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Manatee County Juvenile Justice System DEFENDERS of Your Rights. Your Life. Your Future.

Manatee County Juvenile Justice System

Manatee County Juvenile Justice System is responsible for juvenile justice prevention and early intervention plans. Manatee County Juvenile Justice representatives consist of Manatee County law enforcement, Manatee County school districts, and the Department of Children and Family Service. Each county justice system is required to provide bylaws that address the county’s juvenile justice system.

The Morris Law Firm is experienced in dealing with Manatee County Juvenile Justice System. We are familiar with the variety of process the juvenile justice system follows when dealing with juvenile delinquents. Let us provide you with representation your child needs in order to receive lowest possible sentence, including reduced or dismissed charges.

Morris Law Firm Juvenile Criminal Defense attorney defends juveniles facing:

Manatee County Juvenile Justice System

Manatee County Juvenile Assessment Center

1805 5th St W Bradenton, FL 34205

Phone: (941) 749-0607

At the Manatee County Juvenile Assessment Center, juvenile delinquents are booked and fingerprinted, the minor’s criminal record is obtained, and detention points are calculated by the intake officer. The initial decision is made by personnel at the assessment center as to whether or not to place the minor in secure detention. Otherwise, the minor may be released to the parents or legal guardian. The juvenile may be required to participate in a home detention plan. Home detention is comparable to house arrest, where for up to 21 days the minor is required to be at home, work, or at school, and under adult supervision. Violations of home detention rules can result in the child being arrested and placed in secure detention, and also constitutes contempt of court.

Manatee Regional Juvenile Detention Center

1803 Fifth Street West Bradenton, FL 34205

Phone: (941) 741-3023

Fax: (941) 741-3061

The Manatee Regional Juvenile Detention Center is a secure facility that serves youth detained by various circuit courts. Youth are detained pending adjudication, disposition or placement in commitment facility. Manatee Regional Juvenile Detention Center provides supervision of youth in a safe, secure and humane environment. Services for youth include: education, mental health, substance abuse, and health care. Medical and mental health services are contracted services. Educational services are funded by the Department of Education through local school districts. A usual day in the detention center involves hygiene, meals, school, structured physical and educational activities, and court appearance as scheduled. The average length of stay in secure detention is approximately 14 days.

Circuit 12 – Manatee County Juvenile Court

1051 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, Florida 34205

Phone: (941) 749-3600

Fax: (941) 749-3692

Circuit 12 Juvenile Court goal is to provide assistance to families so that they have a clear understanding of the judicial process. Another goal is to be helpful to victims in understanding how this division of circuit court operates.

The Florida legislature primary aim of juvenile court is to change behavior. Unlike the adult system, punishment is not the focus. While the juvenile court does use sanctions, their function is to direct the child away from destructive, harmful, and illegal acts. Only persons under the age of eighteen are eligible for prosecution in the Juvenile Court. The state agency charged with administering juvenile delinquency programs is the Department of Juvenile Justice.

The statutory scheme adopted by the legislature requires many children to be released on offenses that would result in pre-trial detention or high bonds if committed by an adult. Moreover, although an adult could wait in jail several months before trial, as a general rule the maximum time a juvenile can be held waiting for trial in a secure facility is 21 days. The 21 days is the time within which the State Attorney’s Office has to try the case. If there is no reasonable prospect of trial within that time, absent special circumstances, the law requires the child to be released.

Morris Law Firm | Manatee County Juvenile Criminal Defenses Attorney

Act now to consult with an attorney to find out how to best protect your child’s rights and future opportunities. Contact the Morris Law Firm to get specific help if your youth is in trouble with the law in Bradenton and Anna Maria, Manatee County, Florida or surrounding areas. 

Call us today at (727) 592-5885 or submit brief details in our online form for a free initial consultation.

