Cobb County, Georgia, has taken an innovative leap in addressing crime among young adults with the introduction of a new pretrial diversion program spearheaded by Solicitor General Makia Metzger. The program, which rolled out in March 2024, specifically targets 17-to-25-year-olds charged with non-violent misdemeanors. Metzger, citing developmental science, aims to redirect these young people towards more constructive futures.
"Studies show that 17–to-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,” Metzger explained. The goal of the program is not just to punish but to also prevent the youth from permanently marking their records due to impulsive decisions. Metzger's approach unequivocally signals a pivot to actively try to address recurring issues within the justice system.
In a statement obtained by Cobb County's official news release, Metzger pointed out that traditional prosecution wasn't meeting the unique challenges faced by today's youth. "I wanted to be creative with their cases because, with limited resources and traditional approaches to prosecution, I didn’t feel like we were serving our community in a way that reduces recidivism and stops crime,” she said.
Aside from leading the diversion initiative, Metzger has been a staunch advocate for victims' rights and mental health support. She aims to implement hands-on strategies in tackling mental health disorders, to ensure that vulnerable individuals can lead productive lives in Cobb County. “I will fight for domestic violence victims even when they have been beaten down and feel they can’t fight for themselves," Metzger vowed. Her office has made a commitment to ensuring the voices of victims are heard loud and clear in the justice system.
Making history in Cobb County, Metzger was sworn in as the first African American and female Solicitor General. In a county seeking to overhaul traditional systems and integrate understanding with justice, Metzger's pretrial diversion program marks a significant stride. For more information on the program, contact Rick Martin, the Departmental Communications Manager, at [email protected] or by phone at 770-528-8068.
