Hinesville Juvenile Crime Lawyer

The legal team at Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. can provide you with a sound criminal defense and a strong strategy. Without a solid defense strategy, your child’s chances of success may not be very high. Depending on the nature of the crime and the evidence against your child, they may be looking at severe legal consequences that could negatively impact their future in the worst way. Charges related to Assault and Battery, Sex Crimes, Drug Crimes, or Domestic Violence can carry particularly harsh penalties. If the charges are serious, they could be sentenced to a juvenile detention facility for quite some time.

Our firm has combined experience handling juvenile cases across Liberty County and the surrounding areas. We are dedicated to protecting the best interests of your child and your family throughout every step of the process. If you have concerns about your child’s case, contact our office today for a free consultation.

Juvenile Crime in Georgia

The overall crime rate in Hinesville hovered around 48.86 per 1,000 people in 2023. In Georgia in 2020, there were 53 juvenile arrests for aggravated assault, 18 for robbery, 127 for larceny, 91 for drug abuse, and 26 for weapon-related offenses. Juvenile crime happens in Georgia often, particularly in Hinesville, which has a higher crime rate than the state average.

Juvenile crime is treated differently from adult crime in Georgia, with juvenile court proceedings taking place in a closed court. Additionally, children are not entitled to a jury trial. Most juvenile criminal cases are presided over by a judge who makes the sole determination of the child’s guilt or innocence based on the cases that the defense and prosecution present. Under Georgia Code § 16-3-1, a child cannot be charged with a crime if they’re under 13.

Any child younger than seven years old generally will not be tried in juvenile court, but that child’s parents may be held legally responsible for the child’s actions. Depending on the seriousness of the crime, juveniles between 15 and 17 years old may be tried as adults. Any child aged 17 or older is considered a legal adult in Georgia.

Common Juvenile Crimes in Georgia

Some juvenile crimes are more common than others. While children 13 and up can be charged with any crime that an adult can be charged with, certain crimes attract a more juvenile element than others. Children are not often charged with murder or kidnapping, for example.

Here are some of the more common juvenile crimes that occur in Georgia:

• Drug possession: Drug-related charges remain a leading reason juveniles face criminal charges in Georgia. These cases can involve anything from marijuana to prescription medications.
• DUI: It is not uncommon for teenagers to get drunk and go for a joy ride. Underage drinking is illegal in every state, including Georgia. If police pull over a teenager on suspicion of drunk driving and they are found to have any detectable alcohol in their system, they will be arrested for underage drinking and driving under the influence.
• Cyber Crimes: Many different computer crimes are committed by children and teenagers who may be more computer savvy than some adults. Crimes like hacking, cyberbullying, sharing inappropriate photos, and more may result in serious legal consequences.
• Theft and Shoplifting: These are among the most frequent criminal offense types seen in Liberty County juvenile courts. Even minor theft can result in a court appearance and a prior record that follows a child into adulthood.
• Violent crimes: Fights at school or in the community that lead to assault charges are common. In serious cases, a juvenile may be referred to Liberty County Superior Court and tried as an adult.

How the Juvenile Justice System Works in Georgia

The juvenile justice system in Georgia is designed to focus more on rehabilitation than punishment. The state wants to give young people who commit crimes a path forward rather than a permanent criminal record. That said, the process still involves law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, judges, and in felony cases, potentially the Liberty County Superior Court.

When a juvenile is accused of a criminal offense, the case usually starts with an intake process. A judge or intake officer will look at the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense, the child’s prior record, and the nature of the crime before deciding how to move forward. The outcome can range from informal adjustment to full court proceedings. In more serious felony cases, the judge may request that the juvenile be tried as an adult.

For military families stationed at Fort Stewart and living in Liberty County, juvenile criminal charges can create additional legal problems for the whole family. A military parent’s career and housing can be affected depending on the outcome of their child’s case. Our dedicated legal team understands these unique circumstances and can provide the legal support your family needs.

What Happens When a Juvenile Is Arrested in Hinesville?

Getting arrested can be terrifying for a young person. When your child is arrested for committing a crime, it can be an embarrassing and emotionally draining experience for them. Children are afforded their constitutional rights, too, and it is important that you make sure they have a defense lawyer who can help them exercise those rights. These rights include the right to legal counsel as well as the right to remain silent.

