In March 2026, the Georgia House of Representatives approved a scaled-down version of House Bill 1061 and permanently include 17-year-old defendants in the juvenile justice system.
The new version unanimously passed the House after it was condensed from a 23-page bill into a 3-page measure that creates an “organizational committee” tasked with studying how Georgia could make the transition.
“[This version] gives it time for this group of people to come together as a think tank to figure out how we can do this in our state, if it’s possible for us to do it and how much it’s going to cost,” Concord Republican state Rep. Beth Camp, the bill’s sponsor, said during a committee meeting.
Georgia is one of five states that prosecute 17-year-olds as adults. Georgia, Wisconsin and Texas, have taken no action to treat those under 18 in the criminal justice system as minors. Two other states, Louisiana and North Carolina, passed legislation making the move, but have since backtracked.
Carrington Buze, a postgraduate fellow at the Barton Child Law and Policy Center at Emory University School of Law, said Georgia’s treatment of 17-year-olds ignores longstanding research on brain development.
But Camp pushed back against this characterization. “Many times, people do not think or feel bills go far enough, but I fully believe that this is a bold step in the right direction with a very good chance the governor will sign,” Camp said. “Moving forward, we can change the code section once we figure out how we’re going to handle everything logistically.”
State Rep. Mary Ann Santos, a McDonough Democrat, agreed. She called the bill a good “first step” toward fixing a shortcoming in the state’s criminal justice system. “I think it’s the right thing to do to take steps and ensuring we’re having the conversation,” she said.
Juvenile vs Adult Criminal Systems in Georgia
For a Marietta criminal defense lawyer, Georgia’s juvenile and adult justice systems differ mainly in purpose, process, and outcomes.
The juvenile system focuses on rehabilitation first and punishment second. Mandatory programs guide young offenders toward positive behavior through counseling, education, and other efforts.
In contrast, the adult system puts punishment first and rehabilitation second. Rehabilitation programs, like GED classes, are usually optional in adult prisons. The system doesn’t much care if adult offenders rehabilitate or not, at least in most cases.
Another key difference, which may seem insignificant, is terminology and procedure. Juveniles are not “convicted” of crimes. Instead, they are “adjudicated delinquent,” a phrase that avoids the moral implications of the G-word.
Moreover, juvenile proceedings are usually less formal and may be confidential, to create a more collaborative environment and protect the minor’s future.
Adult court cases, in contrast, are public, and individuals are formally charged and convicted if found guilty.
Sentencing also varies significantly. Common juvenile sentences are probation, placement in a youth detention center, or participation in rehabilitation programs. Adults, however, often face high fines, long prison sentences, and other punitive measures.
Speaking of incarceration, prison officials often separate young offenders (usually under 21) from older offenders. But that doesn’t always happen.
Common Juvenile Crimes in Georgia
Lack of supervision is at the heart of most common juvenile crimes. Caregivers have various reasons for failing to supervise children, and many of these reasons are good reasons. But none of them are good enough to satisfy juvenile judges in Cobb County.
Status Offenses in Georgia Juvenile Cases
Adult criminal courts may only punish offenders for what they did, not for who they are. In 1962, the Supreme Court famously struck down a California law that criminalized drug addiction. The Supremes said the law violated the Eighth Amendment’s cruel and unusual punishment provision.
But at the juvenile level, status offenses are very common. These infractions include truancy, running away from home, and perhaps most of all, violating curfew laws. To prevent “teen takeovers,” children under 17 typically cannot be out between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Children who break curfew are subject to arrest regardless of their conduct.
Juvenile Assault and Battery Charges
Schools usually handle fights internally, but these incidents could also lead to criminal charges, perhaps even aggravated battery.
Prosecutors often charge fights in public places, like shopping malls, as disorderly conduct, an offense that’s easier to prove than assault or battery. Annoying or harassing conduct, like bullying, could be disorderly conduct as well.
Juvenile Property Crimes in Georgia
One of the most frequent juvenile offenses is theft, including shoplifting and petty theft. Storekeepers can file theft charges even if the juvenile, or a caregiver, voluntarily admits the theft, returns the property, and apologizes. The offense is complete when the defendant takes the property.
Another common offense is vandalism, which is damaging or defacing property private or public, such as tagging a car, smashing a window, or defacing a statue.
Better Outcomes in Juvenile Cases
Lack of supervision is the underlying cause of many common juvenile offenses. So, it stands to reason that better supervision is the cure, at least un many cases. In juvenile cases, the whole family goes to court, not just the offender.
Most juvenile judges require caregivers to take parenting classes. A Marietta criminal defense lawyer often advises caregivers to take parenting classes in advance, so they accept some responsibility for the offense. If parents go the extra mile and move to a new neighborhood or block certain smartphone contacts, that’s even better.
We also must emphasize the importance of carefully following all court instructions. Attend hearings, comply with probation rules, and complete any assigned programs such as counseling or community service. Demonstrated responsibility and respect for the court positively influences the judge’s decision.
Strong legal representation is also critical. An experienced juvenile defense attorney explains rights, builds a solid defense, and negotiates for reduced charges or alternative outcomes, like diversion programs.
A lawyer must understand the unique nature of juvenile cases to successfully resolve these matters. For a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Marietta, contact the Phillips Law Firm, LLC. Convenient payment plans are available.
