At what age can juveniles be charged as adults in Georgia?

In Georgia, juveniles can be charged as adults starting at the age of 17. This is significant in the juvenile justice system, which typically focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. By setting the age at 17, the law recognizes that individuals at this age may commit more serious offenses that warrant adult-level prosecution.

The distinction is crucial in understanding how the legal system treats juveniles compared to adults. For example, offenses committed by those under 17 are usually handled within the juvenile system, which offers different legal protections and approaches aimed at rehabilitation.

Choosing 17 as the threshold reflects both legal standards and societal perspectives on developmental maturity and accountability, acknowledging that by this age, individuals may face more severe consequences for their actions in the context of societal expectations and criminal behavior.