Proposed legislation would make juvenile civil citations mandatory in Florida
Florida law enforcement officers have the discretion to issue civil citations to minors caught committing misdemeanor crimes, but a newly filed bill would make them mandatory.
Civil citations are an alternative to arrests, detention and enrollment into the state juvenile justice system. They typically involve community service and behavioral counseling.
Studies have shown that civil citations and other pre-arrest diversion programs lead to better long-term outcomes for youths who’ve committed non-serious delinquent acts.
