Representation of Minors

If your son or daughter has been arrested for a felony or misdemeanor in Georgia, you should immediately contact Attorney Sharon Jackson, LLC. 

Having a criminal conviction at a young age can have a negative impact on your child’s life for years to come. Not only may they be looking at jail time, but he or she may be denied college acceptances, driving privileges, jobs, student loans or other type of financial aid.  A conviction could even cause your child to get suspended or expelled from school.

Juvenile Court is vastly different from the adult legal system, but your child is still entitled to certain rights under the United States and Georgia constitution as well as Georgia law.  You need an experienced attorney to help guide you through the system. You need to know when and if your child should be released to you, understand potential punishment options, and get information on how the charge could impact your child’s future. 

We represent juvenile in the following area:

• Juvenile Delinquency
• JuvenTraffic Offenses
• Runaways
• Unruly
• Violations of Probation
• Other Related Legal Problems

Juvenile Delinquency

A delinquency is an act that normally would be charged as a criminal offense but for the fact the minor child is still age 16 or younger. These acts can be either misdemeanor or felony issues.  Depending on the act, the charge may be brought by a parent or guardian or by the police department.

The most common offenses we see in the juvenile court include simple battery, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana, shoplifting, theft by taking, burglary or other theft allegations.

Juvenile Traffic Offenses

If a child who is 16 years old or younger is charged with a traffic offense, he or she will be referred to the Juvenile Court.  Driving without a license and DUI, driving under the influence are two of the most common juvenile traffic offenses.  If the case goes to trial, the State must prove the case against the juvenile beyond a reasonable doubt by presenting witnesses and evidence.  Even if the case is resolved by paying a fine, the minor child who was charged and a parent or guardian must come to Juvenile Court together to do this. Having an experienced lawyer to guide you through the process will ease your experience.

Runaways

In Georgia, parents and custodians of children age 17 and under may charge those children with running away provided the child deserts his home, leaving it with the intent to return.

Unruly Acts

An unruly act is occurs if a minor is charged with an offense that is only applicable to children and otherwise would not be illegal. (i.e. skipping school and unreasonable disobedience from lawful parental requests)

Violation of Probation

If your child is on probation, violations may result in the minor being committed to a youth detention center, group home, or alternative.