The Juvenile Justice System in
Georgia
SS8CG6 the student will explain how the
Georgia court system treats juvenile
offenders.
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SS8CG6a Explain the difference between
delinquent behavior and unruly behavior
and the consequences of each.
SS8CG6b Describe the rights of juveniles
when taken into custody.
SS8CG6c Describe the juvenile justice
system, emphasizing the different
jurisdictions, terminology, and steps in
the juvenile justice process.
SS8CG6d Explain the seven delinquent
behaviors that can subject juvenile
offenders to the adult criminal justice
process, how the decision to transfer to
adult court is made, and the possible
consequences.
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1. A juvenile is someone who is 17 years of age
and younger.
2. The Department of Juvenile Justice was
established in 1992 with the sole purpose of
a. protecting our communities
b holding youth offenders accountable for
their actions.
3.
Youth have certain restrictions that do
not apply to adults:
a. attend school until 16.
b. obey the rules of their parent's or
caregiver.
c. Not run away from home.
d. follow night curfews
e. enter bars without parent/guardians
permission or drink.
4. According to the laws of Georgia, a
youth violating any of these expectations
would be considered unruly behaviors or
status offenses.
5.
A delinquent act is when a juvenile
commits a crime that would be punishable
for an adult as well.
6. Both types of actions could result in
a. probation
b. enrollment in community treatment
programs.
c. commitment to detention facility for
two to five years.
7. Youth, however, have rights, which are:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Right to a lawyer
Right to cross-examine witnesses
Right to provide witnesses and evidence
Right to remain silent
Right to appeal
Right to transcript of trial
Steps in the Juvenile Justice
Process
1.
Arrest or custody
**Miranda Rights
**Parents or guardians notified
**Release or detained
2. Probable Cause Hearing
**within 48 hours within taken into
custody
**notified of charges, attorney
**judge decides whether youth is to be
released or detained.
3. Adjudicatory Hearing
**ten days of less for detained youth, 60
days or less for released youth
**evidence is present by both sides
**no jury
**judge decides guilty or not
4.
Dispositional Hearing
**judges decides on decides on
punishment and consequences
**usually immediately after adjudicatory
hearing
**if serious felonies, may transfer case to
Superior Court to be tried as an adult
The “Seven Deadly Sins” may result in a youth
(between 13 and 17) being tried as an adult.
He or she will have their case tried not in
juvenile court but in Superior Court, and carry
the same punishment as an adult.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Aggravated child molestation
Aggravated sexual battery
Aggravated sodomy
Murder
Voluntary Manslaughter
Rape
Armed robbery with a Firearm