Effie D. Silva has a long list of courtroom achievements to her credit. But one that stands out is a pro bono case resulting in greater protection for juveniles.
A 13-year-old girl with no previous record had been arrested and charged with stealing a can of Coca-Cola from a Miami Beach store. Making things worse, anyone could find out about the arrest and buy a copy of her criminal record by going to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s website—even though juvenile records are confidential unless the charge is a felony.
