Category: Juvenile Law · Statute: F.S. 985.12 · Source: Florida Legislature
Understanding Civil Citation (Juvenile) in Florida
Under Florida Statute Section 985.12, a juvenile civil citation is a critical diversionary tool utilized by law enforcement officers when encountering a minor who has committed a nonviolent misdemeanor. Instead of executing a formal arrest, transporting the youth to a juvenile assessment center, and initiating a delinquency case in the court system, the officer issues a civil citation. This process allows the youth to remain in the custody of their parents or guardians while participating in a structured intervention program designed to address the underlying behavior without the stigma of a criminal record.
To successfully complete the civil citation program, the juvenile must admit to the offense and fulfill specific, customized sanctions. These requirements typically include performing community service hours, participating in intervention counseling, paying restitution to any victims, and completing educational assignments. If the youth successfully completes all mandated conditions within the specified timeframe, the case is closed, and no formal arrest record is ever created. However, if the juvenile fails to comply with the program requirements, the case is referred back to the State Attorney’s Office, which may then file formal delinquency charges.
Impact on Bail and Pretrial Release
Because a juvenile civil citation is a pre-arrest diversion mechanism, it completely bypasses the traditional arrest and booking process. Consequently, there is no arrest warrant, no detention hearing, and no bail or pretrial release conditions are ever set. The youth is never placed in a secure detention facility, meaning families do not need to secure a bail bond or navigate the juvenile detention risk assessment instrument (DRAI) process, provided the youth complies with the citation terms.