Experienced Indiana Defense Attorney Handling Cases in the Indiana Juvenile Justice System
An Indianapolis juvenile attorney can help families navigate the complex legal system when a minor is accused of a crime or facing juvenile delinquency proceedings. The legal system can be complex, especially regarding juvenile law and juvenile delinquency. 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 and strong legal representation from an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Why Do Indianapolis Families Choose Wruble Law LLC for Juvenile Cases?
At Wruble Law LLC, Stan Wruble will deliver a premium legal defense for juvenile offenders and juvenile clients. With experience as a collegiate professor at both Northwestern and Notre Dame and his 25 years of experience as an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer, his track record reflects a keen understanding of how the juvenile justice system works and how to protect minors from unnecessary penalties.
So if you or someone you care about has been accused of a juvenile offense and is facing delinquency proceedings or prosecution in Indiana’s adult criminal justice system, don’t hesitate to contact our expert Indianapolis juvenile attorney for a free case review by calling (317)-308-8584.
What is a Juvenile Offense? Are Juvenile Charges Different from Adult Criminal Charges?
According to 18 U.S. Code § 5031, juvenile offenders are anyone under eighteen. Juvenile defenses exist in a realm of ambiguity because juvenile cases may proceed through family court or adult criminal or civil court. This depends on various factors like the age of the child when the child committed the alleged offense, the crime’s severity, and whether the juvenile has prior juvenile charges or involvement as a delinquent child.
In Indiana, similar to the U.S. criminal code, a juvenile offense is any crime committed by anyone under 18; however, certain juvenile crimes may result in the juvenile being treated as an adult offender, exposing the juvenile to adult penalties and long-term consequences. According to Indiana Code 31-30-1-4, the juvenile court system 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 (armed robbery) or
- It results in 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.”
The risks of being adjudicated as a juvenile delinquent depend on the specific charge (or charges) involved in the case, among other factors. Generally speaking, however, potential consequences include detention in a juvenile facility, home detention, community service, mandatory reporting to a probation officer, and restitution, among others.
Do Cases Involving Juvenile Crimes Take Place In Family Court? What Are Delinquency Proceedings?
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 court through the juvenile justice process in the juvenile system by judicial waiver, prosecutorial discretion, or statutory rule,” according to the American Bar Association.
The same Indiana statute dictates that if the criminal offense case is dismissed, results in an acquittal, or does not involve any of the 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 defense attorney can navigate these intricacies, assert reasonable doubt, and determine the best action to avoid lasting juvenile records in family, juvenile, or criminal court and work to seek dismissal when appropriate.
Experienced Criminal Defense for Juvenile Clients in Indianapolis, IN
Now that you understand the ambiguity of juvenile offenses and what they entail, you may be more confused, overwhelmed as a parent, or scared about your child’s case and your child’s future, so let us work to avoid outcomes that could damage a child’s education, housing stability, or placement in a group home or foster home. Take this opportunity to reach out to an experienced Indianapolis juvenile lawyer like Stanley Wruble who can protect your child’s rights.
If your child is facing criminal charges (whether as a juvenile or as an adult), he will rely on his extensive experience and work diligently to defend your child by all means available. From challenging the prosecution’s evidence to cross-examining witnesses in court, there may be a variety of options for fighting to ensure that your child does not face unnecessary consequences.
Request a Free Consultation with an Indianapolis Juvenile Attorney at Wruble Law LLC
At Wruble Law LLC, we offer a free, no-obligation case review and free initial consultation to help you consider your case from all angles and answer your questions regarding possible outcomes and the best interest of your child. It’s natural to be concerned about the state of your or your loved one’s juvenile offense case, but with Wruble Law LLC on your team, you’re prepared with a competent legal team to prepare the best possible defense for your case.
Call (317)-308-8584 or contact us today for a free consultation.