Georgia § 15-11-16 - Commencement of proceedings.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-16 — Commencement of proceedings., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-11-16. Commencement of proceedings.
A proceeding under this chapter may be commenced: By an order of transfer of a case from another court as provided in Code Section 15-11-11 or 15-11-567, subsection (f) of Code Section 29-2-6, or subsection (b) of Code Section 29-2-8; By the summons, notice to appear, or other citation in a proceeding charging a juvenile traffic offense or a violation of the laws, rules, and regulations governing the Department of Natural Resources Game and Fish Division; or By the filing of a petition for legitimation under Code Section 15-11-11, or in other cases by the filing of a complaint or a petition as provided in Articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10 of this chapter. The petition and all other documents in the proceeding shall be entitled "In the interest of ______, a child," except upon appeal. On appeal, the anonymity of a child, and where appropriate, a victim or witness who is under the age of 18 years, shall be preserved by appropriate use of a child's, victim's, or witness's initials as appropriate. (Code 1981, § 15-11-16 , enacted by Ga. L. 2013, p. 294, § 1-1/HB 242; Ga. L. 2014, p. 780, § 1-4/SB 364; Ga. L. 2015, p. 540, § 1-4/HB 361.) Cross references. - Commencement of formal proceedings, Uniform Rules for the Juvenile Courts of Georgia, Rule 5.1 et seq. Law reviews. - For article proposing removal of delinquent or deprived juveniles from the category labeled "defendants," see 23 Mercer L. Rev. 341 (1972).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 15-11-16
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-16 cover?
Section 15-11-16 ("Commencement of proceedings.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 15-11-16?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-16" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 15-11-16 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.