In a recent Telemundo News interview, prominent juvenile criminal defense attorney and television news legal analyst Jose Rivas shared his expertise on pressing legal issues facing young people in the Orlando area. Rivas offered valuable insights into juvenile school shooting threats, underage firearm possession, and the serious consequences of juvenile crime in Orlando.

The Growing Challenge of Juvenile Threats

Rivas began by addressing the alarming increase in threats of violence targeting local schools. As an experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney, he emphasized the gravity of these actions, even when intended as pranks.

“Many young people don’t realize that making a school shooting threat or a bomb threat, regardless of intent, is a serious criminal offense,” Rivas said. “As a criminal defense lawyer, I’ve seen firsthand how these actions can derail a young person’s future.”

A 15-year-old teenager was recently arrested in Orlando for carrying a simulated firearm after a student alerted authorities to social media postings about a student with a gun at Jones High School. The incident is the latest of the troubling increase in school threats across Florida in recent days, including:

• Law enforcement investigated threats at seven schools in just 48 hours, from Palm Beach to Indian River.
• At least two of those threats led to arrests of students.
• Multiple arrests have been made in various Florida counties, including an 11-year-old in St. Lucie County, a 16-year-old in Indian River County, and a 13-year-old in Hillsborough County.

“Almost every sheriff in Florida is acting against threats on social media of school shootings or bomb scares,” Rivas said.

False Threats and Their Lasting Impact

Another key topic was the prevalence of false threats made by juveniles. Rivas, leveraging his expertise in false threat legal representation, warned about the severe consequences of such actions.

“False threats, whether involving bombs or other forms of violence, are not harmless pranks,” Rivas cautioned. “They can result in felony charges, even for juveniles, potentially impacting their educational and career prospects for years to come.”

He stressed the importance of early intervention and proper legal representation in these cases.

Underage Firearm Possession: A Multi-Faceted Problem

The conversation then shifted to the concerning trend of juveniles possessing firearms. Rivas, drawing on his experience as an underage firearm possession lawyer, highlighted the complexity of this issue.

“We’re facing a perfect storm of easy access to weapons, peer pressure, and the glorification of gun culture in media,” Rivas stated. “As a juvenile criminal defense attorney, I’m seeing an uptick in cases involving minors with firearms, often obtained through illegal means.”

Legal Consequences and the Path to Rehabilitation

Throughout the interview, Rivas underscored the legal ramifications juveniles face when involved in these criminal activities. As a seasoned juvenile criminal defense attorney, he outlined potential penalties, including detention, probation, and the possibility of being tried as an adult in severe cases.

However, Rivas also emphasized rehabilitation: “While we must take these crimes seriously, we should focus on redirecting young lives. This might include counseling, education programs, and community service as alternatives to purely punitive measures.”

“As a juvenile criminal defense attorney, I’ve seen how community support can make a difference,” Rivas said.

The Importance of Specialized Legal Representation

Rivas emphasized the critical role of experienced legal counsel in juvenile cases. “The juvenile justice system is complex, and the stakes are incredibly high,” he noted. “Having a knowledgeable juvenile criminal defense attorney who understands both the legal intricacies and the unique challenges facing young offenders can significantly impact the outcome of a case.”

Call 407-644-2466 to schedule a consultation with a Juvenile Criminal Defense attorney at the Rivas Law Firm.