Lawrenceville Juvenile Crime Lawyer
Protecting Young Futures with Dedicated Juvenile Crime Defense in Lawrenceville
Are you facing juvenile crime charges? A Lawrenceville Juvenile crime Lawyer from Philip Kim Law, P.C., can assist in your case. Contact us today for a full case review.
Author: Philip Kim, Founder, Philip Kim Law, P.C.
Defense lawyer Philip Kim has committed his career to standing up for the accused, and protecting the rights and reputations of his valued clients. If you face criminal charges in Georgia, we can provide you with the skilled, effective defense representation you need.
Published on October 11, 2023. Last Updated on January 26, 2026.
Lawrenceville Juvenile Crime Attorney
Has your child been arrested for committing a juvenile crime in Lawrenceville, Georgia?
If your child has been accused of a juvenile crime in Lawrenceville, it’s important to take the situation seriously and act quickly. Even though your child is under 18, they can still face serious legal consequences—such as probation, community service, court-ordered counseling, detention, or penalties that affect their education and future opportunities.
That’s why hiring an experienced juvenile defense attorney is so important. A skilled lawyer can protect your child’s rights, explain what to expect, and fight for a favorable outcome.
So, if your child has been charged with shoplifting or driving under the influence, our experienced lawyers at Philip Kim Law, P.C., founded by Philip Kim, are ready to step in and protect their rights. Moreover, we can help you navigate the complexities of juvenile crimes and the local juvenile justice system.
Types of Juvenile Crimes
In the United States, offenders who are under 17 are classified as juveniles. Juvenile crimes refer to criminal offenses committed by a child under 17. Moreover, in Georgia, criminal trials involving minors are often held in a juvenile court, like the Gwinnett County Juvenile Court, which operates differently from adult criminal courts.
Moreover, there are several criminal offenses juveniles can be charged with in Georgia. Common juvenile crimes include:
- Shoplifting
- Assault
- Battery
- Underage alcoholic consumption
- DUI
- Drug sales and distribution
- Vandalism
- Theft
- Traffic violations
- Gang-related crimes
- Truancy
- Usage of a fake driver’s license
- Sex crimes
- Robbery
It’s important to know that superior courts and juvenile courts work differently. For example, juvenile cases are handled by a single judge, while superior court cases often use a jury.
Juvenile courts exist to protect minors from the adult criminal system and its harsher punishments. However, if a minor commits certain violent crimes, the prosecutor can have them tried in an adult court, where they could face adult penalties (OCGA § 15-11-560).
The superior court has the authority to try any child aged 13 to 17 who is accused of committing any of the following crimes:
- Murder
- Murder in the second degree
- Voluntary manslaughter
- Rape
- Aggravated sodomy
- Aggravated child molestation
- Aggravated sexual battery
- Armed robbery if committed with a firearm
- Aggravated assault if committed with a firearm upon a public safety officer
- Aggravated battery upon a public safety officer
Phillip Kim Law, P.C. helps families across Georgia defend children under 17 facing juvenile charges, from shoplifting and DUI to assault and theft. We guide you through the juvenile court process and fight to keep your child out of adult court whenever possible. Our team works to protect your child’s future by building a strong defense and pursuing a favorable outcome in their case.
Juvenile Court Process & Legal Procedure
Georgia’s juvenile justice system handles cases beyond traditional criminal offenses.
Unruly Minors Cases: These involve children who commit status offenses that would not be crimes if committed by adults. These include truancy, running away from home, violating curfew, or being habitually disobedient to parents or guardians. Unruly cases are treated differently from delinquency cases, focusing on family help and social services instead of punishment.
Deprivation Cases: These cases address situations where children are victims of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. While not criminal in nature, these often intersect with juvenile crime matters when children in the system subsequently commit offenses. The court’s primary concern here in deprivation cases is the child’s safety and welfare.
Classification of Felonies and Penalties for Juvenile Crimes in Georgia
Felonies in Georgia are classified into designated and non-designated felony categories within the juvenile justice system.
Designated Felonies: These are divided into Class A felonies and Class B felonies.
For Class A designated felonies, the maximum period of confinement is five years. Class A felonies include attempted murder, aggravated assault, and kidnapping.
For Class B designated felonies, the maximum period of confinement is 18 months. You may also be committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice for a maximum period of 3 years. After your confinement, you will also be subjected to six months of intensive supervision.
Examples include:
- Aggravated assault
- Arson in the second degree
- Robbery
- Battery
- Racketeering
- Smash and grab burglary
Non-Designated Felonies: Also called delinquent felonies, they encompass any other felony that does not fall under designated felonies.
