Juvenile Court

Generally, the purpose of our Juvenile Courts is to protect the well being of children. The overall philosophy of the juvenile court system is one of rehabilitation, more so than punishment. Sometimes, however, it doesn’t seem that way. Children are often treated harshly by zero tolerance policies of their schools and then again by prosecutors and judges. It is important to remember that children have rights too.

The exclusive, original jurisdiction of Juvenile Courts extends to delinquent children under the age of 17 and deprived or unruly children under the age of 18.

It is also important to remember that children can be prosecuted in superior court. Children between 13 and 17 years old are prosecuted as an adult in Superior Court if they are charged with one of Georgia’s “seven deadly sins.” Georgia’s seven deadly sins are murder, rape, armed robbery (with a firearm), aggravated child molestation, aggravated sodomy, aggravated sexual battery and voluntary manslaughter. Although children under the age of 13 can be prosecuted as adults in Georgia, the decision to do so is determined by the juvenile court. The decision to prosecute children under the age of 13 in Georgia, is determined by the juvenile court.

IF YOU OR YOUR CHILD IS ARRESTED and face prosecution in Superior Court or Juvenile Court and are trying to find your way through The Criminal Process, call Hirsch Criminal Defense now at (678) 561-0411 or fill out the form for a free consultation.