What is delinquent behavior in Georgia?
The criminal justice system has come up with several terms to define different types of unruly behavior by children. Delinquent behavior is defined as any act that would be considered a crime if committed by an adult. However, delinquency is handled by the juvenile court, which is separate from the adult criminal court.
Let’s take a look at how the juvenile courts handle delinquent behavior in Georgia and how an experienced criminal attorney could provide support throughout a case.
What Is Delinquency?
A delinquent act is anything that would be considered a crime if committed by an adult, like theft or assault. If a minor—anyone under the age of 18—commits a crime, they will be prosecuted by the juvenile court instead of the adult criminal court. This distinction is important because the juvenile court has a much greater focus on identifying the root cause of criminal behavior and rehabilitation for the offender.
Generally, the goal of the Georgia juvenile court is to prevent the delinquent from continuing criminal behavior in the future. Punishment alone is rarely the answer in juvenile court, which is why our seasoned legal professionals focus on options that will provide personal growth for our client, not just the outcome of the case.
How Juvenile Courts Handle Delinquent Behavior
The top priority for the juvenile court system is rehabilitation for the offender. Punishments for delinquent behavior are designed to guide young people toward better choices rather than simply laying down penalties. While the juvenile court will carefully review every case to determine which type of punishment is appropriate, here are some of the most common in Georgia:
Probation
While on probation, a minor is allowed to stay at home but must follow specific rules that are put in place to address the delinquent behavior.
Community Service
Some judges will require that minors complete service hours, which acts as an opportunity to give back to the community and do something positive with their time.
Diversion Programs
Judges will forego a formal delinquency charge for some less serious offenses and send the minor through a program that involves counseling and rehabilitation services.
Restitution
A common punishment for theft or vandalism is for the minor to compensate their victim for any financial loss caused by their delinquent behavior.
An experienced juvenile defense attorney could help ensure that the minor’s rights are protected and advocate for the best resolution possible.
Call an Attorney To Learn More About Delinquency in Georgia
If you or someone you love is facing a delinquency charge in Georgia’s juvenile courts, all hope is not lost. With a juvenile court system that is focused on rehabilitation and our experienced attorneys on your side, there are brighter days ahead. We can help you navigate this process, understand the juvenile court’s intentions, and work to make sure your future is protected. Call Robert James Trial Attorneys to discuss delinquent behavior in Georgia today.
