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Juvenile Charge Defense

When your child is facing juvenile criminal charges in Atlanta, every decision you make in the coming hours and days can determine the trajectory of their entire life. A juvenile record can affect college admissions, scholarship eligibility, employment opportunities, military service, and professional licensing. In some cases, a young person can even be prosecuted as an adult, facing the same penalties as fully grown offenders.

At Bixon Law, Atlanta juvenile crimes defense lawyer Michael Bixon understands the unique challenges and stakes involved in juvenile cases. With 15 years of criminal defense experience in Georgia courts, Michael has successfully defended young people facing charges ranging from shoplifting and underage drinking to serious felonies like aggravated assault and drug trafficking. He knows that juveniles are not simply “small adults” — they are still developing, capable of rehabilitation, and deserve a second chance.

Michael Bixon approaches every juvenile case with two goals: protecting your child’s constitutional rights and preserving their future. He is a graduate of the Bill Daniel Trial Advocacy Program and has been recognized as one of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100. He is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide immediate guidance when your child is arrested, detained, or under investigation.

If your child is facing juvenile charges in Atlanta or the surrounding counties, do not wait. Contact Bixon Law immediately to begin building a defense strategy that protects your child’s rights and their future.

Understanding Georgia’s Juvenile Justice System

Georgia’s juvenile justice system is designed to be rehabilitative rather than punitive. The philosophy is that young people are capable of change and that the focus should be on addressing the underlying causes of delinquent behavior rather than simply punishing them. However, the reality is that juvenile court can still result in serious consequences, including detention, placement in a youth development campus, and even transfer to adult court.

Who Is Considered a Juvenile in Georgia?

In Georgia, a juvenile is defined as a person under the age of 17 at the time the alleged offense was committed. This means that if your child commits an offense on their 16th birthday, they are still subject to juvenile court jurisdiction. However, once a child turns 17, they are treated as an adult for criminal law purposes.

Important exceptions:

– Designated felonies: Certain serious offenses committed by juveniles age 13 and older are automatically filed in superior (adult) court, rather than juvenile court. We discuss these offenses in detail below.

– Transfer to adult court: In some cases, a juvenile can be transferred from juvenile court to adult court through a process called a “transfer hearing” or “waiver hearing.”

Common Juvenile Offenses in Atlanta

Michael Bixon has defended young people facing a wide range of charges in Georgia’s juvenile courts. Here are some of the most common offenses:

Shoplifting and Theft▼

Shoplifting (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-14) is one of the most common juvenile offenses. It occurs when a minor takes merchandise from a store without paying. Even a first-time shoplifting offense can result in a juvenile record, restitution to the store, community service, and probation.

Defenses:

Lack of intent to steal
Mistake or accident
False accusation by store security

Drug Possession▼

Possession of marijuana, prescription drugs without a prescription, or other controlled substances is a common juvenile charge. Georgia law treats drug possession seriously, even for minors.

Consequences:

Juvenile probation
Mandatory drug treatment or counseling
Suspension of driver’s license (even if the offense did not involve driving)
Impact on financial aid eligibility under federal law (FAFSA)

Defenses:

Illegal search and seizure (Fourth Amendment violation)
Lack of possession (drugs belonged to someone else)
Lack of knowledge (child did not know the drugs were in their bag, car, etc.)

Underage Drinking and Possession of Alcohol▼

Georgia law prohibits anyone under 21 from possessing or consuming alcohol. Underage drinking is typically a misdemeanor, but it can still result in a juvenile record, fines, community service, and a driver’s license suspension.

Common scenarios:

Caught at a party where alcohol is present
Open a container in a vehicle
Using a fake ID to purchase alcohol

Defenses:

Lack of possession (child was at a party but not drinking)
Illegal search (police did not have probable cause to search)

Simple Assault and Battery▼

Assault and battery charges often arise from fights at school, altercations at parties, or disputes between juveniles. Even a minor scuffle can result in serious charges if injuries occur or if weapons are involved.

