Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

The Duval County Juvenile Detention Center is a facility that holds juveniles that are court ordered to secured detention while they await a disposition in their cases. The facility holds a variety of juveniles. Florida Statute Section 985.255 lists the criteria required for detention of a juvenile, and Section 985.26 sets forth the length of detention. Secured detention is only to be used when it is completely necessary. Indeed, "the Legislature intends that detention care, in addition to providing safe and secure custody, will promote the health and well-being of the children committed." Fla. Stat. 985.02 (2010). The Duval County Juvenile Detention Center's website claims that their "facility provides supervision of youth in a safe, secure and humane environment." However, there have been contradictory allegations. In particular, a St. John's County Florida judge voiced his opinion about the practices of the Duval County Juvenile Detention Center last year.