The Juvenile Justice System in Georgia n 1

The Juvenile Justice System in Georgia

n 1. A juvenile is someone who is 17 years of age and younger. n 2. The Department of Juvenile Justice was established in 1992 with the sole purpose of a. protecting our communities b holding youth offenders accountable for their actions.

3. Youth have certain restrictions that do not apply to adults: a. attend school until 16. b. obey the rules of their parent's or caregiver. c. Not run away from home. d. follow night curfews e. enter bars without parent/guardians permission or drink.

4. According to the laws of Georgia, a youth violating any of these expectations would be considered unruly behaviors or status offenses. 5. A delinquent act is when a juvenile commits a crime that would be punishable for an adult as well.

6. Both types of actions could result in a. probation b. enrollment in community treatment programs. c. commitment to detention facility for two to five years.

7. Youth, however, have rights, which are: a. b. c. d. e. f. Right to a lawyer Right to cross-examine witnesses Right to provide witnesses and evidence Right to remain silent Right to appeal Right to transcript of trial

Steps in the Juvenile Justice Process 1. Arrest or custody **Miranda Rights **Parents or guardians notified **Release or detained

2. Probable Cause Hearing **within 48 hours within taken into custody **notified of charges, attorney **judge decides whether youth is to be released or detained.

3. Adjudicatory Hearing **ten days of less for detained youth, 60 days or less for released youth **evidence is present by both sides **no jury **judge decides guilty or not

4. Dispositional Hearing **judges decides on punishment and consequences **usually immediately after adjudicatory hearing **if serious felonies, may transfer case to Superior Court to be tried as an adult

The “Seven Deadly Sins” may result in a youth (between 13 and 17) being tried as an adult. He or she will have their case tried not in juvenile court but in Superior Court, and carry the same punishment as an adult. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Aggravated child molestation Aggravated sexual battery Aggravated sodomy Murder Voluntary Manslaughter Rape Armed robbery with a Firearm