Defenses:

Self-defense
Mutual combat (both parties were aggressors)
Lack of intent
False accusation

Vandalism and Criminal Damage to Property▼

Vandalism charges typically involve graffiti, destruction of school property, or damage to vehicles. These cases often require restitution to the victim and can result in probation or community service.

Curfew Violations▼

Some juveniles are charged with serious felonies, including:

Aggravated assault
Armed robbery
Burglary
Drug trafficking
Sexual offenses
Murder or manslaughter

These cases can result in long-term placement in a youth development campus or transfer to adult court, where the child faces adult penalties, including prison.

Unruly vs. Delinquent: Two Types of Juvenile Cases

Georgia law divides juvenile cases into two categories: unruly children and delinquent children.

Unruly Children (O.C.G.A. § 15-11-2(12))

An unruly child is a child who:

Habitually disobeys the reasonable commands of their parents or legal guardian
Runs away from home
Wanders or loiters in the streets at unreasonable hours without parental permission
Disobeys school rules or is habitually truant
Engages in conduct that endangers their own health, safety, or morals

Unruly cases are generally less serious and focus on family intervention, counseling, and supervision rather than detention. The goal is to address the root causes of the child’s behavior and to provide support to the family.

Delinquent Children (O.C.G.A. § 15-11-2(8))

A delinquent child is a child who:

Commits an act that would be a crime if committed by an adult, or
Violates a court order (such as probation conditions)

Delinquent cases are more serious and can result in detention, placement in a youth development campus (YDC), probation, restitution, community service, and other consequences. The specific disposition depends on the severity of the offense, the child’s prior history, and the needs of the child and the community.

Mr. Bixon’s level of knowledge and dedication to his clients is truly beyond top notch. He goes above and beyond to ensure his clients are well-informed, supported, and fiercely represented. If you’re looking for the best lawyer—someone who genuinely cares and consistently delivers results—look no further than Mr. Michael Bixon. He is simply exceptional.

Shun Fleetwood

I cannot thank Michael enough for all he did for my son, as a desperate mother, Michael always gave me the confidence that he would take care of my son’s situation. The first time I had talked to Michael I knew He was send by God , Michael was the only Lawyer that I felt comfortable and reliable, trustworthy, and relieved.
Michael Bixon is very professional and very knowledgeable about his work.
Thank you 🙏🏼
Jacqueline

Calvin Jones

The best lawyer I have ever met! He saved my life! Besides all professionalism, he was a friend in the most difficult time. I have a lot of gratitude and felt supported and safe with his service. He is extremely competent!
Whenever I had questions he answered immediately! Hire him to see the impossible become possible, because that’s what happened to me!
As I already said, the best lawyer! Highly recommended!

Mauricio Reis

At certain points in time, almost everyone will need solid representation. Michael was the exact help I needed. Very easy to get in touch with, communicative, and knowledgeable. Two out of three counts dismissed, and better terms than I ever expected for the 3rd. It is evident that he has a rapport with the his colleagues of the court and judges. Absolutely recommended and If I need legal help in the future he will be my first call. Thank you so much for your help!

Scott Black

Attorney Bixon is the GREATEST Attorney in Atlanta. I want to express my most sincere thanks for the most professional representation. You have stuck by me and my family through stressful moments in dealing with this very stressful case. I admire your composure, work ethic and most of all excellent representation. I most definitely recommend Attorney Bixon to anyone who has illegal issues.

Hubert Owens

My brother was on news , accused fpr theft by conversion felony class d went to jail, out within 1 day and 1 year later case was dismissed . Mike was very helpful. Companies will avoid serviving Georgia state because regulations on state and level of education of detectives is lower then pre school kids . Thank you Mike big time!

Albert Weis

Mr. Bixon was a great choice as an attorney for our family. In a week he got our case entirely dismissed and we couldn’t be happier. He stayed in contact with us everyday giving us updates about how the case was moving alon, keeping us in the loop. It was extremely reassuring to have good communication like that. I couldn’t recommend him more and will definitely be using him for all my future legal needs.

