Criminal charges can change the course of a juvenile’s life. In Georgia, the juvenile justice system aims to rehabilitate juveniles convicted of crimes and provide them with the support they need to have more successful outcomes in the future. However, in some cases, the system can lean more toward punishment than that vital support.
A Doraville juvenile defense lawyer could make it easier to navigate the legal system and offer the support needed to get the best possible outcome. If your child has been accused of a crime, the skilled criminal defense attorneys at Robert James Trial Attorneys could work to protect their rights, explore rehabilitation options, and seek the most favorable outcome possible.
Criminal Penalties for Juveniles
A juvenile convicted of a serious crime has the potential to face substantial penalties. The defense attorneys in Doraville could help parents and juveniles understand those penalties and guide them through the process to get the best outcome. Common criminal penalties for juveniles include:
- Probation
- Restitution
- Community service
- Time in a juvenile detention facility
- Department of Juvenile Justice programs
Not only can these legal penalties interfere with a juvenile’s immediate freedoms, they can make it difficult for them to move forward with their lives. In the case of some serious crimes, juveniles 15 and up can be charged as an adult, increasing the potential penalties. A seasoned legal professional could decrease the odds that a juvenile will end up facing those extreme consequences.
Improving Outcomes for Juveniles Accused of Crimes
Georgia also aims to provide education and support for juveniles accused of crimes. In many cases, first-time offenders receive lighter penalties. A juvenile defense lawyer in Doraville could work with families and the court system to negotiate more successful outcomes, including:
- Support programs
- Education programs
- Parental counseling programs
- Job programs designed to help procure future employment
A juvenile defense lawyer can often help juveniles get into those programs, which can ultimately decrease their odds of future criminal involvement. These steps can be vital in protecting a juvenile’s future and avoiding further consequences.
Protecting Youth Rights
When a juvenile is accused of a crime, they have the same rights expected of an adult. That includes the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Furthermore, juveniles have the right to make bail if they are detained. With a legal professional on hand from early in the process, juveniles can often experience better outcomes.
Oftentimes, young people aren’t sure how to communicate with the police in a way that decreases risk and shares the necessary information. A Doraville juvenile defense attorney could guide them through those communications and ensure that they do not make the situation worse for themselves. In addition, a lawyer could make sure that teens and their parents understand the options available to them and how they have the potential to impact their lives.
Reach Out to a Doraville Juvenile Defense Attorney Today
If your teen has been accused of a crime, having a Doraville juvenile defense lawyer on your side could make a huge difference in overall outcomes. Our dedicated lawyers know the local court system and could negotiate on behalf of the youth to increase the odds of a positive resolution, including one that will decrease the odds of future criminal offenses. Reach out to Robert James Trial Attorneys today to get help with your case.