Juvenile Crimes in Indianapolis: Rehabilitation and Legal Defense

In Indianapolis, a juvenile is any person below the age of 18. If you or your child is facing criminal charges as a juvenile, you should find a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. While everyone recognizes that children and adults are different, Indianapolis law enforcers have a duty to keep the community safe, and this entails trying juvenile criminal offenders. However, minors under 18 facing criminal charges will usually be tried in juvenile court unless they are charged as adults. For example, in Indianapolis, a juvenile can be tried as an adult if they are at least 14 years old, are charged with a crime that would be a felony if committed by an adult, and the crime involves heinous or aggravated acts or is part of an ongoing pattern of criminal behavior. At Rigney Law LLC, our team of skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyers can defend you or your child against any type of criminal charge.

Common Juvenile Charges

Juveniles in Indianapolis can be charged with several offenses. The following are some of the common charges juveniles in Indianapolis face:

• Underage drinking
• Possession of small amounts of drugs
• Driving a car without a license
• Armed robbery
• Shoplifting
• Other minor theft
• Assault and battery
• Distribution of drugs

Indianapolis’ Juvenile System Is Focused on Rehabilitation

Indianapolis’s juvenile criminal justice system works differently than the adult criminal justice system. The adult criminal justice system and the juvenile justice criminal system are different because minors do not have the maturity level of adults. The juvenile criminal justice system focuses on rehabilitation over penalty.

In Indianapolis, when the Court enters a True Finding of an offense in juvenile court, the judge may order, among others, the following alternative sentences:

• Counseling
• Community service
• Probation
• Meeting with a mentor
• Going to a secure facility

Secure facilities are the same as long-term rehabilitation facilities. These facilities aim to help delinquent juveniles become productive adults.

Defending Juveniles

If you or your child is facing criminal charges as a juvenile, you should contact a qualified criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Like adults, juveniles in Indianapolis charged with criminal offenses have the right to an attorney. An experienced lawyer can help protect your rights or your child’s rights. The following are some of the other rights that juveniles in Indianapolis have that an attorney can help protect;

• The right to know, in advance, the information that will be given to the judge
• The right to cross-examine witnesses
• The right to offer information to the court
• The right to have the prosecutor prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt

An attorney can also help you develop a strong defense strategy. For example, an effective defense strategy may entail challenging the admissibility of evidence, presenting evidence and witnesses, and cross-examining witnesses against you.

Contact an Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you or your child is facing criminal charges as a juvenile, do not hesitate to contact a criminal defense lawyer. You can contact our experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyers at Rigney Law LLC by calling 317-623-0989 or filling out our online contact form.