September 23, 2015
The City of Tampa and counties surrounding the city have implemented curfews for juveniles in an effort to reduce crime. According to the city code, curfews were enacted to reduce crime that occurs on city streets during late night and early morning hours as well as to limit juveniles engaging in criminal activity.
Tampa Enforces Curfew for Juveniles
According to Tampa Municipal Code Section 14-26, a curfew for juveniles exists Sunday through Thursday, from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., and from 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. A juvenile is defined as anyone under the age of 17. There are exceptions to the curfew and they include:
– The curfew does not apply if the juvenile is accompanied by a parent. This may be a natural, adoptive or step-parent, a court appointed guardian or a person or relative who is 21 or older and is authorized by the parent or guardian to have care and custody of the juvenile.
– If the juvenile is engaged in lawful employment, including traveling to and from work as long as they are traveling in a direct route between work and home.
– A juvenile may run an errand for a parent after curfew as long as they have written permission to do so.
– In case of emergency, which may include auto accidents, natural disaster, fire or a situation that requires immediate action.
– A child who is attending an official school, religious or organized recreational activity that is supervised by adults who are at least 21 years of age may also be out after curfew.
– Juveniles may be on the sidewalk abutting their residence as long as neighbors have not complained about their presence after curfew.
– Additionally, juveniles who have been deemed homeless, are exercising their First Amendment Rights, are married or engaged in interstate travel may be allowed to violate curfew.
Curfews for Minors in Pasco County
Pasco County, which neighbors Tampa and Hillsborough County, also has a juvenile curfew. Minors may not be in a public place or establishment between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. Minors must not be in public places between 12:01 a.m. and 6 a.m. Saturday, Sunday and legal holidays. A minor who has been expelled from school may not be within 1,000 feet of a school during the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. during a normal school day. Exceptions similar to those in the City of Tampa exist as well.
Other cities and counties in the Tampa Bay area also have curfews that are similar to those in Tampa and Pasco County. In some areas, the age limit is as low as 16 and the hours juveniles are not permitted in public places may be slightly different.
Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney at Khonsari Law Group
At the Khonsari Law Group, we have represented many juveniles lawyer who have faced criminal charges. In fact, many of the cases we see are the result of peer pressure, simple teenage rebellion, done on impulse, or isolated incidents. If you or a loved one has been charged with violating curfew in the Tampa Bay area, contact Khonsari Law by telephone or online to learn what rights you may have.