A juvenile is anyone under the age of seventeen.

Juveniles must follow all laws for adults in Georgia and some laws created just for juveniles.

They have their own court system.

These are actions which would be considered a crime if done by an adult.

ExamplesMurderRobberyAssault

These would not be considered a crime if committed by an adult.

ExamplePossession of

tobacco.Possession of

alcohol.Truancy

Unruly behavior

Step 1: A parent must be contactedStep 2: They see an IN-TAKE OFFICER. The in-

take officer decides if there is enough evidence for the juvenile to be taken to juvenile court.

Step 3: Student may be sent to YDC or returned to parent to await their trial. MOST OFTEN the student is RETURNED TO THEIR PARENT.

Step 4: Two types of hearings for juveniles. an informal adjustment (where they admit guilt ) ora formal hearing (this is more like a trial)

Step 5: Sentencing

Released to parents no court monitoringProbation court monitoringGive other punishments like fines or

community service or 30, 90 or 180 days in YDCPut them in the hand of the Department of

Juvenile Justice indefinitelySend them to boot camp

Passed in 1994 it says that juveniles who commit one of the “seven” crimes must be treated as an adult and locked up for a minimum of 10 years.

The Seven Dead Sins areMurderVoluntary ManslaughterArmed RobberyRapeAggravated Child MolestationAggravated SodomyAggravated Sexual Battery