota Youth Justice: 20 Years with Teen Court
Experience in juvenile law is not just about reading Florida statutes; it is about understanding adolescent decision-making, local diversion options, and alternative pathways to accountability.
Attorney Matt Sandburg has represented juveniles charged with crimes since opening his criminal law practice in 2011. Further, since 2006, he has served as a volunteer presiding judge for Sarasota County Teen Court.
Teen Court is an invaluable peer-justice diversion program that allows qualifying juvenile offenders to take responsibility for misdemeanor offenses, complete restorative justice requirements, and avoid a permanent criminal record.
Our background gives our firm unique insight into:
• Alternative Sentencing & Diversion: Identifying cases that qualify for Sarasota and Manatee diversion alternatives before formal prosecution escalates.
• Youth Advocacy: Understanding how prosecutors, probation officers, and juvenile judges view juvenile accountability and maturity.
• Restorative Solutions: Structuring defense proposals that emphasize education, community service, and counseling over punitive state supervision.
Juvenile Cases We Handle
We defend juveniles against all misdemeanor and felony charges throughout Sarasota and surrounding Florida circuits, including:
• Underage Alcohol & Drug Offenses: Minor in possession, marijuana possession, vaping/nicotine infractions on school grounds, and possession of controlled substances.
• School-Related Incidents & Zero-Tolerance Violations: Campus fights, disruption of school functions, trespassing, or contraband on school property.
• Property Crimes: Shoplifting/retail theft, criminal mischief, vandalism, and joyriding.
• Assault, Battery & Affray: Peer fights, sports-related conflicts, and domestic disputes.
• Traffic & Driving Infractions: Reckless driving, driving without a license, or underage DUI.
• Cyber & Digital Allegations: Harassment, sexting, online threats, or cyberstalking.
• School-Related Incidents & Zero-Tolerance Violations: Campus fights, disruption of school functions, trespassing, or contraband on school property.
• Property Crimes: Shoplifting/retail theft, criminal mischief, vandalism, and joyriding.
• Assault, Battery & Affray: Peer fights, sports-related conflicts, and domestic disputes.
• Traffic & Driving Infractions: Reckless driving, driving without a license, or underage DUI.
• Cyber & Digital Allegations: Harassment, sexting, online threats, or cyberstalking.
Critical Steps in Florida Juvenile Cases
Step 1: Detention Hearing (The First 24 Hours)
If law enforcement detains your child, a judge must hold a risk assessment hearing within 24 hours to determine if they remain in a secure juvenile facility or return home.
Step 2: State Attorney Intake & Diversion Screening
Before formal charges are filed in petition format, we intervene with the prosecutor to advocate for civil citations, Teen Court diversion, or deferred prosecution.
Step 3: Plea Negotiations & Trial
If charges proceed, we conduct independent investigations, challenge unconstitutional searches, and fight for dismissal or reduction.