A Gwinnett County Juvenile Defense Attorney Protecting Your Child’s Future

One of the worst things you can experience as a parent is to learn that your child has been charged with a crime. Whether it’s a minor offense or something more serious, the potential damage to their future could be considerable. Unfortunately, juveniles are among the most vulnerable defendants in our criminal justice system. If your child has been charged with a crime, the best thing you can do for them is to contact a Gwinnett County juvenile defense attorney as soon as possible.

You Need a Gwinnett County Juvenile Defense Attorney To Help You Navigate the System

The Georgia juvenile justice system is significantly different from what many people expect. One of the most important differences is that your child will not be entitled to a jury trial. Instead, a judge will have sole discretion over deciding the outcome of your child’s case. Because judges who preside over juvenile matters can be jaded and less sympathetic, this means that your child could face harsh penalties.

While it is true that juveniles are technically not convicted of a crime, the judge could order that they be held in a detention facility. Even if your child may be guilty, a Gwinnett County juvenile defense attorney can be a powerful advocate for your child and protect them from being unfairly punished.

Can Your Child Be Tried as an Adult in Georgia?

Generally speaking, you are not considered a legal adult in the state of Georgia until you turn 18. For criminal matters, however, children can be charged as adults at age 17. This often comes as an unpleasant surprise for parents whose child is not yet 18.

However, your child can be tried as an adult for severe criminal charges (i.e., murder, armed robbery, or sexual assault) or if they will be turning 17 very soon. Additionally, they may be automatically charged and tried as an adult in certain situations. In other cases, the court may have the discretion to refer the case to either juvenile or adult court.

Understanding how your child may be charged and where they may be tried is essential for a successful legal defense. If the court has the discretion to refer the case to either juvenile or adult court, an experienced Gwinnett County juvenile defense attorney can fight to make sure your child is tried fairly and in the appropriate court.

Are Georgia Juvenile Records Available to the Public?

It is a common misconception that juvenile records are sealed or expunged once a person turns 18. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and failing to take the appropriate steps can mean that your child’s juvenile record could become available to the public.

In order to protect your child’s privacy, you must take several steps to seal their juvenile record permanently. Depending on their record and the disposition of their charges, the process can be much more complicated than many people expect. However, even if you previously didn’t work with a lawyer, a Gwinnett County juvenile defense attorney can help you navigate the process so that your child’s juvenile record does not jeopardize their future.

An Experienced Gwinnett County Juvenile Defense Attorney Handling All Types of Juvenile Charges

Whether your child is facing a minor misdemeanor or has been charged with a felony, the outcome could carry penalties that limit their future opportunities. No matter what charges your child is up against, don’t leave their future in the hands of the prosecution or the judge. An aggressive legal defense could get the charges dismissed or ensure they get a fair result. An attorney who has experience with the juvenile court system can help you understand the potential consequences and what options you should consider when involved in the following charges:

Drug Charges

Juveniles may face charges for possession, distribution, or use of a controlled substance. These cases can involve a variety of drugs, from marijuana to prescription medication. In addition to the risk of jail time and fines, convictions on drug charges can also lead to mandatory drug treatment.

Alcohol-Related Charges

Common alcohol-related offenses can vary, given that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to possess or consume alcohol. In addition to possession charges, minors can also be arrested and prosecuted for driving under the influence. Georgia has zero-tolerance laws for minors driving with any detectable alcohol level. Convictions can result in license suspension, court-mandated education programs, and community service. There may also be consequences for school enrollment or extracurricular participation.

Computer-Related Charges

Juvenile computer crimes include everything from cyberbullying to identity theft. Even actions that seem like pranks can result in serious criminal charges under Georgia law. Penalties may include restitution, restrictions on internet use, probation, or detention, depending on the harm caused and the juvenile’s intent.

Theft Charges

Theft offenses range from minor shoplifting to more grave crimes like burglary. The consequences associated with these charges depend in part on the value of what was allegedly stolen. Sanctions may include restitution, counseling, or placement in a juvenile detention facility for repeat offenses.

Violent Crimes

Juveniles charged with assault, battery, robbery, or other violent acts face especially serious consequences. This is particularly true if weapons were involved in the incident. In the most severe cases, juveniles can be charged as adults when they are charged with a violent offense.

Potential Consequences of Conviction

If your child is convicted, they could be exposed to the following consequences:

Detention
Probation
Community service
Fines
Mandatory counseling

However, juvenile charges can have long-lasting consequences beyond the obvious ones. For example, if they attend a private school, they may be expelled. They may also have difficulty getting into the college or other educational programs of their choice, lose scholarships, or even have trouble finding employment. In addition, many young adults suffer anxiety, depression, and damage to their social life due to their charges.

This is why it is essential to work with an experienced Gwinnett County juvenile defense attorney — they can help you minimize the damage these charges will do to their future so that their mistakes don’t follow them for the rest of their lives.

Factors That Can Affect the Outcome of Your Case in Georgia

One way a Gwinnett County juvenile defense attorney can help is by assessing the strengths and weaknesses of your case and then building an effective legal strategy. Some of the factors that can affect the outcome of your case include the following:

The severity of the crime your child has been charged with
Whether they have a prior record
Your child’s involvement in community or school activities and organizations
Your child’s demeanor and appearance

Your attorney can develop a compelling argument for why your child’s charges should be dismissed or reduced, or why they are deserving of a more lenient outcome. In addition, your attorney may be able to negotiate for a diversion program or similar outcome that would allow them to avoid a conviction. Ultimately, hiring an attorney is an investment in your child’s future.

Contact Gwinnett County Juvenile Defense Attorney Gabe Winters Today

If your child has been charged with a crime, the sooner you contact a Gwinnett County juvenile defense attorney, the sooner we can help. Our free consultation includes a review of your case, a discussion of potential outcomes, and an overview of the available options with no obligation. You and your child do not have to face this situation alone — call or email us today to start putting this behind you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a “juvenile” in Gwinnett County?

In Gwinnett County, a juvenile is defined as anyone under the age of 17 for criminal purposes. Juvenile court also handles certain cases involving individuals under 21 if the offense occurred while they were still minors.

What happens when a juvenile is taken into custody?

When a juvenile is detained, they are typically taken to a Youth Detention Center. A detention hearing must be held within 72 hours, excluding weekends and holidays, to determine whether the child should remain in custody or be released to a guardian pending further proceedings.

Where are juvenile cases handled in Gwinnett County?

Juvenile cases in Gwinnett County are handled at the Gwinnett County Juvenile Court, which is part of the county’s separate juvenile justice system. The court addresses delinquency, dependency, and status offenses, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Can a juvenile be tried as an adult in Georgia?

Yes. In certain serious cases, such as murder, rape, or armed robbery with a firearm, Georgia law allows prosecutors to transfer juvenile cases to adult court. This process is called “transfer” or “waiver,” and it can expose a minor to adult sentencing and permanent criminal records.

Will a juvenile record follow my child into adulthood?

Not always. Juvenile records are generally sealed or restricted from public view, but they can still impact future opportunities, especially if the charges were severe or resulted in adjudication. In some cases, your attorney can request expungement or restriction of the record once the case is resolved.