J.M.S. v. State

J.M.S. appeals the disposition of a juvenile case. J.M.S. argues that the trial judge erred in not allowing the child’s defense attorney to present closing argument before it made a finding of guilt and denying the child’s motion to dismiss both charges. Concluding that the trial court erred when it prevented the defense counsel from participating in closing argument, we reverse and remand for a new adjudicatory hearing.

The State charged the appellant, J.M.S., by delinquency petition with disorderly conduct in violation of section 877.03, Florida Statutes (2004), and disruption of an…