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Holly Springs Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Georgia built its Juvenile Court system around the general premise that young people should be rehabilitated instead of punished. This does not mean that charges should not be taken seriously and that punishment is not sometimes the goal of some prosecutors and judges. The juvenile court system recognizes misdemeanors and felonies, and an adjudication can still result in steep consequences.

When you are looking for information that will help your loved one, a Holly Springs juvenile defense lawyer is the best resource. At the Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, our team of dedicated defense attorneys are familiar with the nuances of the Juvenile Court system and can help you obtain the best outcome possible in your given situation.

Who Is Charged in the Juvenile Court System?

Teens who are 16 and younger are usually sent to Juvenile Court for misdemeanors, felonies, and traffic infractions. While most of the penalties assigned to juveniles upon an adjudication are meant to rehabilitate rather than punish, this does not mean that a young person cannot or does not face the potential for more serious consequences. Depending on the charges, a juvenile can face incarceration, probation, mandatory counseling, classes, or community service. The judge can also order the young person’s parents to complete certain requirements.

While some juvenile crimes are considered status offenses or CHINS (Children In Need of Services), like running away or truancy, other actions like theft and assault are considered delinquency offenses and are charged more seriously. However, a juvenile court judge has a wide range of options for how to address a child adjudicated of a juvenile delinquency matter.

Our trusted Holly Springs juvenile defense attorneys can help your family understand the juvenile court process and walk you through your options for moving forward.

What Types of Acts Are Tried in Juvenile Court?

Common offenses our Holly Springs juvenile defense attorneys help young people and their families navigate in the court system include:

• DUI
• Vandalism
• Shoplifting
• Simple Assault
• Traffic violations
• Terroristic Threats
• Underage Possession of Alcohol
• Possession of Marijuana or other illegal drugs

Some acts will always start in adult Superior Court, while others may be transferred to adult court after starting in Juvenile Court, even for someone who is between 13 and 16. These include serious crimes such as murder, rape, and armed robbery. Having the guidance of an attorney you trust is critical in navigating these situations.

What Are the Differences Between Juvenile and Adult Court?

There are many differences between cases heard in juvenile court versus those tried in adult court. One of the biggest is that most juvenile proceedings take place in private. This is particularly important because it makes it easier for a Holly Springs juvenile defense attorney to protect your loved one’s reputation. Other unique differences between the Superior Court and Juvenile Court systems include:

• A judge, not a jury, determines whether the state has proven a juvenile committed the charges alleged
• The dispositional options in Juvenile Court can vary significantly from the dispositions someone would face for the same offenses in adult court
• The mandatory timelines for juvenile cases are significantly different from those in Superior Court

During an initial defense strategy meeting, our team can better explain the role these differences play in your particular circumstances.

Let a Holly Springs Juvenile Defense Attorney Help Guide You

When you or your loved one faces juvenile criminal charges, you may be at a loss for where to turn or how you should even proceed. This is undoubtedly a stressful situation for your family, and worry over the negative impacts a conviction could have on the future is understandable.

At the Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, our legal team appreciates these concerns and wants to help you move forward in the best way possible. Contact our firm to speak with a Holly Springs juvenile defense lawyer to learn whether working together is a good fit.