Florida H0295 modifies rules for prosecuting children as adults, including criteria for direct filing and mandatory hearings.

Florida H0295 amends state statutes to change how children are prosecuted as adults. It allows state attorneys to directly file charges against children aged 14 or 15 for certain serious offenses, requiring a hearing to determine if adult prosecution is warranted. For children aged 16 or 17, state attorneys must request a court to transfer the case to adult court or provide reasons for not doing so. The bill mandates that children cannot be held in adult detention facilities before a hearing.

Florida H0295 modifies rules for prosecuting children as adults, including criteria for direct filing and mandatory hearings.

Florida H0295 amends state statutes to change how children are prosecuted as adults. It allows state attorneys to directly file charges against children aged 14 or 15 for certain serious offenses, requiring a hearing to determine if adult prosecution is warranted. For children aged 16 or 17, state attorneys must request a court to transfer the case to adult court or provide reasons for not doing so. The bill mandates that children cannot be held in adult detention facilities before a hearing.