JUVENILE DRIVING OFFENSES

Juveniles charged with driving offenses by any law enforcement agency in the county will face prosecution in the Gwinnett County Juvenile Court.  So, even if charged by the Snellville Police or the Duluth Police, the case will not be prosecuted by the Municipal Courts of those towns.  Instead, the case will be transferred to the Gwinnett Juvenile Court.

Unlike many other juvenile offenses, convictions for traffic offenses by juveniles may appear on their driving records for life.

Young drivers are subject to having their driver's licenses suspended several ways.  Some of those ways are as follows:

(1)  By accumulating 15 points in a 24 month period.  (This law applies to adult drivers as well).

(2)  By conviction of any single offense for which 4 or more points is assessed.  (This law applies to all drivers under age 20).

(3)  For drivers 16 or 17 years of age, by any combination 4 points within a 12 month period.

(4)  For a conviction for hit & run / leaving the scene of an accident, racing, fleeing / eluding a police officer, reckless driving, purchasing alcoholic beverages, possession of alcoholic bevearges while driving, DUI, and possession of marijuana or other controlled substances.

(5)  Dropping out of school or having 10 days or more of unexcused absences in a school year before age 18.

JOSHUA'S LAW

Joshua's Law took effect on January 1, 2007 set new requirements for young drivers to get drivers licenses.

Under Joshua's Law driver's 16 years old who want to get a Class D license need to complete an approved driver education course and 40 hours of other supervised driving, including 6 hours at night.  Driver's 17 years old who want to get their Class D license must complete 40 hours of supervised driving, including 6 hours at night, but do not have to complete a driver education course.

Call for a free consultation.