What Your Child Is Facing
Understanding Juvenile Cases
Georgia's juvenile justice system handles cases involving children under 17 who are accused of a "delinquent act" — conduct that would be a crime if committed by an adult — as well as status offenses like truancy, curfew violations, and being beyond a parent's control. Juvenile court is designed around rehabilitation rather than punishment, but the consequences can still be serious.
A child's case may lead to detention, probation, community service, mandatory programs, or placement in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice. For the most serious charges, the stakes rise sharply — and in some cases, a child can even be tried as an adult.
A Child's Future Is On the Line
WHY IT MATTERS
A juvenile adjudication can follow a child for years, affecting college admission, financial aid, military eligibility, and future employment. While Georgia allows many juvenile records to be sealed or restricted, that relief is not automatic and depends on the charge and how the case is resolved.
Attorney Jasmine Brown-Melchor understands both the law and what is truly at stake for a young person. She brings compassionate, thorough representation from the first detention hearing through every stage of the case — always focused on protecting your child's record and their future.
What JBM Law Does For You
HOW WE HELP
Case Evaluation
Thorough review of charges, evidence, and circumstances to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case and build the strongest possible defense strategy.
Record Protection & Sealing
Working to keep your child's record clean and pursuing sealing or restriction of juvenile records so a childhood mistake does not define their future.
Detention Hearings
Immediate advocacy to keep your child at home rather than in detention while the case is pending, presenting the case for release to family.
Diversion & Alternatives
Pursuing informal adjustment, diversion programs, counseling, and other alternatives that resolve cases without a formal adjudication of delinquency.
Court Representation
Skilled advocacy at every stage — from the initial detention hearing through adjudication and disposition hearings before the juvenile court judge.
Opposing Adult Transfer
Fighting to keep serious cases in juvenile court, challenging efforts to transfer a child to superior court where adult penalties apply.
A Juvenile Case Can Follow Your Child for Years
Even in a system built for rehabilitation, an adjudication in Georgia can close doors and limit opportunities well into adulthood.
- Right to Vote
- Military Service
- Professional Licenses
- Federal student aid
- Housing opportunities
- Future Employment
- Immigration Status
Aggravated Assault
Assault with a deadly weapon, or an assault that results in serious bodily injury. Charges are elevated when a firearm is used or the victim is a protected person.
Penalties: 1–20 years in prison
Robbery & Armed Robbery
Taking property from another person by force, intimidation, or threat. Armed robbery — involving a weapon — carries mandatory minimum sentencing.
Penalties: 10–20 years (armed);
up to 20 years (robbery)
Burglary
Entering a dwelling or structure without authority and with intent to commit a felony or theft inside. First-degree burglary of a residence carries harsher penalties.
Penalties: 1–20 years in prison
Assault/Simple Assault
Attempting to commit a violent injury or placing another in reasonable fear of receiving a violent injury.
Penalties: Up to 12 months jail, fines up to $1,000
Battery/Simple Battery
Intentionally making physical contact with another person in an insulting or provoking manner, or causing them physical harm.
or
Penalties: Up to 12 months jail, fines up to $1,000
Sexual Offenses
Rape, aggravated sodomy, aggravated sexual battery, and related charges carry severe mandatory sentences and lifetime sex offender registration requirements.
Penalties: 25 years to life (rape); varies by charge
HOW WE HELP
Juvenile Charges We Handle
