Juvenile Law

Protecting the rights of minors in Georgia

The juvenile court system in Georgia has legal jurisdiction over children under the age of 17 (or under 18 in some cases) who are charged with criminal activity.  If your son, daughter, or other loved one is in legal trouble, you need an attorney with the experience and skill necessary to protect the rights of minors.  We have the skills and we use them in all aspects of juvenile cases including—

• Detention hearings
• Trials
• Sentencing
• Probation
• Juvenile programs

We provide aggressive and skilled representation to children accused of juvenile criminal offenses in the Decatur metro area and throughout Georgia.

We can protect your child and seek to minimize consequences

At James D. Michael, P.C., we understand that you want to protect your child’s future.  When your child makes bad decisions, acts impulsively, gets caught up with the wrong group of friends, or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you need a lawyer who can help you limit the damage to your child’s future.  We know that juveniles caught up in the criminal justice system are at a pivotal point in their lives.  We can help turn your child around to become a law abiding adult.

Serious consequences can last a lifetime

If your child is charged with a crime, his or her future is in jeopardy.  We can help put your child back on the right path. Whether alcohol or drug charges, theft or arson, or any other misdemeanor or felony, we make certain that both you and your child comprehend what is happening.  We explain the process, procedures, and consequences in a language your child can understand.

With the help of an attorney and the involvement of the parents and family of the child, a plea agreement can often be worked out with the prosecutor and the judge.  The court almost always asks that the child be enrolled full time in school and show proof of perfect attendance.  It is important to make sure your child goes to school every day while the criminal charge is pending.  The court also asks that the child stay away from the friends he got into trouble with.  Parental involvement in the negotiation process is critical to a successful outcome.

We give juvenile offenders more than just legal advice

While we are happy to minimize the legal consequences of a juvenile charge, we know that our juvenile clients need more than just a favorable plea agreement or dismissal of the charges.  We continue to work diligently to help you address the situation as a whole.  The extent of our juvenile law practice enables us to offer you advice and referrals to mental health and behavioral health professionals in an effort to help you help your child avoid the behavior and actions that got him or her into trouble.

Call for a free consultation

If you or a family member is facing a juvenile charge, make an appointment for a free consultation with Jim Michael by calling 404-857-4059 or contacting Jim online.  With offices in Decatur, Jim represents clients throughout Georgia and the Southeast, including these counties—

DeKalb Gwinnett Fulton

Clayton Cobb

Douglas Henry

Hall Newton

Rockdale Walton