What age are you no longer considered a juvenile in Georgia?
Juvenile offenders and adults often face different penalties for committing a crime. Additionally, the courts may seal juvenile records so that they cannot count against the offender in the future. But what age are you no longer considered a juvenile in Georgia? Understanding the dividing line can make determining what consequences an offender may face for a crime is easier.
The Age of Adulthood According to the Georgia Court System
The Georgia court system draws the line between adulthood and juveniles for the sake of criminal consequences at 17 years of age. Offenders under 17 will generally receive consequences appropriate to their age, while adult offenders may receive more severe penalties. However, teens aged 15 and older who commit severe offenses can be tried as an adult.
Juveniles in Georgia must be at least 13 years old to be prosecuted for criminal actions. While young offenders may face consequences, generally, preteen offenders will not have to go through the court system.
Adult vs. Juvenile Offenders
There are several key differences between the consequences for adult offenders and juveniles who have committed the same or similar crimes.
Penalties
Juveniles often face lesser penalties than adult offenders due to their younger age. Judges have extended discretion when it comes to awarding penalties to juvenile offenders. Most of the time, those penalties are designed to reduce the risk of future criminal offenses, and judges will try not to influence the course of a young person’s life negatively. Penalties can include:
- Juvenile detention
- Driver’s license suspension
- Probation, including counseling and specific limitations on behavior
Juveniles will often be sent to specific juvenile detention facilities rather than getting sent to jail. Furthermore, they may have a shorter average sentence. Adult offenders, on the other hand, may face high fines, longer jail sentences, and a longer probation duration. Furthermore, adults who have their driver’s licenses suspended may have to wait longer before they can reapply—though they may be eligible for a limited license.
Juvenile Diversion Programs
In some cases, juveniles may be sent into juvenile diversion programs instead of going through traditional court proceedings. These diversion programs are intended to provide essential training and support to juveniles who have committed crimes in the hope of avoiding future criminal behaviors. These programs may provide:
- Education services
- Substance abuse education and support
- Job skills training that can help teens pursue future careers
- Crisis intervention programs, which can provide immediate support for kids and teens in bad situations
Juvenile diversion programs may include family counseling, parenting skill development courses, and other strategies designed to support the entire family unit. These programs can prove immensely valuable to many teens and may help them avoid further criminal actions.
Call an Attorney To Learn More About the Age You Are No Longer Considered a Juvenile in Georgia
Understanding the difference between adult and juvenile court proceedings—including at what age you are no longer considered a juvenile in Georgia—can make a huge difference in your ability to successfully navigate the legal system.
Contact Robert James Trial Attorneys for a lawyer who could fight to minimize legal consequences. Schedule a consultation today.
