According to the latest census, Acworth, Georgia, has a population of approximately 22,534 residents. Though it’s a small city surrounded by two beautiful lakes, the rate of property crimes in the area tells a different story. Despite its scenic charm, personal injury activity remains a concern, making it essential to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side if you find yourself facing charges in Acworth.
The good news is that in 2019, the Acworth Police Department recorded only 16 violent crimes. Of these, 13 were aggravated assaults, 4 were robberies, and 2 were rapes, with no murders reported that year.
But the bad news?
In 2019, Acworth residents reported 24 home break-ins, which equals roughly one break-in per 1,000 residents. Theft remains the most commonly reported crime in Acworth, Georgia, with residents also reporting 14 motor vehicle thefts that year. Property crimes in the area include theft, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and burglary. Which is why you may need a personal injury lawyer if you’ve been injured in Acworth.
In 2019, a total of 453 crimes were reported to the Acworth Police Department. Of those, 437 were property-related offenses, meaning that about 96% of all reported crimes in Acworth involved property. Among these, 399 cases were linked to larceny and theft, making them the most frequently reported property crimes in the city.
Overall, Acworth, Georgia, remains a safe and welcoming community to live in. However, the high number of theft-related incidents keeps the city’s small police force active. In 2018, Acworth employed a total of 63 police officers, meaning there were roughly two officers for every 1,000 residents responsible for investigating and addressing criminal activity in the area.
Well, those most likely to face arrest for theft-related offenses tend to be younger individuals, a pattern seen throughout the state of Georgia.
In 2019, 1,585 minors under the age of 16 were arrested for theft, while 3,712 individuals aged 17 to 21 faced similar charges. However, the highest number of arrests occurred among adults aged 30 to 39, with 4,233 arrests, followed closely by the 22 to 29 age group, with 4,164 arrests.
This means a student at your local high school, a teen from your neighborhood, or even a young adult attending church with your family could find themselves arrested on suspicion of theft.
If that happens to your child or loved one, what will you do?
Every parent dreads the thought of hearing an unexpected knock on the door late at night, only to find a police officer standing there. The officer asks if you are the parent of a certain individual, then says your child’s name. Moments later, you hear the words no parent ever wants to hear your child has been arrested on suspicion of theft.
You’re understandably shocked and panicked. You rush to grab your coat and shoes, fumble for your keys, and drive straight to the police station. When you arrive, an officer informs you that your child is being accused of stealing a cellphone valued at $600.
Now, your shock turns into deep concern. If the stolen item had been worth less than $500, it would be classified as misdemeanor theft. However, because the cellphone’s value is $600, your child could be facing felony theft charges under Georgia law.
What will you do? Your child is only 15 years old. Unfortunately, in Georgia, that doesn’t guarantee leniency. Under the Georgia Penal Code, a child as young as 13 can be tried for criminal offenses. You can cry, get angry, or try to reason with your child but none of that will make the theft charges disappear. The harsh reality is that your child will need to appear before Juvenile Court, and at that point, you’ll need the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney. Here are some important things you should know, and Here’s what a skilled personal injury attorney will explain to you.
Many Georgia schools enforce zero-tolerance policies when it comes to criminal offenses. However, being accused of theft does not mean your child loses their legal rights. Both you and your child must understand what those rights are and how to protect them effectively. This is exactly why it’s essential to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side to guide you through the process and safeguard your child’s future.
What can you do? Your child is only 15 years old, but unfortunately, that doesn’t mean they’ll get a free pass. Under the Georgia Penal Code, children as young as 13 can be charged with a crime. You can cry, shout, or feel frustrated but it won’t make the theft charges disappear. The difficult truth is that your child will have to face charges in Juvenile Court, and when that happens, you’ll need an experienced personal injury attorney to protect their rights and future. Here are a few important things you need to understand, and Here’s what an experienced personal injury attorney should explain to you.
It’s important to note that the word “theft” will not be formally used while the Juvenile Court investigates your child’s case. In this system, a minor is referred to as “unruly” or “delinquent,” not a criminal, even if accused of a felony offense. An experienced personal injury attorney will explain that this is actually a positive distinction, as it means your child will not come into contact with hardened adult offenders. This separation helps protect your child from the harsher conditions and influences of the regular criminal justice system, which handles adult criminal cases.
It’s important to understand that the term “theft” will not be used while the Juvenile Court investigates your child’s case. In this system, minors are referred to as “unruly” or “delinquent,” not as criminals even if they are accused of committing a felony offense.
An experienced personal injury attorney will explain that this distinction works in your child’s favor, as it prevents them from being placed among hardened adult offenders. This separation is crucial since it helps protect your child from the regular criminal justice system, where adult cases are handled and harsher environments exist.
You may recall that the police first contacted you to inform you that your child was suspected of theft. This is one of the primary duties of law enforcement when the suspect is a minor, the police must notify the parents. The arresting officer is also required to ensure the child receives medical attention, if needed, and must contact a caseworker to begin the investigation process.
If the police fail to perform these duties, you will need a personal injury attorney to argue that the officers did not follow proper legal procedure.
It’s also important to understand that the Juvenile Court functions as a court of inquiry. This means the investigating officer must present the complaint to the Juvenile Court and bring the complainant, such as the owner of the cellphone or the cellphone store before the court as well.
Remember, only the Juvenile Court has the authority to inquire, examine, and investigate the allegations made against your child.
The Juvenile Court has the authority to decide whether there is enough evidence to believe that a misdemeanor or felony has been committed. No other court can make this determination when the accused individual is a minor.
The Juvenile Court may also appoint an investigator whose responsibility is to assess whether sufficient evidence exists to show that a crime occurred and more importantly, whether it was your child who committed it.
This process is known as the determination of probable cause.
After this stage, the investigating officer will decide whether a formal petition should be filed against your child in Juvenile Court.
If the investigating officer determines that a formal petition should be filed against your child, the judge will schedule a hearing date. This hearing serves a similar purpose to an arraignment in Superior or State Court.
During the hearing, the Juvenile Court will read aloud the charges listed in the formal petition and ask your child whether they admit or deny the allegations that have been presented.
The court will then decide whether your child should be held in custody or released into your care while awaiting trial. In some cases, if the court finds that the evidence is insufficient, your child may be discharged from the case entirely.
The moment the police arrive at your door to inform you that your child has been arrested, it’s time to contact a personal injury attorney immediately. The experienced legal team at Cobb Personal Injury is ready to step in and protect your child’s rights. They are prepared, capable, and committed to helping families through these difficult situations. Don’t wait or delay, call right away. Your child needs a skilled and knowledgeable lawyer on their side.
At Cobb Personal Injury, we bring together decades of legal experience and a deep commitment to client advocacy. Our team is known for delivering personalized strategies, transparent communication, and relentless pursuit of justice. Whether you are navigating a personal injury claim, civil rights matter, or another legal challenge, we stand by your side with compassion and clarity.
At The Law Office of Gregory Chancy, we provide dedicated support whether you’ve been injured in an accident or are facing criminal charges. When you choose our firm, you’re more than a client, you’re part of our family. You will have direct access to me and my team, consistent communication, and determined representation crafted to meet your unique legal needs.
We represent clients facing charges such as DUI, assault, drug-related offenses, and other criminal matters. Committed to safeguarding your rights, we pursue the most favorable outcome for your case.
We represent clients who have been injured in accidents, including car crashes, slip and falls, workplace incidents, and more. Focused on protecting your rights, we fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
