1. The Juvenile Justice System in Georgia
SS8CG5

2. SS8CG5 Explain how the Georgia court system treats juvenile offenders.
a. Explain the difference between delinquent and unruly behavior and the consequences of each.
b. Describe the rights of juveniles involved in the juvenile justice system.
c. Explain the steps in the juvenile justice system when a juvenile is first taken into custody

3. Delinquent and Unruly Behavior
A juvenile is someone who is 17 years of age and younger.
Youth have certain restrictions that do not apply to adults:
a. attend school until 16.
b. obey the rules of their parent's or caregiver.
c. Not run away from home.
d. follow night curfews

4. Delinquent and Unruly Behavior
- According to the laws of Georgia, a youth violating any of these expectations would be considered unruly behaviors or status offenses. - A delinquent act is when a juvenile commits a crime that would be punishable for an adult as well.

5. Consequences
- Both types of actions could result in a. probation b. enrollment in community treatment programs. c. commitment to detention facility for two to five years.

6. Rights of Juveniles
Youth, however, have rights, which are:
Right to a lawyer
Right to cross-examine witnesses
Right to provide witnesses and evidence
Right to remain silent
Right to appeal
Right to transcript of trial

7. Steps in the Juvenile Justice Process
1. Arrest or custody
**Miranda Rights
**Parents or guardians notified
**Release or detained

8. 2. Probable Cause Hearing
**within 48 hours within taken into custody
**notified of charges, attorney
**judge decides whether youth is to be released or detained.

9. 3. Adjudicatory Hearing
**ten days of less for detained youth, 60 days or less for released youth
**evidence is present by both sides
**no jury
**judge decides guilty or not

10. 4. Dispositional Hearing
- Judges decides on decides on punishment and consequences
- Usually immediately after adjudicatory hearing
- If serious felonies, may transfer case to Superior Court to be tried as an adult