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When your child faces criminal charges, it can add unnecessary stress to your and your child’s life. The Georgia juvenile justice system can be confusing, leaving you with countless questions and concerns.

At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we understand the challenges of juvenile cases and provide compassionate, effective representation for young clients in Smyrna, Marietta, and throughout Cobb County.

Criminal Defense for Juveniles in Georgia Court System

Georgia juvenile court operates differently than the adult criminal justice system. Juvenile courts have jurisdiction over most cases involving individuals under the age of 17 at the time of the alleged incident. While the focus of juvenile court is supposed to be rehabilitation rather than punishment, it does not always feel that way. However, the courts may charge minors as adults in certain circumstances, facing more severe consequences.

Some of the most common types of juvenile court cases we handle include:

• Misdemeanors (shoplifting, simple assault, disorderly conduct).
• Felonies (drug offenses, theft, aggravated assault).
• Status offenses (truancy, curfew violations, underage drinking).

Regardless of the specific charges your child faces, you should seek the guidance of a skilled juvenile defense attorney to defend their rights and protect them.

What to Expect When Processed by the Juvenile Courts in Cobb County

Juvenile court procedures typically involve several key stages when the state accuses a minor of a crime in Smyrna.

Arrest and Detention

Law enforcement may release a child to their parents, or they may take the child into custody and schedule a detention hearing to determine whether they should remain in a juvenile detention facility pending the outcome of the case.

Arraignment

This stage is where the child is notified of the formal charges the prosecutor’s office brought against them. It can become an adjudication, if the child admits to the allegations at the arraignment.

Adjudication

This takes place when either the child admits to the charges or if there is a trial in juvenile court.

Disposition

If the child is found delinquent (guilty), the court will determine an appropriate sentence, including probation, community service, placement in a rehabilitation program, or other possible sanctions that the law allows.

Throughout this process, having a private juvenile defense lawyer by your side can significantly affect the outcome of your child’s case.

In Georgia, 17-Year-Olds Are Prosecuted as Adults.

For criminal cases in Georgia, the justice system considers anyone age 17 or older an adult. This means 17-year-olds who are charged with crimes will be automatically prosecuted through the adult criminal court process, not the juvenile court system.

Georgia remains one of only three states that has this law on the books, prosecuting 17-year-olds as adults rather than juveniles. However, there are efforts underway to change this approach in the coming years and treat older teenagers as juveniles to allow more rehabilitative options that create a permanent criminal record.

Younger Teens Can Also Face Adult Charges

For alleged offenses considered especially serious or violent, Georgia’s laws allow juveniles under the age of 17 to have their cases start in Superior Court or be transferred to the adult criminal court system for prosecution.

Whether the case starts in Juvenile Court or Superior Court depends on the circumstances:

• For minors aged 13-16 charged with the most serious violent felonies like murder, rape, aggravated child molestation, or armed robbery with a firearm, the case must originate in adult Superior Court.
• For other felony charges against juveniles under 17, the case may start in juvenile court. However, prosecutors can request a transfer to Superior Court if they believe the circumstances warrant trying the juvenile as an adult.

Even when a case for someone under 17 begins in Superior Court, there are ways to seek a transfer of the case to juvenile court in most circumstances.

At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we are committed to upholding your child’s rights – whether they are being tried as a juvenile or an adult.

Tailored Defense Strategies for Juvenile Clients

At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we recognize that every juvenile case is unique. Our criminal defense attorneys take the time to understand the specific circumstances surrounding your child’s alleged offense and their individual needs and goals.

We work to develop a personalized defense strategy that may involve:

• Conducting a thorough investigation and gathering evidence.
• Negotiating with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges.
• Exploring alternatives to traditional prosecution, such as diversion programs or restorative justice initiatives.
• Advocating for rehabilitation and treatment options that address the root causes of the child’s behavior.

Our ultimate goal is to minimize the impact of a person’s involvement in the juvenile justice system. We understand that involvement in the juvenile justice system can shape how a young person views themselves and the future.

Why Choose Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm?

At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, one of our main areas of focus is juvenile defense. We understand that juveniles require unique representation tailored to their age, circumstances, and the nuances of juvenile court.

Our attorneys have years of combined experience defending young clients against misdemeanors, felonies, and status offenses in Georgia’s juvenile courts. We take a compassionate approach, exploring different avenues to protect your child’s rights and leverage alternatives to formal charges when possible.

If, after our consultation, we mutually agree to partner together on your case in Georgia, you will benefit from:

• A proven track record of success in juvenile defense cases.
• In-depth understanding of Georgia’s juvenile laws and court procedures.
• Personalized attention and open communication throughout the legal process.
• A commitment to protecting your or your child’s rights and future.

Take the first step towards securing your child’s future by contacting Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm today.

Get Skilled Juvenile Defense for Cobb County Cases

If your child has been charged with a crime in Smyrna or anywhere in Cobb County, don’t wait to seek the experienced legal representation they need and deserve.

Our legal team at Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm is here to help you and your family through this process. Contact us to request a confidential consultation with our legal team.