Antonio Rodriguez

Michael Bixon is truly a five star attorney who provides five star care. He worked with me throughout the entire process, going above and beyond, to encourage and get results. His professionalism and commitment to his work is why he comes highly recommended. Mr Bixon is prompt, responsive, and easy to work with. He worked with me with my payments and helped me win two cases! Call him and see for yourself.

M Hudson

Unfortunately Ive been in need of legal counsel more than once or twice. Usually its resulted in a lot of cash for very little peace of mind. Michael was recommended to me when the need arose.Although he was tasked with a laundry list of BIG problems,From the first time I heard him say “I got you, I got you.” I knew things would be okay. And okay is an understatement. I have finally found counsel that works MIRACLES. If I dont learn my lesson, I will surely use him again!!

Christopher Faller

I had an exceptional experience with Michael Bixon. Their team displayed profound legal expertise, dedication, and a client-focused approach. From the initial consultation to the resolution of my case, their professionalism and communication were outstanding. I highly recommend Bixon Law for anyone seeking reliable and top-notch legal representation.

Leo Graf

Designated Felony Offenses: When Juveniles Are Automatically Tried as Adults

Georgia law designates certain serious offenses as designated felonies under O.C.G.A. § 15-11-63. If a child who is 13 years old or older is charged with a designated felony, the case is automatically filed in superior (adult) court, not juvenile court.

List of Designated Felonies (O.C.G.A. § 15-11-63(a))

The following offenses are designated felonies in Georgia:

Murder
Voluntary manslaughter
Rape
Aggravated sodomy
Aggravated child molestation
Aggravated sexual battery
Armed robbery (if committed with a firearm)
Hijacking a motor vehicle (if committed with a firearm)

If your child is charged with one of these offenses and is 13 or older, they will be prosecuted in adult court unless their attorney files a motion to transfer the case back to juvenile court.

Transfer Back to Juvenile Court

After a designated felony case is filed in the superior court, the defense attorney can file a motion asking the court to transfer the case back to juvenile court. The judge will hold a transfer hearing and consider factors such as:

The child’s age and maturity
The child’s prior juvenile record
The likelihood of rehabilitation
The seriousness of the offense
Public safety concerns

If the motion is granted, the case is transferred back to juvenile court, where the child is subject to juvenile dispositions (such as placement in a youth development campus) rather than adult penalties (such as prison).

Michael Bixon has successfully argued for transfer back to juvenile court in serious felony cases by presenting compelling evidence of the child’s potential for rehabilitation, their family support, and the availability of juvenile services that can address the underlying issues.

Common Dispositions

Common Dispositions in Georgia Juvenile Court

Probation

The child is placed on probation and must comply with conditions such as:

Regular meetings with a probation officer
Community service
Curfew
School attendance
Drug testing
Counseling or treatment programs

Restitution

The child must pay restitution to the victim for damages or losses.

Community Service

The child must complete a specified number of hours of community service.

Placement in a Youth Development Campus (YDC)

For serious offenses or repeat offenders, the child may be placed in a secure facility operated by the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. Placements can range from a few months to several years, depending on the offense and the child’s behavior.

Restrictive Custody

In some cases, the court may order restrictive custody in a non-secure facility, group home, or foster care.

Counseling and Treatment

The court may order the child to participate in counseling, anger management, substance abuse treatment, or other programs.

Suspended Commitment

The court may suspend a commitment to a YDC on the condition that the child complies with probation terms. If the child violates probation, the commitment can be imposed.

Transfer Hearings: When Juveniles Are Moved to Adult Court

Even if a case starts in juvenile court, the prosecution can ask the court to transfer the case to adult court through a transfer hearing (also called a “waiver hearing”). This typically occurs when:

– The child is charged with a serious felony

– The child has a significant prior juvenile record

– The prosecutor believes the child is not amenable to rehabilitation in the juvenile system

Factors the Court Considers (O.C.G.A. § 15-11-560)

At a transfer hearing, the judge considers the following factors:

The child’s prior juvenile record: Has the child been adjudicated delinquent before? Did prior interventions work?
The seriousness of the offense: How violent or dangerous was the alleged conduct?
The child’s age and maturity: Is the child capable of understanding the consequences of their actions?
The likelihood of rehabilitation: Can the child be rehabilitated within the juvenile system?
Public safety: Does keeping the case in juvenile court pose a risk to the community?

