1. Theft and Shoplifting (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-14)

• Taking items from stores, lockers, or other people without permission
• Includes petty theft (under $500) and felony theft
• First-time offenses may be eligible for diversion programs

2. Simple Assault and Battery (O.C.G.A. §§ 16-5-20 & 16-5-23)

• Fights at school, bullying, or threatening behavior
• May be charged as:
  • Simple assault (attempted harm or threat)
  • Battery (physical contact causing harm)
• Schools often report these to police

3. Drug Possession (O.C.G.A. § 16-13-30)

• Marijuana, prescription pills, or vape pens with THC
• Possession on school grounds may carry enhanced penalties
• Our firm works to keep drug charges out of the criminal record

4. Criminal Trespass and Vandalism (O.C.G.A. §§ 16-7-21 & 16-7-22)

• Breaking into abandoned buildings, tagging walls with graffiti, or damaging school property
• Often treated as “youthful mischief” but can lead to court involvement

5. Underage Drinking or Possession of Alcohol (O.C.G.A. § 3-3-23)

• Possession or consumption of alcohol by anyone under 21
• Charges may arise from:
  • House parties
  • Campus or school events
  • Traffic stops
• Can result in license suspension and school discipline

6. Disorderly Conduct (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-39)

• Disruptive behavior at school or in public
• Includes loud arguments, resisting teachers or police, or inappropriate language
• Schools often impose their own discipline alongside court consequences

7. Sexting and Electronic Harassment

• Sending explicit images, messages, or threats through phones or apps
• May be charged under:
  • Distribution of explicit materials
  • Cyberbullying laws
  • Computer crimes statutes
• Parents and teens are often shocked to learn how serious these charges can be

8. Truancy and Curfew Violations

• Chronic absenteeism from school or violating local youth curfews
• May lead to court referrals, fines, or involvement with the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)

9. Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-127.1)

• Carrying a knife, firearm, or other prohibited item
• Schools often impose zero-tolerance policies
• May be tried as a delinquent act or referred to adult court in serious cases

We take a strategic, family-focused approach to every case, working to:

• Avoid formal adjudication (delinquency finding)
• Divert the case through informal adjustment or counseling
• Minimize court appearances and reduce detention risk
• Seal or expunge the record after successful resolution
• Educate the child and family about legal rights and long-term consequences