Experienced Forsyth County Juvenile Crime Lawyers

Forsyth County Juvenile Crime Attorney

Has your child been arrested in Forsyth County? We understand how terrifying this can be for your child and your family. Juvenile law attorneys at the Waltman Firm are available 24/7 for you.

Juvenile crime is any illegal act committed by someone under the age of 17 years old. According to Georgia law, children as young as 13 can be prosecuted and sentenced for committing a crime. It’s absolutely crucial to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately after the police approach you.

Law enforcement officers can interview your child without your permission and may take advantage of the situation to secure a confession. A juvenile attorney can protect the rights and interests of your child if involved from the beginning of the process.

Experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Waltman Firm have a proven track record in defending minors against criminal charges. We can give you the aggressive representation you need.

The Juvenile Court Proceedings in Georgia

Sections 15-11-470 through 15-11-608 of the Georgia Juvenile Code describe the juvenile criminal process for delinquencies. Less serious offenses, such as unruly acts, are usually settled informally without having to go through the court process.

After a complaint is filed with the juvenile court by the police, parents, or a citizen, the court process starts. It usually goes as follows:

1. Intake

The juvenile intake department or local juvenile court reviews the case and decides whether to release or detain the child, depending on the case details. Usually, all complaints involving delinquent acts or serious felonies result in detention.

2. Detention Hearing

The detained minor appears before a juvenile court judge within 48 hours if arrested without a warrant or within five days with a warrant. The county juvenile court informs the child of the charges against them and their rights. During this hearing, the judge will also decide whether or not to release the child and whether to keep the child in custody awaiting trial. The judge makes a decision based on the following:

• The minors’ risk of committing other crimes
• Availability of options for detention
• The seriousness of the offense
• Ties to the community

If your child is held in custody, you should contact a juvenile law attorney immediately.

3. Petition

If the juvenile court decides that the case proceeds to a formal hearing, the prosecution office files a petition that outlines the case details and the charges against the child.

4. Arraignment

The arraignment hearing is usually held within ten days of the filing of the petition. At this hearing,

• The child appears before a judge who will inform them of their rights, such as the right to an attorney, the right to remain silent, and the right to a trial.
• The judge will explain to the child the charges against them and their possible consequences.
• The child either enters an admission (similar to a guilty plea) or a denial (similar to a not-guilty plea). If the child admits to the charges, a disposition hearing will be scheduled.

Some Georgia Juvenile Courts allow an attorney to waive the arraignment on behalf of their client.

5. Adjudicatory Hearing

The adjudicatory hearing is the same as a trial in adult cases. The juvenile court judge hears arguments from the prosecution and the defense and witness testimony. Based on the evidence, the judge will decide whether the child committed the offense they are charged with. If the child is found guilty, the judge will adjudicate them as delinquent, and a disposition hearing is scheduled. If not, the case will be dismissed.

6. Disposition Hearing

At the disposition hearing, the equivalent to a sentencing hearing in adult courts, the juvenile court judge hears the evidence of both parties and then decides on the appropriate dispositions. These can include:

• Probation
• Community service
• Fines
• Restitution
• Detention
• Placement in a youth facility

A juvenile law attorney can help you navigate the juvenile justice system and ensure your child’s rights are protected. Attorney Dan Waltman and his team of experienced criminal defense attorneys at The Waltman Firm will utilize decades of collective experience to fight for your child’s best interests. We understand the gravity of these situations and provide relentless advocacy for our clients.