How Does Georgia Treat Juveniles Who Commit Crimes?
Georgia’s juvenile justice system looks a little different from the court system adult offenders would go through if they committed a crime. How juveniles are treated after committing a crime depends on factors like the severity of the offense and the juvenile’s age. The goal is to balance accountability with support, aiming to guide young offenders toward rehabilitation and positive change.
Penalties for Juvenile Crimes
Georgia has a number of potential penalties for juveniles who commit crimes, such as:
- Probation
- Community service
- Placement in a facility run by the Department of Juvenile Justice
- The requirement to pay restitution or otherwise make up in some way for the crimes committed
Children under 13 generally will not face any type of criminal punishment for committing a crime. Teens 17 and over, or those who commit severe crimes, can be tried as adults, which means they will face adult-level consequences for the crime committed.
Additional Support for Juveniles Who Commit Crimes
In addition to the criminal punishments assigned for crimes committed by juveniles, the Georgia juvenile justice system may offer additional support to the juvenile and their family. The support is designed to help improve overall outcomes, provide juveniles with better options, and prevent the commission of further crimes. This commonly includes:
- Education and career support
- Family and parental counseling
- Treatment programs for drug and alcohol addiction or mental health challenges
These programs are designed to help juveniles avoid committing further crimes and provide them with more options. Georgia also has a FRESH Start Youth Initiative, which provides career placement opportunities with local businesses that can help juveniles previously convicted of crimes get ahead.
The Rights of Juveniles Who Commit Crimes
Juveniles who commit crimes in Georgia have the same rights as adults. This includes the right to an attorney who can guide them through the process and help them get involved in the programs that are most likely to help them succeed in the future. Juveniles also have the right to remain silent when speaking with the police or being questioned about potential criminal activities. Waiting until they have a lawyer present can ensure that those interactions proceed more smoothly.
In addition, once a juvenile has completed probation or supervision terms and meets all necessary criteria, they can have their juvenile records sealed. Sealed juvenile records will not follow the individual into adulthood, which means that they can avoid potential life-altering repercussions of a criminal background from childhood.
Learn More from an Attorney in Georgia About How Juveniles Who Commit Crimes are Treated
Following criminal accusations, an individual under 17 needs a lawyer who will help them understand their rights and the potential penalties associated with their crimes. A legal professional could also negotiate with the court to obtain better outcomes for a juvenile offender. Contact a juvenile defense attorney at Robert James Trial Attorneys to discuss your next steps following criminal accusations.
