Atlanta Metro Juvenile Defense Attorneys
The adjudication process for juveniles, who are defined as persons under 17 who commit criminal offenses, is often confusing. Making matters worse, some youths find themselves caught up in activities or situations that they do not fully understand, yet the outcome is the same: arrest and formal delinquency charges. In some instances, children’s legal issues are often the result of peer pressure. In other instances, there may be underlying issues unknown to parents, such as substance abuse or bad company that ultimately leads minor children to involvement in criminal activities.
At Ford Law, LLC, we represent youthful offenders in various types of cases so navigation through the complex juvenile court process is just a bit easier for kids and their families. Generally, the juvenile court process begins with an arraignment and continues through disposition. The court proceedings can be overwhelming and confusing, given the casual use of legal terminology and a series of court dates for various types of hearings. Ford Law, LLC is by your side and understands every step of the process. This comprehension is essential to effective representation in the preliminary phase and vitally important to the successful resolution of your child’s delinquency matter.
Juvenile Offenses in the Atlanta metro area
We offer representation for all felony and misdemeanor offenses committed by children who become parties to juvenile court proceedings including:
● Simple and Aggravated Assault
● Theft By Receiving, Theft by Taking, and Shoplifting
● Burglary
● Simple and Aggravated Battery
● Criminal Trespass
● Criminal Attempt
● Entering an Auto
● Kidnapping
● Criminal Street Gang Activity
● Obstruction
● Sexual Battery
● Drug possession and Possession with Intent to Distribute
● Robbery and Armed robbery
● Terroristic threats
We will zealously advocate on behalf on your child. Oftentimes,we are able to resolve these matters satisfactorily prior to trial; for example, many offenders, especially those with no prior record, are eligible for pretrial diversion programs or informal adjustments.
If the case goes to trial, the prosecutor must prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. This evidentiary burden is quite high, and many times, the prosecutor is unable to meet his/her burden of proof. Whatever the case may be, a total commitment to the best legal representation possible is extremely important to the direction, and ultimate result, of each case.
Designated Felonies
These offenses are some of the more serious charges in Georgia’s juvenile court system, and any children who are adjudicated delinquent in these cases often face a more severe disposition. There are two subcategories:
● Class A designated felonies, (i.e., Armed Robbery or Aggravated Battery), are punishable with a maximum sentence of five-years commitment to DJJ, with the possibility of serving five years restrictive custody.
● Class B designated felonies, are punishable with a maximum of a three-years commitment to DJJ and eighteen months restrictive custody.
The minimum age requirement for designated felony offensethirteen (13). Therefore, any child between the ages of thirteen (13) and seventeen (17), charged with a designated felony, can be sentenced as a designated felon.
Partner with Compassionate Attorneys
The juvenile court process and the juvenile justice system are both complex. Instead of taking your child’s legal matter into your own hands or trusting the future of your child to just anyone, contact Ford Law, LLC, today by going online or calling 404-373-9881.