The legal system can be complex, especially regarding juvenile offenses. There is an eternal debate about whether juveniles should be tried as adults. But, regardless of this thought experiment, juvenile offenders still deserve access to a qualified, competent defense.
Why Choose Wruble Law LLC?
At Wruble Law LLC, Stan Wruble will deliver a premium legal defense for juvenile offenders. With experience as a collegiate professor at both Northwestern and Notre Dame and his 25 years of experience as a Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer, his track record says it all.
So if you or someone you care about has been accused of a juvenile offense, don’t hesitate to contact our expert Indianapolis juvenile offense lawyer for a free case review by calling (317)-308-8584.
What is a Juvenile Offense?
According to 18 U.S. Code § 5031, juvenile offenders are anyone under eighteen. Juvenile defenses exist in a realm of ambiguity because they can be tried in family court or adult criminal or civil court. This depends on various factors like the defendant’s age, the crime’s severity, and the defendant’s prior offenses.
In Indiana, similar to the U.S. criminal code, a juvenile offense is any crime committed by anyone under 18. According to Indiana Code 31-30-1-4, “the juvenile court does not have jurisdiction over an individual when it comes to the alleged commitment of:
- Attempted murder
- Murder
- Kidnapping
- Rape
- Criminal deviate conduct
- Robbery if
- Committed while armed or
- It results in the bodily or serious bodily injury
- Carjacking”
According to this statute, “if the individual was at least 16 years of age but less than 18 at the time of the alleged violation. The individual has been charged with any of these offenses, the court having adult criminal jurisdiction shall retain jurisdiction over the case if the individual pleads guilty to or is convicted of these offenses.”
Does A Juvenile-Related Offense Take Place In Family Court Or Not?
Indiana is not the only state that’s unclear about the age of majority. Between the ages of 16 and 18, cases can originate in “juvenile court, but jurisdiction can be ‘waived’ to adult criminal court by judicial waiver, prosecutorial discretion, or statutory rule,” according to the American Bar Association.
The same Indiana statute dictates that if the case is dismissed, results in an acquittal, or does not involve any of these above crimes, the “court having adult criminal jurisdiction may withhold judgment and transfer jurisdiction to the juvenile court for adjudication and disposition.” A skilled Indianapolis juvenile offense lawyeer can navigate these intricacies to determine the best action in family, juvenile, or criminal court.
Contact An Indianapolis Juvenile Offense Attorney From Wruble Law LLC
Now that you understand the ambiguity of juvenile offenses and what they entail, you may be more confused, overwhelmed, or scared. Take this opportunity to reach out to an experienced Indianapolis juvenile offense attorney like Stanley Wruble by calling (317)-308-8584 or contacting us today.
At Wruble Law, we offer a free, no-obligation case review to help you consider your case from all angles and answer your questions regarding potential outcomes and avenues. It’s natural to be concerned about the state of your or your loved one’s juvenile offense case, but with Wruble Law on your team, you’re prepared with a competent legal team to prepare your defense.