SS8CG5 Explain how the Georgia court system treats juvenile off

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An act committed by a juvenile that would be a criminal offense according to adult law.

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Delinquent Act

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An act committed by a juvenile that would not be a criminal offense according to adult law.

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Unruly Act

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Intake

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Begins process by which a child may be adjudicated delinquent or unruly or may be prosecuted as an adult. Child may be referred to court through complaint or charge from police, school resource officer, parent, or other citizen.

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Intake Officer's Role

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Decides whether a child should be temporarily detained to protect the child or public, to prevent the child from running away, or if the child is without proper supervision.

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Informal Adjustment

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Detention: Court or intake officer determines if probable cause exists; whether to commence case in juvenile court; and whether to continue detention pending adjudicatory hearing. Intake officer may decide to use informal adjustment if child admits wrongdoing.

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Petition

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Formal document charging child with delinquency or unruliness. May only be filed if court or prosecutor has found both probable cause and that filing is in child’s best interests.

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Adjudication

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Equivalent to adult trial, where judge hears witnesses, reviews other evidence, and decides whether to adjudicate juvenile delinquent or unruly. There is no right to jury trial.

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Disposition

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Equivalent to adult sentencing. Possible dispositions include release to parents, probation, 30-day short-term sentence, commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice, and restrictive custody at a Youth Development Center ("YDC").