Lilburn Passes Juvenile Curfew Ordinance

Ordinance #438-12 adds to existing articles and codes of ordinances of the City of Lilburn providing for a curfew for juveniles and outlines penalties for violations. The intent of the ordinance is to reduce the number of crimes committed by and against minors in the late night/early morning hours.

Mayor Johnny Crist explained that the ordinance will assist law enforcement by allowing officers the right to stop and question juveniles not in their homes in the hours after curfew: Sunday - Thursday 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. and Friday and Saturdays from 11:59 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. 

"The primary intent of the ordinance is the concern for juveniles," explained Mayor Crist. "Police need this layer for the legal permission to stop and question children" who are out beyond curfew hours.

Chief Hedley explained that the intent was not punitive, but to get children back home safely and let their parents know they were out. "The first time, they are taken home and we notify the parents." The first offense results in a warning, subsequent violations are dealt with a citation; after that there is a potential of arrest. Considerations are given for circumstances that are work or school related.

A juvenile is anyone under the age of 18 - "age 17 and younger" - and the ordinance went into effect immediately upon its passage.