Juveniles Tried as Adults | Indictments

Defending Georgia Teens Who Will Be Tried as Adults

The juvenile law system was created with the understanding that, because of their age, teens should not be punished in the same way as adults. Many people argue that teens are not fully capable of understanding their actions, and that trying them as adults would be unjust. Regardless, there are still crimes that allow juveniles to be tried as adults.

At the Juvenile Law Group, we believe that all teens deserve fair representation, and we work closely with teens and their parents to provide the legal counsel they need. With experience working in parole, public defense and private therapy, we have the breadth of skills necessary to help you navigate through legal issues in the juvenile system. Contact our firm online or call 404-633-3797 or toll free 866-719-3420 to learn about the options available when a juvenile in your family is being tried as an adult.

The Seven Deadly Sins

In the criminal system, there are some crimes that can be punished under the jurisdiction of both the juvenile court system or the superior (adult) court system. When a teenager commits a crime that would be considered criminal if it had been committed by an adult, the district attorney decides whether the the juvenile will be tried as an adult or a juvenile.

Typically the following crimes are automatically tried in the adult court system:

• Murder
• Voluntary manslaughter
• Rape
• Aggravated sodomy
• Aggravated child molestation
• Aggravated sexual battery
• Armed robbery with a fire arm

However, if the judge finds extraordinary cause, those crimes can be transferred back to juvenile court. Working with an experienced lawyer can help increase the chance of the DA transferring the crime back to the juvenile court.

Consequences When a Juvenile is Tried as an Adult

If a teen is charged in the adult court system, the consequences can include life in prison. The jurisdiction of a case — whether it is tried in juvenile or adult court — determines how a case is charged. Indictment is the criminal charge in the adult (or superior) court, and once indictment hits, the superior court has jurisdiction. After that, the case can only be transferred to juvenile court for an extraordinary cause.

At the Juvenile Law Group, we work with clients throughout Atlanta, Georgia, to help ensure they are tried in the proper jurisdiction. Contact our firm online or call 404-633-3797 or toll free 866-719-3420 to schedule your appointment with an experienced lawyer.