Juvenile-Dependency Court

Juvenile-Dependency

A juvenile-dependency case involves allegations of abuse, abandonment or neglect of a minor child. These cases are started when someone calls the abuse hotline. When this happens, an investigation is conducted, and if there is probable cause, the case is brought before a judge. A shelter hearing is then held followed by an arraignment. Depending on the plea, either a docket call or disposition takes place. If the parents deny the allegations, then a trial is held in a non-jury court of law.

In these proceedings, the judge makes a decision regarding guilt or innocence. If the court declares the child dependent, the parent(s) enter into a case plan with the Department of Children and Families (DCF). This plan is created to assure that the parent(s) comply with regulations or sanctions imposed by the court. DCF ensures that children are safe and free from risk. If the case plan is not followed, the children may be placed in the permanent custody of the State of Florida.

Contact Information
Phone – (904) 548-4600
TTD/TTY – Dial 711
Mailing Address: 76347 Veterans Way Yulee, FL, 32097

ADA

If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the ADA Coordinator at (904)548-4600 press 0, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

ADA Contact Information

Phone – (904) 548-4917
Fax – (904) 548-4949
TTD/TTY – Dial 711
E-Mail – ADA@nassauclerk.com

Nassau County Clerk Criminal Department

Please be advised that our Deputy Clerks cannot provide legal advice. [F.S. 28.215] We are not authorized to excuse you from attending a court hearing. If you have questions about your case that cannot be answered by simply reading the documents, please contact your attorney.
The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all defendants accused of committing crimes that have been designated by state law as felonies. A felony is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment in a state penitentiary. Law enforcement officials arrest defendants who are accused of committing felony offenses.
The Circuit Court also has jurisdiction over all cases in which a juvenile is accused of committing a delinquent act of violation of the law. A delinquent complaint is filed by law enforcement officials when a juvenile commits a felony or misdemeanor offense. The juvenile may or may not be arrested.
The County Court has jurisdiction over all defendants accused of committing crimes that have been designated by state law as misdemeanors. A misdemeanor is a criminal offense that in punishable by imprisonment in a county correctional facility. law enforcement officials may arrest or issue the defendants a summons for notice to appear before the court. Noncriminal offenses such as county ordinances, municipal ordinances and infractions are handled under the County Court.
The County Court also has jurisdiction over criminal traffic cases. Criminal Traffic Laws which are defined by the Florida Rules of Court as a violation that may subject a conviction including imprisonment in a county correctional facility. 

Clerk Criminal Division Contact Number: 904-548-4613
Clerk Criminal Division Mailing Address: 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, FL 32097