110 NW First Avenue, Room 1-1062
Ocala, FL 34475

Office: 352-401-6724
Fax: 352-401-7896

Edith Ellis, Civil Citation Coordinator 352-401-6724
Crystal Watkins, Manager- 352-401-6725

This Juvenile Civil Citation Program is an alternative to arrest for youth 13-17 years of age who commit certain first time misdemeanor offenses. Florida Statute 985.12 gives law enforcement the discretion to issue the youth a civil citation in lieu of arrest. Youth will be assessed for appropriate sanctions and services such as counseling, treatment, and other appropriate community resources. The Juvenile Civil Citation Program works with community partners and Teen Court in the effort to reduce juvenile crime and to provide services for at-risk youth. There is a $25 fee (due within 30 days of the orientation and assessment) to participate in the program.

Forms & Documents

Juvenile Civil Citation Brochure

Eligibility

All youth ages 13-17 that have committed certain first time misdemeanor offenses or have violated a county or municipal ordinance are eligible for the Civil Citation Program without being arrested. Law enforcement agencies have changed their procedures in order to refer eligible youth to this Juvenile Diversion Program where the youth can receive an assessment and applicable interventions. Youth must accept responsibility for the offense and agree to participate in the program.

Eligible Offenses commonly include:

  • Theft (value less than $300)
  • Criminal Mischief (Damage less than $1,000)
  • Trespassing
  • Simple Battery/Assault
  • Disorderly Conduct
  • Affray
  • Disruption of a School Function
  • City/County ordinances
  • Simple Possession of Alcohol
  • Simple Possession of Marijuana (less than 20 grams)
Referrals to program

Law Enforcement, at their discretion may issue the Civil Citation and will send the citation paperwork to the attention of the Juvenile Civil Citation Staff Assistant II office. Guardian of the Juvenile must contact the Juvenile Civil Citation Teen Court office within five (5) calendar days of issuance.

Record Prevention

When a youth enters the civil citation program, his/her information is entered into prevention records with the Department of Juvenile Justice as required by Florida statute. If the youth completes the program, the youth will not have an arrest record and the information will not be forwarded to the Clerk of the Court, Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement or the Office of the State Attorney.

Failure to complete program

If the youth fails to successfully complete the required sanctions of the Civil Citation Program or the youth is charged with another crime while in the program, his/her case will be referred to the originating Law Enforcement Agency for the possible initiate arrest procedures.

Role of Parent or Guardian

Parental or guardian consent is required for a youth to enter the program. Once enrolled in the program, the parent or guardian is expected to support the youth’s participation and it is important to the overall success of the youth. The youth will be given a deadline date (60 days from the start of the program) for the completion of assigned sanctions.