Representing Minors In Juvenile Court
Attorney Matt Hirsch believes children should be given the opportunity to learn from their mistakes. At Hirsch Criminal Defense, located in Atlanta, he provides strong, effective criminal defense representation to Georgia’s youth.
The juvenile criminal justice system is very different from the adult system. Where the juvenile system seeks to educate and rehabilitate, the adult system seeks to punish. As a parent, it is important to find an attorney who understands the difference and will work to help your child overcome their legal challenges and find the path to a better future.
Combating Burglary, Vandalism And Drug Charges
Attorney Hirsch acts as a strong legal advocate for juveniles charged with crimes. He values your child’s future and will do everything in his power to ensure their opportunities are not limited by a bad decision made as a youth.
If your child was charged with a crime — such as defacing school property, possession of marijuana or fighting — you may be worried about the long-term effect this charge will have on his or her life. Attorney Hirsch is an experienced and aggressive juvenile criminal defense professional. He understands the special nuances of the juvenile criminal justice system and builds strategic defenses that help minors overcome their legal challenges.
He uses every legal tool available to secure alternative forms of restitution — such as community service and alcohol treatment programs — to keep minor clients out of jail and provide them with the education and opportunities they need to change their behaviors and prevent additional criminal charges from arising in the future.
Special Issues In Juvenile Cases
Learn why juveniles may be more likely to give a false confession: GA teens may be more prone to false confessions than adults.
Frequently Asked Questions About Juvenile Court
As a parent trying to help your child navigate a difficult matter, you likely have questions about the process ahead. Hirsch Criminal Defense can provide you with aggressive criminal representation and answers to your questions, such as the common inquiries briefly explored below.
How does juvenile court work in Georgia?
Focus during Georgia juvenile court cases is on rehabilitation, rather than punishment. The juvenile courts generally only hear cases involving youths under the age of 17 but may sometimes hear cases with defendants as old as 18.
There is no jury trial option in a juvenile case. A judge hears the legal issue, and the entire process is confidential. During the intake process, the probation officer determines if the case requires judicial review. If law enforcement professionals detain a minor, the first hearing must occur within 72 hours.
The judge hearing the case decides if the accused juvenile committed a crime, which the courts call adjudication. They establish a rehabilitation plan if the allegations are true.
That plan can involve probation, treatment or detention in a juvenile facility. The priority is to address the underlying issues, such as mental health challenges or substance abuse disorders, that caused the criminal conduct before the juvenile defendant becomes an adult.
Can a juvenile record be sealed in Georgia?
Yes, Georgia allows for record sealing for juvenile criminal offenses. The state restricts public access to court records but does not destroy records.
Provided that a teenager avoids additional convictions and demonstrates improvements in their behavior, they can usually apply for expungement if they wait two years after the closure of their case.
Automatic sealing is available in limited cases once a juvenile defendant turns 21. Otherwise, a petition is necessary.
What happens if my child is tried as an adult?
Many 17-year-olds face adult charges based solely on their age. Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 16 may face adult prosecution for serious felonies, including drug crimes and violent offenses. Repeat offenses can also lead to adult charges.
If the state chooses to bring adult charges against a juvenile defendant, they are subject to this standard criminal justice process. They face a public trial and adult penalties. They may have a permanent criminal record after a conviction. Filing a reverse waiver motion to return the case to juvenile court is sometimes an option.
Reach out to an attorney to have your questions answered.
Georgia’s Seven Deadly Sins
Under state law, children aged 13 to 17 can be charged as adults for certain crimes. Known as the seven deadly sins, these crimes include:
- Murder
- Rape
- Armed robbery
- Aggravated child molestation
- Aggravated sodomy
- Aggravated sexual battery
- Voluntary manslaughter
If charged with one of these crimes, your child is at risk of being prosecuted as an adult. At Hirsch Criminal Defense, attorney Hirsch believes children should be treated as children. He works hard to protect minor clients, keep them in juvenile court and ensure they are given a chance at rehabilitation.
Contact Hirsch Criminal Defense at 404-919-7096 to speak with a lawyer in a confidential consultation.