Gwinnett County Juvenile Court
Speak with a trusted Gwinnett County Juvenile Court lawyer in Georgia.
The Gwinnett County Juvenile Court has jurisdiction over situations involving offenders under the age of 18 in Gwinnett County, GA. If your family is facing issues like a child’s delinquency or criminal activity, or if you are otherwise dealing with issues involving a dependent minor in Gwinnett County Court, Philip Kim Law can help.
Author: Philip Kim, Founder, Philip Kim Law, P.C.
Defense lawyer Philip Kim has committed his career to standing up for the accused, and protecting the rights and reputations of his valued clients. If you face criminal charges in Georgia, we can provide you with the skilled, effective defense representation you need.
Published on January 9, 2020, last updated on February 18, 2022.
Gwinnett County Juvenile Court
Kids will be kids, but activities that place one in the Juvenile Court are no laughing matter. Gwinnett County Juvenile Court adjudicates cases for individuals under the age of 18, with most of them involving those between 14 and 17. It has simultaneous authority with the Superior Courts. In addition to criminal offenses, they have jurisdiction over child support cases, custody, and cases that determine the termination of parental rights.
The legal process for prosecuting children is different than criminal proceedings for adults, and the justice administered balances punishment with rehabilitation. When minors are charged with a crime, they need an attorney who has experience defending underage individuals like Philip Kim of Philip Kim Law, P.C. The right legal counsel is aware of the differences, knows how to prepare a strong defense in court, and can navigate the Juvenile Court process.
Gwinnett County Juvenile Court Judges
The three Juvenile Court Judges can be found on Gwinnett County Juvenile and Recorder’s Court Building’s Third Floor. The current Judges are:
- Hon. Stephen E. Franzen
- Hon. Robert V. Rodatus
- Hon. Robert Waller
The Gwinnett County Juvenile Court is located at 115 Stone Mountain Street in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and the primary phone number is 770-619-6300.
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What Does the Gwinnett Juvenile Court Do?
Gwinnett County Juvenile Court manages cases that involve delinquent, unruly, and runaway offenses. It also has jurisdiction to handle custody cases assigned by a Gwinnett Superior Court judge.
A minor accused of a delinquent act requires a criminal defense lawyer skilled in representing children and teenagers.
Understanding the Juvenile Process Gwinnett County Lawrenceville, GA
A Lawrenceville Gwinnett juvenile process begins when a district attorney or probation officer in Gwinnett County submits a civil petition that charges a minor with violating a criminal statute and asks the court to determine whether the individual is delinquent. Juveniles who are deemed to be delinquent are placed under the broad powers of the Gwinnett County court, which has the authority to decide what the next step should be.
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Gwinnett County Juvenile Detention Center
Gwinnett Regional Juvenile Detention Center is located at 650 Hi Hope Lane, Lawrenceville, Georgia. The phone number is 770-995-6921. The Juvenile Justice Department runs this medium to low-security Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC). It holds youths in the following circumstances:
- Awaiting trial
- Awaiting the determination of penalty
- Waiting to enter a long-term facility or community program
The majority of the Gwinnett County, GA, teenagers have been in an RYDC for less than two years.
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According to the Federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, approximately half of minor arrests are due to the following:
- Curfew violations
- Disorderly conduct
- Drug abuse
- Simple assault
- Theft
Only around 3-percent of Gwinnett Juvenile Court cases involve violent offenses like aggravated assault, murder, rape, or robbery.
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Juvenile Court Lawrenceville GA Cases
Although Juvenile Court Lawrenceville GA cases cover a range of different types of scenarios and legal infractions, they generally fall into three categories.
- Minor Delinquency Cases: These are actions that would be criminally prosecuted if an adult committed them.
- Dependency Cases: These cases involve minors who are abused or neglected by their parent(s) or guardian(s). The courts determine whether to remove the child from home.
- Status Offense: These are infractions specific to the juvenile code that, if committed by an adult, would not be illegal. They include engaging in personally dangerous or harmful behavior, incorrigibility, truancy, and running away.
The primary purpose of the Gwinnett County Juvenile Court, Georgia, is to help minors safely reach adulthood without hurting themselves or others.
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Gwinnett County Juvenile Probation and other Sentences
When sentencing a delinquent minor in Gwinnett County Court, probation is just one within a broad range of options the judge has. Other penalties or consequences include:
- Community service
- Counseling
- Curfews
- House arrest
- Probation
- Restitution to the victim
- Traditional juvenile detention facility or work camp
Of course, the punishment depends on a variety of factors, such as family history, previous behaviors, and the severity of the crime.
Hire a Gwinnett County Juvenile Court GA Lawyer
Consult a Gwinnett county Juvenile Court attorney to understand how the particular jurisdiction’s laws will pertain to the case. A lawyer experienced in juvenile law will be able to explain the process, outline the options, and provide skilled representation in court. Contact Philip Kim Law, P.C., for a sympathetic and professional approach to what is obviously a stressful and trying experience.