What types of cases are primarily handled by juvenile courts in Georgia?

Juvenile courts in Georgia are specifically designed to address the legal needs and circumstances of minors under the age of 18. The primary focus of these courts is on cases involving delinquency, which refers to actions by minors that would be considered criminal if committed by an adult. This includes acts like theft, assault, and drug offenses. In addition to delinquency cases, juvenile courts also deal with status offenses—behaviors that are only considered offenses when committed by a minor, such as truancy, running away from home, or violating curfew laws.

This specialized handling ensures that the court system provides appropriate interventions and rehabilitation rather than punishment, recognizing that minors are still in the process of development and are more amenable to guidance and support. The goal of juvenile courts is to steer young individuals towards positive paths, rather than simply penalizing them for their behavior, which aligns with the broader juvenile justice principles of rehabilitation and education.