Fulton County Juvenile Crime Lawyers

In numerous cases, the law treats minors quite differently than adults. For example, no minor can enter into a contractual relationship. A minor does not have the option of entering into marriage on their own. In addition, certain minors can have their criminal charges removed and sealed. If you or your child has been charged with a juvenile crime, call a Fulton County juvenile crimes lawyer right away. A compassionate criminal attorney will battle for the justice you, and your family, deserve.

Even though there are a wide variety of charges that might be brought against a minor, the common offenses that are brought against a minor are:

• Driving under the influence
• Truancy
• Underage drinking
• Disorderly conduct
• Vandalism
• Violent crimes
• Using a fake driver’s license
• Drug use or distribution
• Theft
• Criminal trespass
• Gang-related activities

If someone is between the ages of 13 and 17 and is charged with a crime, they will often face charges in front of the juvenile court. Juveniles have no right to a trial by jury. Most often it is a judge that will decide the child’s guilt. People 13 and under are almost never found guilty of a crime. Juvenile courts will adjudicate them as a delinquent. Regardless of the ruling that is made, it is not considered a conviction. But in some cases, a juvenile can be tried as an adult.

It is possible for a child to be taken into custody if tried as a delinquent by the Department of Juvenile Justice. The juvenile could be placed in a detention facility. The Department will determine when the child can re-enter the public.

When a case rises to the level of a felony, it is possible that the child is prosecuted as an adult, such as in the following cases:

• Rape
• Aggravated sodomy
• Murder
• Aggravated sexual battery
• Voluntary manslaughter
• Aggravated child molestation
• Armed robbery (with firearm)

Convictions for these crimes are very serious. Fulton County juvenile crimes lawyers have seen felony juvenile offenses result in significant jail time, and the penalties can truly harm a convicted individual’s future.

Criminal convictions may have serious implications on a minor’s future, including denial of job/college applications, loss of friends, public criminal record, and depression, which can lead to drug and alcohol use. Anyone facing these penalties should speak with a Fulton County juvenile crimes lawyer about their options.

Often, a minor is undergoing major developments at the time they are to receive a sentence. Should the defendant be facing detention or incarceration, it undoubtedly will mean that the minor will miss out on meaningful life experiences and personal development opportunities.

Youth are often not fully aware of the full implications of their conduct, which may be considered criminal. The punishments are very serious and have a lifelong impact. If you or a child is in this very trying situation, an experienced Fulton County juvenile crimes lawyer is prepared to help you defend against any and all criminal charges. If you or your child has been charged with a crime, contact a juvenile crimes defense attorney as soon as possible.