Georgia Juvenile Crimes
Juvenile and Under Age Crimes
- What can we expect at juvenile court, and how is it different from adult court?
- Could my child be detained or sent to a juvenile jail?
- What about the school? They want to suspend or expel him; can you help with that?
The attorneys and staff at Plichta, Alavi & Associates P.C., pay very close attention to our client and his or her family whenever we encounter a legal crisis impacting children. We are proud of our record of providing help to many children in the juvenile courts of this State, by protecting them from detention, assisting them to stay in school, and maintaining their hopes and dreams for a bright future. We can help you and your children through this difficult process by working together to protect all family members from unnecessary anguish. At Plichta, Alavi & Associates, P.C. we do more that merely protect your legal interests we consider the entire picture, and with your approval, we can put you in touch with professionals who might suggest to us and to you the best available course of action to protect your children.
1. What can we expect at juvenile court, and how is it different from adult court? (back to top)
The most obvious difference between juvenile court and adult court is that they are heard by different judges in different courtrooms. Furthermore, in juvenile court, each case is heard in strict privacy. The differs from the usual court proceeding in adult courts where, typically, every family member is in court at the same time and the trial or hearing is open to the public. By contrast, in juvenile court, the only persons permitted to attend are the Judge, the prosecutor, any witnesses, the court clerk, the child, the child's parents or legal guardian, and the child's attorney. No one else may view the proceedings without the Court's permission. Generally, a first hearing will be held to advise all interested parties of the charges and determine if a trial is necessary. At this time, we have an opportunity to meet with the prosecutor as well as any witnesses in an attempt to resolve the case in your child’s favor without trial. If an agreement can be reached, we will present it to the court. If not, we may have to come back to court to argue in your child’s defense. This is obviously true if your child is innocent.
2. Could my child be detained or sent to a juvenile jail? (back to top)
Depending on the severity of the charges, and if proven guilty of those charges, a juvenile offender may be sentenced to a juvenile jail. This rarely occurs because incarceration is reserved only for the most serious offenses or in those cases where the child has a long track record of difficulties with the juvenile justice system. In most cases, an alternative to detention can be found even where the child has been found to have committed the act. If your child is found guilty (or is adjudicated delinquent) we will do everything the law permits to ensure that he or she has before him the best possible sentencing option. In this way, we may get your child back on the right track and to assure that they never again appear as a defendant in a courtroom.
3. What about the school? They want to suspend or expel him? Can you help with that? (back to top)
The attorneys at Plichta, Alavi & Associates, P.C. have appeared before many school boards to defend children facing suspension or expulsion. We are very familiar with this process and, we are able to advise and assist you. In many cases it is possible to avoid suspension or expulsion through a hearing or by negotiating with the school or the school board. We have been very successful in keeping children in school where they belong.
© 2008 Plichta, Alavi & Associates (770) 955-1511
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