North Georgia Juvenile Defense Lawyer
Every criminal charge deserves a robust criminal defense, and this includes criminal charges against juveniles. When your child is charged with a crime, it can have a major impact on their future, including their ability to gain entry into a college or university, find meaningful work and live a rewarding life.
If your child has been charged with a juvenile crime, hiring an attorney like Walter Lutes at the Law Offices of Walter L. Lutes, P.C., can be one of the most important steps you take. Walter Lutes understands the often complicated nature of juvenile law and how important it is that your child receives dedicated legal services.
What To Do After Your Child Is Charged
Gather the paperwork, avoid discussing the allegations publicly, and speak with a juvenile defense lawyer before making decisions about the case.
Juvenile law differs from the laws that apply to adults, and those differences can make these cases difficult to navigate without legal experience. Attorney Lutes and his team at the Law Offices of Walter L. Lutes, P.C., can review your child’s case and explain what the law means for their situation. This may include whether the case could go to criminal court instead of juvenile court and how the charge could affect your child’s record.
Types Of Juvenile Crime Charges
Similar to adults, juveniles in Georgia can be charged with a variety of juvenile crimes. Depending on the circumstances, these may include:
- Underage alcohol possession, sometimes called minor in possession (MIP) and underage DUI
- Drug possession and vaping-related offenses
- Shoplifting, theft and property damage
- School fights, assault and affray
- Cyberbullying and certain school-related offenses
The specific charge and potential consequences depend on the case. The Law Offices of Walter L. Lutes, P.C., can review the allegations and explain the legal issues that may affect your child’s defense.
Georgia Juvenile Defense FAQs
If your child has run into trouble with the law and you are grappling with what comes next, attorney Lutes understands your predicament. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about juvenile crimes in North Georgia.
What are the rights of juveniles during police questioning in Georgia?
Juveniles have the same basic constitutional rights as adults, including the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney. However, minors often do not fully understand what these rights mean or how to exercise them.
When police question a juvenile, they must make a reasonable effort to contact a parent or guardian. A parent or lawyer should ideally be present during questioning. However, in some cases, officers proceed without one. If a child gives a statement without understanding their rights, that statement can still be used in court.
Parents should remind their children to stay calm, avoid answering questions until help is available and always ask for a lawyer before speaking. Protecting these rights early can make a major difference later in the case.
Can a juvenile be tried as an adult in Georgia?
Yes, Georgia law allows certain juvenile cases to proceed in superior court. Georgia law gives superior courts original or concurrent jurisdiction over certain serious offenses involving children. Other cases may move between juvenile and superior court under specific statutory procedures.
Before the transfer is approved, a judge considers several factors, including:
- The nature and severity of the offense
- The child’s age and prior record
- The potential for rehabilitation through the juvenile system
Being tried as an adult means facing harsher penalties and losing the rehabilitative focus of juvenile court. In most cases, keeping a case in juvenile court gives the child a better chance at education, treatment and a clean record after completion of the program.
Are there diversion programs available for juveniles in North Georgia?
Yes. Many counties in Georgia offer diversion or intervention programs for first-time offenders. These programs focus on accountability and personal growth instead of punishment. They often include:
- Community service
- Counseling or therapy
- Educational workshops or drug classes
- Restitution to victims
Completing these programs can lead to charges being dismissed or records being sealed. This helps young people move forward without a criminal history. Participation also shows the court a willingness to learn from mistakes, something that can influence outcomes in future proceedings.
Will a juvenile arrest record show up on a college background check in Georgia?
It depends on the type of record, the outcome of the case and the circumstances involved. Georgia law restricts access to many juvenile records but allows certain juvenile information to remain on record and be disclosed in specific circumstances. For example, certain felony-level allegations can result in information being sent to the Georgia Crime Information Center.
Parents should not assume that a juvenile record will automatically disappear or that it will always appear on a background check. An attorney can review the case and explain what confidentiality and record protections may apply.
Work With The Law Offices of Walter L. Lutes, P.C.
If your child is facing a juvenile criminal charge, it can be a very stressful situation, which is why you need the guidance of Walter Lutes and his team at the Law Offices of Walter L. Lutes, P.C. Serving areas in North Georgia, including Forsyth County, Cobb County and Marietta, the Law Offices of Walter L. Lutes, P.C., is ready to help with your juvenile law case.
Call the Law Offices of Walter L. Lutes, P.C., today at CALL or send an email to discuss your child’s case.