These are legally treated as civil matters within the juvenile justice system, reflecting the system’s rehabilitative rather than punitive approach to most juvenile crimes.
Penalties
The following are the several penalties your child can face if convicted of a crime in Lawrenceville:
- Community service
- Restitution (for instance, in shoplifting cases)
- Probation
- Driver’s license suspension
- Commitment to a program of the Department of Juvenile Justice
- Being kept in a detention facility
- Supervision fees.
In Georgia’s juvenile court system, minors are not found guilty of crimes. Instead, they are called “delinquent.” A delinquent juvenile is a child who has committed a crime and needs help or rehabilitation. This shows that the system focuses more on fixing the problem than on punishment.
Other Considerations
Furthermore, defendants should know that the consequences of having juvenile records extend beyond the courtroom. The long-term consequences of juvenile crimes can follow a young person well into adulthood.
For example, juvenile records can impact college admissions, as 60-80% of private and 55% of public institutions ask about criminal history.
Also, juveniles with a criminal record may still join the military, but they often need a waiver for moral character issues. The military can see sealed or cleared records. Serious crimes like violence, sex crimes, or felonies usually disqualify someone, but older, non-violent offenses may qualify for a waiver.
Defense Strategies & Legal Representation
The standard of proof required in juvenile cases is the same as in adult cases. When a juvenile is charged with a crime, the prosecution has the burden of proving it.
Georgia law (GA Code § 15-11-440) requires the prosecutor to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt, meaning with very strong evidence. If the prosecutor cannot meet this standard, the minor should be found not responsible. This high standard helps make sure juveniles have the same constitutional protections as adults in the justice system.
That’s why early legal intervention can be crucial in juvenile crime cases.
Experienced juvenile defense lawyers can often keep cases out of court through early talks, diversion programs, and working with prosecutors. Getting help early can stop formal charges, protect the minor’s record, and address the issues that led to the alleged offense.
Our defense strategy focuses on the unique details of each juvenile case. We focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, advocate for alternative sentencing, and ensure the juvenile’s rights are protected at every stage.
According to OCGA § 15-11-2, the juvenile justice system aims to promote rehabilitation. Our attorneys use this legal framework to build strong defense strategies that protect our clients’ best interests while also addressing the court’s concerns about public safety and accountability.
Philip Kim Law, P.C. Can Help You
When your child is facing juvenile charges in Georgia, you need a lawyer who will listen and take action fast.
At Phillip Kim Law, PC, we believe in honesty, so we will give you clear answers and explain your options in a simple way. We also prioritize quick communication, so you can reach us when you need help and receive updates along the way. Most of all, we offer services tailored to your family, taking the time to understand your child’s situation.
Our diligent criminal defense lawyers can help you build a strong defense for your child’s trial while minimizing the impact of criminal offenses on your child’s future.
Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation on your juvenile crime charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is considered a juvenile under Georgia law and when can a case be handled as adult court?
In Georgia, individuals under 17 are typically treated as juveniles and processed through juvenile court. Certain serious offenses—such as murder, rape, or other “designated felonies”—may permit transfer to adult (superior) court, where harsher penalties apply.
2. What types of offenses do juveniles in Lawrenceville face, and how are proceedings different from adult court?
Juvenile offenses range from status offenses (e.g., truancy, curfew violations) and delinquency offenses (e.g., theft, vandalism, drug charges) to designated felonies (which may shift a case to adult court).
Juvenile court proceedings typically do not involve a jury, focus more on rehabilitation than on punishment, and follow different rules and timelines than adult criminal cases.
3. What is the general process for a juvenile crime case in Lawrenceville, Georgia?
The process often begins with intake by the juvenile court system, which may offer informal adjustment programs to divert the case.
If formal charges are filed, hearings may follow, possible detention or supervision may apply, and the case may conclude with probation, community service, detention, or placement in a youth facility for more serious offenses. Throughout, the minor has specific rights and protections.
4. How long are juvenile crime cases under Georgia law, and what factors impact the timeline?
The timeline can vary depending on whether the case is resolved informally or goes to a full hearing.
Simpler cases may be resolved quickly through diversion or informal adjustment, while cases involving serious charges, evidence gathering, or transfer to adult court may take several months or longer.
5. What rights and risks should juveniles and their families be aware of in the juvenile justice system?
Juveniles have the right to legal representation, the right to challenge evidence, and the right to have their best interests considered.
Risks include detention in a youth facility, penalties that may affect future education or employment opportunities, and the possibility of adult prosecution for certain offenses. Consulting an attorney experienced in juvenile cases helps protect rights and navigate potential risks effectively.
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Lawrenceville, GA 30046