Savannah Juvenile Crime Lawyer

It is imperative to retain experienced legal counsel as soon as possible when a child is accused of a crime to ensure their rights are protected and to navigate the complexities of the juvenile justice system.

Navigating the Juvenile Justice System in Georgia

While youthful offenders do not typically face the harsh penalties adult offenders encounter, there is still a lot at stake for your arrested son or daughter. Fortunately, the focus is on rehabilitation rather than punishment in processing young offenders. Still, serious consequences can result. Even if a child’s case stays in juvenile court, it can result in substantial fines or confinement. This depends on the seriousness of the offense and whether or not your child is a repeat offender. Additionally, a juvenile record can impact future educational and employment opportunities, making it crucial to address these matters promptly and with experienced legal guidance.

The juvenile court system can be a complex process for the accused and their parents alike. Part of our job in working with juvenile crime defense is to guide you through the maze of a confusing system, provide you with the most important information, and help you make the decisions that will benefit you.

Juvenile delinquency, or offending, can be separated into three categories:

• Delinquency, crimes committed by minors, which are dealt with by the juvenile courts and justice system. These offenses may be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on their severity.
• Criminal behavior, crimes dealt with by the criminal justice system
• Status offenses, offenses that are only classified as such because one is a minor, such as truancy, are also dealt with by juvenile courts

Types of Juvenile Offenses We Defend

Our criminal lawyers in Savannah at the Law Office of Jarrett Maillet have the experience and commitment to serve behind your child’s juvenile crime defense in cases of:

• Drug possession (including marijuana and prescription drugs)
• Drug sales
• DUI
• Underage drinking
• Shoplifting
• Trespassing
• Theft
• Assault
• Gang-related offenses
• Felony
• Murder

Certain serious offenses, such as felonies and murder, are tried in superior court or superior courts.

The juvenile criminal justice system is intended to be focused on doing what is best for the child. We work to make sure that mandate is never forgotten. Our firm has the tools, the experience, and the dedication to our clients to help juveniles through the complex juvenile justice system. We will fight for the rights of juveniles and ensure they are properly represented in every hearing. Our team is committed to making sure juveniles are effectively represented and advocated for in court proceedings.

The Lasting Impact of Juvenile Criminal Charges

Juvenile criminal allegations can seriously affect your child’s reputation and ability to maintain or secure future education and employment. An allegation or charge of a Georgia juvenile crime can lead to consequences such as suspension or expulsion from school and may also impact eligibility for scholarships. If convicted as a juvenile, it can lead to long-term negative consequences, including impacts on school opportunities and future prospects. The possibility of arrest, jail time, a juvenile record, trial, or accusations made by the prosecutor in an open court all have impacts on underage youth.

If your child is accused of, charged with, or investigated in connection with a criminal offense, time is of the essence. Don’t lose valuable legal advantages while you are waiting to secure legal representation. Our juvenile criminal defense lawyers in Savannah, GA, understand the severity of the situation and work diligently to obtain the best possible outcome for your child, ensuring that your child’s mistakes don’t follow him or her into adulthood.

Why Choose Our Criminal Defense Attorney

Jarrett Maillet is an experienced juvenile defense lawyer in Savannah, GA and he has a wealth of trial experience gives us a thorough understanding of the defense tactics to which juvenile courts and judges respond favorably. We also pursue sentencing options to prevent a youth from acquiring a criminal record that can limit future prospects.

The juvenile crimes attorneys at Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. are aware of the sensitive nature of juvenile cases. Because our Savannah, GA juvenile defense attorneys truly care about our clients, we work to ensure your case is handled confidentially and discreetly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Juvenile Crimes in Savannah, GA

What is the difference between the Juvenile Court process and the Adult Criminal Court process in Savannah?

The juvenile court system in Georgia operates under a fundamentally different philosophy than the adult criminal court system, focusing primarily on rehabilitation rather than punishment. In the juvenile system, cases begin with a formal complaint instead of an arrest warrant, and the subsequent trial is known as an adjudicatory hearing. These hearings are decided strictly by a judge rather than a jury. If the judge finds that the minor committed the offense, the youth is adjudicated delinquent rather than being formally convicted of a crime. This vital distinction protects minors from the immediate structural penalties associated with an adult criminal conviction.

Can a juvenile under the age of 17 be tried as an adult for a crime committed in Savannah?

Yes, a youth under the age of 17 can be tried in the adult Superior Court system under certain statutory conditions. Georgia law grants the adult criminal courts exclusive jurisdiction over minors who are 13 years of age or older if they are charged with specific violent crimes known as the Seven Deadly Sins, which include murder, voluntary manslaughter, and armed robbery with a firearm. Additionally, for other felony offenses, a juvenile court judge can choose to waive jurisdiction and transfer a case involving a minor aged 15 or older to adult court following a formal transfer hearing.

What are the potential long-term consequences of a juvenile delinquency record in Chatham County?

Although juvenile court records are generally confidential and protected from public view, an adjudication of delinquency can still trigger serious long-term consequences. A formal juvenile record can directly impact a young person’s eligibility for specific college scholarships, limit financial aid options, and complicate admission into competitive universities. Furthermore, a history of serious juvenile offenses can disqualify individuals from military enlistment or restrict access to specific professional licenses. Because these records do not automatically vanish when a child turns 18, navigating the formal record-sealing process is often necessary to secure their future.

What is an Informal Adjustment in the Georgia Juvenile Court system?

An informal adjustment is a discretionary diversion program designed for first-time or non-violent juvenile offenders in Georgia. Instead of proceeding to a formal adjudicatory hearing before a judge, the minor, their parents, and a juvenile intake officer agree to a specialized supervision plan that typically lasts for up to three months. This plan can require the juvenile to complete community service hours, pay restitution to victims, attend counseling sessions, or maintain good school attendance. If the child successfully completes all requirements, the underlying delinquency charges are completely dismissed, allowing them to maintain a clean record.

What are Designated Felonies under the Georgia Juvenile Code?

Under the Georgia Juvenile Code, a designated felony refers to a specific category of serious or repeat offenses committed by a minor that carries significantly more severe consequences than standard delinquent acts. This classification includes crimes such as aggravated assault, burglary, smash-and-grab thefts, or multiple repeat felony offenses. If a juvenile is adjudicated delinquent for a designated felony, the court is legally authorized to order restrictive custody. This can result in the youth being placed in a secure youth detention center under the supervision of the Department of Juvenile Justice for up to five years.

At what age is an individual considered an adult for criminal prosecution in Georgia?

In Georgia, an individual is legally considered an adult for criminal prosecution purposes at 17 years old. Georgia remains one of only three states nationwide that automatically processes all 17-year-old offenders through the adult criminal court system rather than the juvenile court system, regardless of the severity of the alleged offense. This means a 17-year-old facing shoplifting, drug possession, or traffic charges will be processed through an adult county jail, have their case managed by an adult superior or state court, and face a permanent, unexpungeable adult criminal record if convicted.

Get in Touch with Our Juvenile Crime Lawyer in Savannah, GA

Our Savannah juvenile crime attorneys understand the importance of keeping your child’s case in the juvenile justice system and out of adult courts, which have much more severe penalties. We will work aggressively on your child’s behalf to achieve the most favorable outcome possible, preferably one in which charges are dropped or that will result in the least restrictive consequences. To have your juvenile law case dealt with constructively, contact our office today at (912) 713-3426. Schedule your free initial consultation.