September 29, 2022 | By jryanbrownlawThe juvenile justice system in Georgia is responsible for minors under the age of 17 who have been involved in criminal offenses. In addition to punishing illegal acts committed by juveniles, this system strives to provide sentencing that focuses on rehabilitation and prevention of future incidents.
A common misconception is that juveniles will be granted leniency from the legal system due to their age. However, this is not always the case for juveniles. The individual circumstances of a case are always considered when it comes to sentencing, meaning that there are times when age is not a relevant factor in a case. Ultimately, some specific offenses and circumstances can lead to a minor being charged as an adult in Georgia.
When a child is accused of a crime in Georgia, a general process is followed. It begins with a juvenile court officer launching an investigation to gather information and determine if it is necessary to file a formal petition. However, a juvenile’s (ages 13-16) case may be in adult court if their charges fall under any of the state’s “seven deadly sins.” The seven deadly sins that allow for a juvenile charged as an adult in Georgia include:
Because the crimes listed above are taken very seriously in Georgia, a juvenile that faces such charges should contact an attorney as soon as possible. The guidance of seasoned legal counsel can make all the difference in building a solid defense that combats all possible points from the prosecution.
In Georgia, it is common for a minor to be eligible for probation a few months after serving time in a juvenile facility, or as an alternative to incarceration in the first place. As the core goal is to help support juveniles that have been charged as adults and put them on a better path, there are multiple rehabilitation options such as:
If someone has further questions about juveniles being charged as adults in Georgia, the consequences of these charges, and the possibilities for rehabilitation, they should discuss their circumstances with a knowledgeable attorney.
When a juvenile is tried as an adult in Georgia, understanding what to do and how to provide support can be difficult without legal counsel. Contact J. Ryan Brown Law today to speak with a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer who can give more information and guidance that pertains to your unique case.
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