After an arrest, police will typically notify the parents, and the juvenile may be held or released depending on the circumstances. From there, the case enters the juvenile justice system, and a judge will begin reviewing the details. It is important to request legal assistance right away. The sooner your child’s attorneys are involved, the better positioned your family will be to protect their future.

If your child is dealing with juvenile crime charges, you may want to reach out to the various youth support groups throughout Hinesville. Organizations like Turning Winds focus on facilitating recovery from traumatic events. The Fraser Counseling Center offers counseling for troubled youths as well. Connecting with rehabilitation programs alongside strong criminal defense can make a real difference in the outcome of your child’s case.

Building a Strong Criminal Defense for Your Child

A strong criminal defense in a juvenile case involves more than just showing up to court. Your child’s attorneys will review the physical evidence, question the circumstances surrounding the arrest, and work to protect your child’s best interests at every stage. Our firm will address questions from both the court and your family, and we will keep you updated on any new developments as they arise.

We handle follow-ups carefully and make sure our clients are never left in the dark. When something changes in your child’s case, we will be in touch shortly so you can prepare. We also work closely with families to help them understand what to expect from each court appearance and how to support their child during this difficult time.

In some situations, a skilled defense lawyer may be able to have charges reduced or even dismissed based on the lack of evidence, procedural errors, or other legal factors. For first-time offenders, options like diversion programs, court orders for community service, or enrollment in rehabilitation programs may be available as alternatives to detention. Our dedicated attorneys will explore every available option to secure the best outcome for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions About Juvenile Crime in Georgia

Q: How Much Does a Juvenile Lawyer Cost?

A: There is no telling how much a juvenile lawyer is going to cost. Every juvenile crime case is different, with each case having its own specifics and circumstances that will impact the outcome of the case as well as your lawyer’s fee. Ultimately, your lawyer’s fee will be determined by the difficulty of the case, as well as their experience and resources. Our firm offers a free consultation for every new client so you can discuss your child’s situation and get a better sense of what legal representation would look like. Contact our office to schedule your inquiry today, and we will provide you with contact details and next steps.

Q: How Does Georgia Treat Juveniles Who Commit or Are Accessories to Crimes?

A: In Georgia, juveniles who commit crimes or are accessories are processed through the juvenile justice system. The focus of this system is on rehabilitation and education. The last thing the state wants is for these juveniles to evolve into career criminals in adulthood. If the crimes are particularly horrific, they may be charged as adults. This is especially true for violent crimes or felony cases where the judge finds that the juvenile justice system cannot adequately address the severity of the alleged offense. In those cases, the matter may be transferred to the Liberty County Superior Court, and your child would face adult criminal charges.

Q: What Is a Juvenile Defense Attorney?

A: A juvenile defense attorney is a criminal defense lawyer who focuses on helping minors facing criminal charges. Juvenile court tends to focus more on rehabilitation instead of punishment, with the intent to show juvenile offenders a different path. A juvenile defense lawyer can help them beat the charges entirely or reduce the charges to a more manageable penalty.

Q: Do You Have to Pay for Juvenile Court?

A: Yes, you may have to pay for juvenile court. Just like a regular court, you may incur court fees, lawyer fees, various fines, and potential restitution for damages or expenses to victims. It’s recommended that you pay the fees promptly. Failure to pay certain fees can lead to additional negative consequences for the juvenile in question.

Q. What Are a Juvenile’s Legal Needs During Court Proceedings?

A: Understanding your child’s legal needs during court is key to getting through this process effectively. Juveniles have the right to an attorney, the right to remain silent, and the right to confront witnesses. They do not have the right to a jury trial in most Georgia juvenile cases, which means the judge holds a great deal of power over the outcome. Your child’s defense attorneys will focus on presenting the strongest possible case to the judge, challenging any evidence that does not hold up, and making sure the court hears your child’s full story. We take pride in offering dedicated, client-focused legal support to every family we work with across Hinesville and Liberty County.

Reach Out to a Juvenile Crime Lawyer Today

Finding out that your child is going to be facing criminal charges can be confusing and emotionally devastating. It may also serve as a wake-up call for certain families. It is important that you take the necessary steps to protect your child’s future by hiring a juvenile defense lawyer who can help you figure out a strong defense strategy.

The legal team at Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. can help your child by building a strong case, gathering evidence, and protecting their interests throughout. We serve families across Hinesville, GA, Liberty County, and the broader community, and we are committed to fighting for the best outcome in every case we take on. Contact our office to speak to a valued team member about how we can help, or request a free consultation today. Call us at (912) 713-3426.