Hinesville Juvenile Crime Lawyer

Hinesville Juvenile Crime Attorney

When your children are charged with a crime, it can feel particularly overwhelming, confusing, and enraging. Every parent wants what’s right for their children, and standing by them as they face criminal charges is a reasonable reaction. Having to get your child a defense lawyer can feel like a waking nightmare, but it’s essential if you want your child to have a chance of beating the charges. You should consider speaking with a Hinesville juvenile crime lawyer.

The legal team at Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. can provide you with a sound defense and a strong strategy. Without a solid defense strategy, your child’s chances of success may not be very high. Depending on the nature of the crime and the evidence against your child, they may be looking at severe legal consequences that could negatively impact their future in the worst way. Charges related to Assault & Battery, Sex Crimes, Drug Crimes, or Domestic Violence can carry particularly harsh penalties. If the charges are serious, they could be sentenced to a juvenile detention facility for quite some time.

Juvenile Crime in Georgia

The overall crime rate in Hinesville hovered around 48.86 per 1,000 people in 2023. In Georgia in 2020, there were 53 juvenile arrests for aggravated assault, 18 for robbery, 127 for larceny, 91 for drug abuse, and 26 for weapon-related offenses. Juvenile crime happens in Georgia often, particularly in Hinesville, which has a higher crime rate than the state average.

Juvenile crime is treated differently than adult crime in Georgia, with juvenile court proceedings taking place in a closed court. Additionally, children are not entitled to a jury trial. Most juvenile criminal cases are presided over by a judge who makes the sole determination of the child’s guilt or innocence based on the cases that the defense and prosecution present. Under Georgia Code § 16-3-1, a child cannot be charged with a crime if they’re under 13.

Any child younger than seven years old generally will not be tried in juvenile court, but that child’s parents may be held legally responsible for the child’s actions. Depending on the seriousness of the crime, juveniles between 15 and 17 years old may be tried as adults. Any child aged 17 or older is considered a legal adult in Georgia.

Common Juvenile Crimes in Georgia

Some juvenile crimes are more common than others. While children 13 and up can be charged with any crime that an adult can be charged with, certain crimes attract a more juvenile element than others. Children are not often charged with murder or kidnapping, for example.

Here are some of the more common juvenile crimes that occur in Georgia:

• DUI: It is not uncommon for teenagers to get drunk and go for a joy ride. Underage drinking is illegal in every state, including Georgia. If police pull over a teenager on suspicion of drunk driving and they are found to have any detectable alcohol in their system, they will be arrested for underage drinking and driving under the influence.
• Cyber Crimes: Many different computer crimes are committed by children and teenagers who may be more computer savvy than some adults. Crimes like hacking, cyberbullying, sharing inappropriate photos, and more may result in serious legal consequences.

Getting Arrested

When your child is arrested for committing a crime, it can be an embarrassing and emotionally draining experience for them. Children are afforded their constitutional rights, too, and it’s important that you make sure they have a defense lawyer who can help them exercise those rights. These rights include the right to legal counsel as well as the right to remain silent.

If your child is dealing with juvenile crime charges, you may want to reach out to the various youth support groups throughout Hinesville. Organizations like Turning Winds focus on facilitating recovery from traumatic events. The Fraser Counseling Center offers counseling for troubled youths as well.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Juvenile Lawyer Cost?

A: There is no telling how much a juvenile lawyer is going to cost. Every juvenile crime case is different, with each case having its own specifics and circumstances that will impact the outcome of the case as well as your lawyer’s fee. Ultimately, your lawyer’s fee will be determined by the difficulty of the case, as well as their experience and resources.

Q: How Does Georgia Treat Juveniles Who Commit or Are Accessories to Crimes?

A: In Georgia, juveniles who commit crimes or are an accessory are processed through the juvenile justice system. The focus of this system is on rehabilitation and education. The last thing the state wants is for these juveniles to evolve into career criminals in adulthood. If the crimes are particularly horrific, they may be charged as adults.

Q: What Is a Juvenile Defense Attorney?

A: A juvenile defense attorney is a criminal defense lawyer who focuses on helping minors facing criminal charges. Juvenile court tends to focus more on rehabilitation instead of punishment, with the intent to show the juvenile offenders a different path. A juvenile defense lawyer can help them beat the charges entirely or reduce the charges to a more manageable penalty.

Q: Do You Have to Pay for Juvenile Court?

A: Yes, you may have to pay for juvenile court. Just like a regular court, you may incur court fees, lawyer fees, various fines, and potential restitution for damages or expenses to victims. It’s recommended that you pay the fees promptly. Failure to pay certain fees can lead to additional negative consequences for the juvenile in question.

Reach Out to a Juvenile Crime Lawyer Today

Finding out that your child is going to be facing criminal charges can be confusing and emotionally devastating. It may also serve as a wake-up call for certain families. It’s important that you take the necessary steps to protect your child’s future by hiring a juvenile defense lawyer who can help you figure out a strong defense strategy.

The legal team at Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. can help your child by building a strong case, gathering evidence, and protecting their interests throughout. Contact us to speak to a valued team member about how we can help.