Cobb County Solicitor General Makia Metzger has launched a youthful offender pretrial diversion program aimed at youth and young adults facing non-violent misdemeanor charges. The program, initiated in March 2024, seeks to provide alternative pathways for success for young individuals who may have made impulsive decisions.
"Studies show that 17–25-year olds' frontal lobes aren't fully formed as this part of the brain is still developing, a factor that leads to poor decisions, a lack of discernment, good judgment and impulse control," stated Solicitor General Makia Metzger, emphasizing the need for understanding and support for young offenders. She highlighted the importance of addressing the long-term impact of impulsive decisions made by young individuals.
Solicitor General Metzger expressed her motivation for starting the program, stating, "I wanted to be creative with their cases, because with limited resources and traditional approaches to prosecution, I didn’t feel like we were really serving our community in a way that reduces recidivism and stops crime." She emphasized her commitment to advocating for victim rights and supporting mental health programs in the community.
Ms. Metzger, the first African American and first female Solicitor General in Cobb County history, is dedicated to ensuring that individuals suffering from mental health disorders receive a hands-on approach to lead healthy and productive lives in the county.
The Cobb County Solicitor General's office plays a crucial role in investigating crimes, interviewing victims and witnesses, and prosecuting misdemeanors in the region. The newly launched youthful offender pretrial diversion program reflects a proactive approach by Solicitor General Makia Metzger to address the needs of young individuals facing legal challenges in Cobb County.