AUGUSTA, Ga. () – Although the curfew policy is not new, the sheriff’s office emphasizes the importance for parents to understand the consequences their children might face if they break it.

“This is a chance to correct bad behavior before it becomes a criminal record,” said Sheriff Gino Brantley, Richmond County Sheriff Office.” 

The main aim is to deter behaviors that could escalate into serious criminal activities. Recently, the sheriff’s office has encountered groups of young individuals attempting to break into vehicles during the early hours of the morning.

“Why is this being emphasized now? Over the last month, we’ve seen numerous incidents involving teenagers. Juveniles have been found with illegal firearms. In one case, a 17-year-old accidentally shot off his own finger while trying to conceal a weapon during a traffic stop,” explained Brantley.

To uphold the curfew, the sheriff’s office is partnering with the court system and Judge Tianna Bias. The weekday curfew is set between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., while on weekends, the hours are from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. If a minor is caught breaking curfew, their parents will be notified to collect them from a downtown holding area. Depending on the violation, the consequences might include fines, electronic monitoring, house arrest, enrollment in the Child in Need of Services (CHINS) program, or confinement for 24 to 72 hours. Parents may also receive a citation.

“As a juvenile judge, my objective is to ensure that if I am the first judge your child encounters, I will also be the last, as our aim is to keep their records clean so they don’t face criminal charges as adults,” said Judge Tianna Bias of the Richmond County Juvenile Court.

If a child must be out after curfew, they have to have an adult with them. 

The sheriff’s office, alongside the juvenile court, seeks parental support to reinforce the curfew, ensuring that children remain safely at home and avoid entanglements with the legal system.