georgia-juvenile-defense

Atlanta Juvenile Defense Attorney

When your child has been arrested you can feel like a failed parent. The Georgia juvenile justice system operates in a different manner than the adult court system, and not every lawyer is familiar with the best way to defend your child. Most importantly, you should know that juvenile proceedings are conducted in closed courtrooms, which enable you to be sure no one will find out what your child is charged with or find out how the case resolves. One thing many people may not know until faced with defending their child is that children are not entitled to have a jury decide their case. In these situations, a judge will determine the guilt or innocence of your child.

Please be informed that if the juvenile charge is serious, the State can choose to proceed in Superior Court where the severity of punishment increases substantially.

Further, Police officers are required under Georgia law to not question or interrogate juvenile suspects or arrestees without parental consent; a rule that is rarely followed by law enforcement. When your child is facing a juvenile charge in Fulton County, Cobb County, Cherokee County, DeKalb County, Clayton County or Gwinnett County, you need an attorney who knows the laws and defenses to the adult criminal code and knows the resources and possibilities of juvenile proceedings. Juvenile cases could require your child to be detained in a juvenile detention facility, as kids are not entitled to bail as adults are, so it is important to get an attorney involved as soon as possible to fight this possibility. The court procedure moves quick. As a result we must move fast in order to stay one step ahead.

At W. Scott Smith, P.C. we have a dedicated team of Atlanta juvenile defense lawyers and staff who concentrate in juvenile justice. By handling a significant number of these cases, we get to know the court system, the judge and the advocates for the District Attorney’s office in Fulton County, Cobb County, Cherokee County, DeKalb County, Clayton County and Gwinnett County. This enables us to seek out creative resolutions in the best interest of your child. By contacting us today, you can get answers to the questions you have and we can help get your child back on the proper path to lifetime success.

Call now 404-581-0999