If your child was charged with a crime in the state of Georgia, read on and reach out to our firm today to discuss the details of your case and the best course of action. Our skilled Cobb County juvenile crimes lawyer is prepared to do the work required to protect your child’s future.
How does the juvenile justice system work in Georgia?
In the event that a child under the age of 17 violates the law in Georgia, it is typically not deemed as committing a crime. Instead, if the child breaks the law, it will either be regarded as an unruly act or a delinquent act. A delinquent act is one that would be thought of as a crime, had it been executed by an adult. Once a complaint is filed against the child, the Juvenile Court intake officer will decide whether the child should be confined. In most instances, as long as the unruly act or misdemeanor is the child’s first offense, the Court will typically handle the case informally, indicating that the child will not have to appear in front of a Judge, though the Judge will decide the result of your child’s case, which is why you need an experienced Cobb County criminal defense lawyer who can work to defend your child’s rights.
Essentially, if your child’s case is not addressed informally, the District Attorney’s Office will file a petition, and then the Court will prepare an arraignment hearing where the child will attend to the specific charges he or she is facing. The child, in addition to his or her attorney, will join a guilty or not guilty plea. If the child enters a not guilty plea, he or she then must attend an Adjudicatory hearing, which is comparable to a trial, in which case the witnesses and victims are instructed to appear and reveal the details of the alleged crime. After that, the Judge will either adjudicate the child as a delinquent or dismiss the petition. If a child either confesses to the crime or is adjudicated delinquent, the child will then attend a Dispositional hearing, wherein the Judge will determine the child’s punishment.
What are the consequences of a juvenile crime in Georgia?
There are a number of different penalties a child can face if they are found guilty of a crime. They include the following:
- Restitution
- Community service
- Supervision fees
- Probation
- Commitment to a Department of Juvenile Justice program
- Commitment to a detention facility
- A driver’s license suspension
- Additional punishments that the Judge determines fair and proportionate
Contact Our Experienced Firm
At the Miller Law Practice, we support clients through a variety of legal matters. If you are facing criminal charges, or have been injured due to the negligence of another party, our firm will fight for you. Contact Miller Law Practice today.