FAQs

More specifically, Florida Statute 985.12 established the civil citation process “for the purpose of providing an efficient and innovative alternative to the custody by the Department of Juvenile Justice of children who commit non-serious delinquent acts and to ensure swift and appropriate consequences.” 

2. Why use Civil Citation?
Prior to the Civil Citation Initiative the State Attorney’s Office was flooded with juvenile justice cases for school-related offenses that were nothing more than common school misbehaviors.  Civil Citation Hillsborough seeks to better serve these students by issuing a Civil Citation, in lieu of an arrest. 

3. Who is eligible for a civil citation?
Any student (under 18) who commits their first or second misdemeanor:

• Theft (under $300)
• Criminal mischief (under $1,000)
• Trespassing
• Simple assault/battery
• City/county ordinances
• Disorderly conduct
• Disruption of a school event
• Affray
• Simple possession of alcohol (student not intoxicated)

Also, parent/guardian consent is required for the Civil Citation program. The Law Enforcement Officer has the discretion of issuing a civil citation or arresting the child. 

4. Who is ineligible for a civil citation?
Students who commit violent misdemeanors, felonies, illegal drug and sex offenses or have a record of more than two misdemeanor offenses or one felony offense are not eligible. 

5. What are the requirements for a civil citation?

• The student and parent/guardian must sign the civil citation
  
  
• The student must report to the community service site within seven working days
  
  
• Community service work must be performed at a rate of not less than five hours per week
  
  
• Students are responsible for returning the Civil Citation Service Work Timesheet to Success 4 Kids & Families (Agency Coodinator)
  
  
• Students who choose to complete one of the other diversion programs must abide by the contract agreed upon by the student and case manager.
  

6.  What happens if a juvenile does not abide by the rules of the program?
If a student fails to abide by the rules of the program, the student will be referred to the State Attorney’s Office.  The State Attorney’s Office will investigate, and proceed with further legal action if necessary.  Non-participation could result in the student being arrested and prosecuted.

7.  What is the impact on the juvenile's record?
Once all the paperwork is submitted and validated, the student’s record will only show a Civil Citation. The student is responsible for completing the program, and returning the appropriate paperwork to Success 4 Kids & Families by fax at 813-490-5495 or by mail (1311 N. Westshore Blvd., Ste 302, Tampa, FL 33607. Also, the paperwork can be found by clicking here clicking here. If you have any additional questions call 813-490-5494 Ext. 216.

8. Where do students do community service?
The community service hours requirement can be completed by providing volunteer work at any non-profit organization. It is the sole responsibility of the student and his/her parent/guardian to contact a suitable site and complete the specified number of hours. A list of some community service sites can be found by clicking on this link. If you are a student having trouble completing the service hours requirement please contact Success 4 Kids & Families at 813-490-5494 Ext. 216. 

9. How long does a student have to complete the program?
A juvenile must complete the program within 21 days after signing the civil citation.

10.  When did the civil citation program start in Hillsborough County?
The Civil Citation Initiative began its work in 2005, and piloted the program countywide in the 2006-2007 school year.

11.  Can juvenile and parent/guardian refuse to participate in the civil citation program?
The Civil Citation is a voluntary program, and in order to complete the program both the student and parent/guardian must agree to participate and abide by the rules of the Civil Citation. If a student chooses to not participate, their case will be sent to the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office for prosecution.

12.  Why should a juvenile and parent/guardian choose to participate in the civil citation program?
If a student chooses not to participate in the Civil Citation program, the Law Enforcement Officer will arrest the student.  If a student is arrested, their record can be accessed and will show an arrest.  An arrest record can limit future job options, such as working in the military, as a caretaker, teacher, nurse, etc.

13. How does the Civil Citation process work?
The civil citation process can be found by clicking on this link.

14. Who do I contact if I have more questions about the civil citation?
Please contact us.