Why Transfer to Adult Court Is Devastating

If a child is transferred to adult court and convicted, they face:
Adult sentences: Prison time, not juvenile placement
Adult criminal record: A permanent felony conviction that cannot be expunged
Lifelong collateral consequences: Loss of voting rights, firearm rights, professional licensing, and more
Adult incarceration: Placement in an adult jail or prison, where young offenders are vulnerable to violence and exploitation

Michael Bixon fights aggressively to keep cases in juvenile court by presenting evidence of the child’s potential for rehabilitation, their family support, and the availability of treatment and services in the juvenile system.

Juvenile Dispositions: What Happens After a Delinquency Adjudication?

If a child is found to have committed a delinquent act, the juvenile court judge imposes a disposition (the juvenile equivalent of a sentence). The goal of the disposition is to address the child’s behavior and to provide services that will help them succeed in the future.

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Expungement and Record Restriction for Juveniles

One of the most important considerations in juvenile cases is the long-term impact of a juvenile record. In Georgia, juvenile records can be restricted or expunged under certain circumstances, which means they will not be visible to the public, employers, or schools.

Under Georgia law, most juvenile records are automatically restricted once the person turns 18 or one year after the case is closed, whichever is later. This means that the records are not available to the public and cannot be accessed by employers, schools, or landlords conducting background checks.

Exceptions: Records are NOT automatically restricted if the juvenile was adjudicated delinquent for:

– Designated felonies (murder, rape, armed robbery, etc.)

– Serious violent felonies

– Sex offenses

In some cases, a juvenile can petition the court to expunge (completely erase) their juvenile record. Expungement is only available if:

– The case was dismissed

– The juvenile was found not guilty

– The juvenile completed a diversion program

If the court grants the petition, all records related to the case are destroyed, and the juvenile can legally deny that the arrest or adjudication ever occurred.

Michael Bixon can help you petition for the restriction or expungement of your child’s juvenile record to ensure that one mistake does not follow them for the rest of their life.

In addition to the legal consequences, a juvenile arrest can result in serious school disciplinary consequences, including:

– Suspension or expulsion from school

– Loss of extracurricular privileges (sports, clubs, honor societies)

– Ineligibility for scholarships or financial aid

– Removal from advanced placement or honors programs

Georgia schools are required to report certain offenses to law enforcement, and some offenses can result in automatic expulsion under Georgia’s “zero tolerance” policies (such as bringing a weapon to school or committing a violent act on school property).

Michael Bixon works with families to coordinate with school administrators, present mitigating evidence, and advocate for alternative disciplinary measures that allow the child to continue their education.

Why Choose Bixon Law for Juvenile Defense?

Michael Bixon has 15 years of experience navigating Georgia’s juvenile courts. He understands the unique procedures, the key players (judges, prosecutors, probation officers), and the services and programs available to juveniles in the Atlanta area.

Focus on Rehabilitation and Second Chances

Michael Bixon believes that young people deserve a second chance. He works tirelessly to secure outcomes that allow juveniles to learn from their mistakes without being branded as criminals for life.

Personal Attention and 24/7 Availability

When you hire Bixon Law, you work directly with Michael Bixon. He personally handles every case and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If your child is arrested or detained, Michael will respond immediately to provide guidance and to begin working on their release.

Recognized by Peers

Michael Bixon is a graduate of the Bill Daniel Trial Advocacy Program and has been named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100. He is a member of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association and the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Contact Bixon Law Today

If your child is facing juvenile charges in Atlanta, contact Bixon Law immediately. Michael Bixon is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide immediate guidance and to begin building a defense that protects your child’s future.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The outcome of any case depends on its specific facts and circumstances. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact Bixon Law for advice about your individual situation.