Juvenile Terroristic Threats in Georgia

If your child has been accused of making terroristic threats in Georgia, you're likely scared and unsure of what comes next. What might have started as an angry outburst, a heated argument, or even a social media post made in frustration can suddenly turn into a serious criminal charge that threatens your freedom and future. At this point, the most important thing you can do is contact a Georgia Terroristic Threat Lawyer who understands how to protect juveniles facing these types of allegations.

Quick Summary

If your child has been accused of making terroristic threats in Georgia, it's critical to act quickly. Under O.C.G.A. §16-11-37, even a text message, social media post, or angry outburst can lead to a serious felony charge. Juveniles aged 13–17 may even be tried in adult court under new laws passed in 2025.

With the right legal defense, however, it's often possible to keep the case in juvenile court and focus on protecting your child's record and future.

What is O.C.G.A. 16-11-37?

Under Georgia's Juvenile terroristic threats law, O.C.G.A. § 16-11-37, a person commits the offense of terroristic threats when they threaten to commit any crime of violence, with the intent to:

Terrorize another person,
Cause evacuation of a building, or
Cause serious public inconvenience.

It's important to understand that the law doesn't require the person to actually carry out the threat, just the words themselves can be enough to bring felony charges if prosecutors believe they were intended to instill fear.

For juveniles, this can mean that something said in anger, a text message, or even a joke posted on social media could be treated as a criminal offense.

Can Juveniles be Tried as Adults for Terroristic Threats in Georgia?

The short answer is yes. Georgia's laws give superior courts expanded jurisdiction over certain serious juvenile offenses and terroristic threats is one of them. Recent Georgia legislation (SB 61) that passed in March 2025 expanded the superior court's jurisdiction over juvenile terroristic threats and acts involving schools for children aged 13-17. This legislation was due to the rise in school threats following the incident at Apalachee High School in 2024.

That means a juvenile can be tried in adult court if the prosecutor determines the case is serious enough. The legislation states that this can occur when the threat causes actual fear of terror. Once that happens, the stakes rise dramatically and:

The case becomes part of the public record.
Adult penalties, including prison time, may apply.
Juvenile rehabilitation options may no longer be available.

A skilled Georgia Defense Attorney can often argue to keep your case in juvenile court, where the focus is more on rehabilitation and protecting your further rather than punishment.

What are the Penalties for a Terroristic Threats under Georgia Law?

Even though a terroristic threat might not involve physical harm, the penalties can be severe.

If charged as an adult, a conviction can result in:

Up to 5 years in prison for a single count,
Probation, fines, and community service, and
A permanent criminal record that follows you for life.

For juveniles, the penalties may include:

Detention in a youth facility,
Probation and counseling, and
Possible expulsion or disciplinary action from school.

Beyond the legal penalties, the social and emotional consequences can be devastating, college applications, scholarships, and job opportunities can all be affected by a charge of this nature.

What Defenses Exist for a Juvenile Charged with Terroristic Threats?

Every case is unique, but several legal defenses may apply depending on the facts. An experienced Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer will carefully analyze all evidence and statements to build the strongest possible defense. Some possible defenses your attorney could use include:

No intent to threaten: The statement wasn't made to terrorize anyone.
Lack of credibility: The words were vague, emotional, or not taken seriously by anyone involved.
Misunderstanding or exaggeration: The statement was taken out of context or blown out of proportion.
Protected speech: The statement may be protected under the First Amendment.
Mistaken identity or false accusation: Someone else may have made the comment or fabricated the claim.

It is critical to remember that being charged is not the same as being convicted! There are many defense strategies our team can use for your case so do not assume your case is hopeless.

The Impact on a Juvenile's Future

For young people, a terroristic threat charge can be life-changing. It can damage reputations, lead to school discipline, and create barriers to future success. However, with the right approach, it's possible to protect your child's record and their future.

A dedicated Georgia Terroristic Threat Attorney will focus on keeping the case in juvenile court, negotiating reduced charges, and pursuing rehabilitative solutions whenever possible. At Lawson and Berry, we work to

Keep your child's case in juvenile court,
Protect their record from becoming public, and
Pursue rehabilitative outcomes rather than punishment.

Why Do You Need an Experienced Georgia Terroristic Threat Lawyer?

Terroristic threat charges are complex, and when juveniles are involved, they require a defense strategy that combines legal skill with compassion and understanding.

With over 30 years of experience, our Georgia Terroristic Threat Lawyers will ensure your child's rights are protected during questioning and investigation. They will argue to keep the case in juvenile court, challenge weak or exaggerated evidence, and work toward dismissal, diversion, or reduced charges.

When your child's future is on the line, experience matters. With over 30 years of experience in criminal defense, our lawyers understand Georgia’s juvenile and criminal justice systems and can make the difference between a conviction that changes your life and a resolution that gives your child a second chance.

Speak with a Georgia Juvenile Defense Attorney Today

If your child has been accused of making terroristic threats in Georgia, don't wait. Early intervention is key. Call our Georgia Terroristic Threat Lawyers today to discuss your case, understand your options, and start building a defense strategy that protects your child's rights and future.