Morris Law Firm represents client in Manatee County, including:

Anna Maria, Ballentine Manor, Bayshore Gardens, Bethany, Braden Castle, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Cedar Hammock, Cortez, Duette, Eastgate, Edgeville, Ellenton, Elwood Park, Fort Hamer, Foxleigh, Gillette, Holmes Beach, Ilexhurst, Keentown, Lakewood Ranch, Longbeach, Longboat Key, Lorraine, Manatee, Manhattan, Matoaka, Memphis, Memphis Heights, Myakka City, Myakka Head, Oak Knoll, Oneco, Palm View, Palma Sola, Palma Sola Park, Palmetto, Parmalee, Parrish, Piney Point, Rubonia, Rye, Samoset, Sandy, South Bradenton, Tallevast, Terra Ceia, Terra Mana, Trailer Estates, Verna, Waterbury, West Bradenton, West Samoset, Whitfield, Whitfield Estates, Whitney Beach and Willow.

Meet The Attorneys Melinda Morris & Seth Shapiro

Why Choose Our Law Firm?

See the Difference Our Service Provides
  • FORMER STATE PROSECUTOR
    Melinda Morris is a former prosecutor and has handled thousands of criminal cases from investigation through sentencing enabling us to identify weaknesses in the State’s case against you.
  • STRATEGICALLY AGGRESSIVE
    We never settle for the easiest outcome or the typical result. We know how to negotiate with the State Attorney and we will work to get you the best possible outcome.
  • TRUSTED & EXPERIENCED
    Melinda Morris has practiced criminal law for over 20 years. Our clients trust advice that comes from experience in nearly every type of criminal case.
  • PERSONAL ATTENTION
    We will know every client’s story because we will take the time to listen and understand. You will work with your attorney one-on-one at every stage of the process.
  • PROMPT COMMUNICATION
    You will have the cell phone number of your attorney. Your attorney will directly return your call, email, or text to answer your pressing questions.
  • SAME DAY REPRESENTATION
    The government is wasting no time in trying to prove your guilt, a proactive defense is imperative. Prompt and decisive action from your defense attorney is of critical importance.

CLient Testimonials

Hear From Real People We've Helped

At Morris Law Firm, P.A., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Look no further than Morris Law"
    Seth Shapiro is the most professional, courteous, caring attorneys I’ve dealt with in all of my 70 years. He did a fabulous job representing me defending me and getting charges dropped. I couldn’t have dreamed of better counsel.
    - Stephen on AVVO
    "100% satisfied with Morris Law Group."
    100% satisfied with Morris law group. Melinda was able to resolve my legal issues with no additional expenses other than my original retainer. I highly recommend this firm for professional and competent representation.
    - Peter R. on Yelp
    "Best legal representation"
    If you want the best legal representation, look no further than Morris law firm. Melinda reassured me from the very first time we spoke over the phone. She is very professional and keeps you updated on the progress of your case. I really liked that I didn’t have to reach out to her Everything was smooth, straightforward and she put my mind at ease. You’ll be in good hands with her. Thank you Melinda
    - Hassan on Google
    "Thanks to The Morris Law Firm"
    Mr.Shapiro helped my case by looking at the police body cam diligently which supported my testimony . He presented evidence to the prosecutor .I hired Seth Shapiro to defend me after a domestic battery charge in which I was wrongfully accused and arrested. My case was dismissed thankfully. .Couldn't have asked for a better outcome. This was an extreme difficult time for me. Seth Shapiro was knowledgeable and compassionate in my case. He followed up with my concerns. I would highly recommend this firm.
    - Melody Z.
    "Goes above and beyond"
    Melinda has represented me on numerous cases and the outcome has always been great. Melinda goes above and beyond to defend your rights and get you the best possible outcome. I highly recommend hiring her.
    - Shasta on Google
    "They closed my case in a very short terms, for what I'm very grateful."
    Morris Law Firm is a very professional and responsive. They closed my case in a very short terms, for what I'm very grateful. Strongly recommend them especially Seth Shapiro. He decreased my case from felony to misdemeanor in short terms and during 6 months my case was totally closed.
    - Elina P. on Google