Georgia law considers a juvenile as someone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday. Any minor who participates in illegal activity or violates the law can be punished by the court in various ways, including:
- Probation
- Counseling
- Fines
- Community Service
- Detention
Offenses that Juveniles can Commit
Children can be charged with two categories of offenses: status offenses and delinquent offenses.
Status Offenses
In most basic terms, status offenses are crimes that are illegal when committed by a child or person under the age of 18 but may not considered illegal if performed by an adult. Status offenders are essentially unruly children who commit offenses that include:
- General acts of disobedience (examples include vandalism, shoplifting, graffiti, etc.)
- Running away from home
- Truancy (missing school without a valid excuse)
- Underage drinking
- Violating local curfew laws (in Macon, GA, children under 16 may not be out after midnight or before 5 a.m.)
Typically, juveniles who receive first-time status offense charges face punishments like probation or community service. Repeat offenders or those who commit more serious status offenses can be ordered to serve time in juvenile detention centers.
Delinquent Offenses
Delinquent offenses are criminal violations performed by juveniles. Examples include:
- Arson
- Assault
- Burglary
- Drug possession
- DUI
- Robbery
- Sexual Assault
- Theft
Sometimes juveniles commit acts so severe they must be tried as adults. These crimes can include:
- Aggravated child molestation
- Aggravated sexual battery
- Armed robbery
- Homicide
- Rape
- Voluntary manslaughter
The facts of the case can determine whether a minor will be tried as an adult or in juvenile court. Ideally, Georgia law will take criminal intent (or lack thereof) into account when analyzing certain delinquent offenses, and courts will strive to use sentencing as a means of restoration and rehabilitation along with punishment.
If your family is facing a juvenile arrest, contact Gregory Bushway today.
Gregory and his team at Bushway Law Firm understand Georgia laws surrounding juveniles and will fight for your child’s rights. Tell us about your case today: 478-621-4995
Related Blogs:
Different Types of Arrest, Part 1: Misdemeanors and Felony Arrests