Common Types of Property Crimes and Penalties in Indiana

Posted on August 3, 2021 by admin

There are several different types of property crimes that one can commit here in Indiana. From vandalism to arson, and many in between, Indiana does not take such offenses lightly. If you or someone you love was recently arrested or indicted on property crime charges, it is vital to hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms.

In the meantime, continue below to review some of the most common types of property crimes in Indiana and the penalties that generally follow if convicted.

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What is a Property Crime?

A property crime is any type of intentional or unintentional act of destruction or theft to a private or public premises. In Indiana, they are punishable on a wide scale depending on circumstances and details of the crime, from Class C Misdemeanors to Level 1 Felonies.

☛ See Sentencing Guidelines for Indiana

Here are the most common types of property crimes in Indiana:

Theft

Also called larceny, theft crimes are any acts of intentionally and knowledgeably exerting control over one’s property without consent or authorization. “Exerting control” can mean a variety of actions, including taking, possessing, obtaining, controlling, leading away, carrying, driving, concealing, selling, abandon, encumbering, conveying, transferring, securing, reproducing, or extending a right to another’s property. Theft convictions range from Class A Misdemeanors to Level 5 Felonies depending on the value of stolen items and various other details.

Shoplifting

Shoplifting is a type of theft crime in which a person intentionally conceals merchandise from a retail store without any intention of paying for it. Putting a book in your inside jacket pocket or a necklace in your purse at a store so that you can walk out without paying for them are examples of shoplifting. Shoplifting sentences depend on the total value of the items, but they commonly range from low level infractions to Class A Misdemeanors. In more serious cases, shoplifting charges can be Felonies.

Burglary

Burglary is another subcategory of theft. Different from robbery, which involves the use of a weapon, burglary is the act of unlawfully and forcibly entering a house, building, or enclosed structure with the intent of stealing property or possessions. It can also be unlawfully entering a house or enclosed structure for the purpose of committing another type of illegal act. Like most theft crimes, the charges for burglary can range from low misdemeanors to high felonies depending on the circumstances of the crime.

Robbery

Robbery is the crime of burglary and theft all in one, but with the use of a deadly weapon, force, or threat of force. Commanding a cashier to hand over all of the money in the cash register while showing them a gun on your belt would be the crime of robbery. Robbery is a serious theft crime, so it comes with much higher charges and penalties, usually Felonies.

Arson

Arson is the crime of intentionally setting fire to or burning a house, building, structure, or area of property such as a forest or park. If someone commits the violent crime of arson, and as a result, someone suffered bodily injury, the level of punishment drastically increases, as do the subsequent penalties upon conviction. Minor cases of arson, usually with juveniles, result in Misdemeanors, while more serious crimes of arson are charged as felonies.

Vandalism

Vandalism is a very common crime that can be as minor as writing your name in marker on the bathroom stall to graffitiing an entire building façade with spray paint. Any act that degrades, devalues, destructs, defaces, damages, or destroys a property is considered a crime of vandalism. Like most property crimes, the level of punishment depends on the severity of the crime and total value of damage. Sentences range from low-level infractions to Level 5 felonies.

Are you facing criminal charges for one of these types of property crimes in Indiana? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free case evaluation for theft crimes in Indianapolis, IN today.

You Should Also Read:

Is it Possible to Reduce My Criminal Charges?
Possible Court-Ordered Penalties for Felonies and Misdemeanors in Indiana
Can I Be Arrested for Setting a Fire on My Property?

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514 — Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

The 6 Stages of an Indiana Juvenile Case

Posted on July 23, 2021 by admin

When your child is facing charges in the juvenile court system, your mind is full of questions. By learning what to expect from the juvenile court process, you can feel more at ease and be better prepared with the proper legal defense. Continue reading to learn the 6 stages of a juvenile case in Indiana, and who to trust for skilled criminal defense for minors in Indianapolis.

Juvenile Criminal Defense Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Hire a Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Child arrests are never easy, even if your child is merely weeks away from turning 18. So, when they happen, your first priority should be to hire a licensed criminal defense attorney who is well-versed and experienced in juvenile cases. They can help navigate you every step of the way and provide a pillar of support throughout the whole process. From the detention hearing to the final review hearing, your juvenile defense lawyer will ensure your child’s rights are protected and their freedoms preserved.

Juvenile Justice System Process in Indiana

Although the stages of your juvenile’s case will vary depending on several factors, such as the scope of the offense and the presiding jurisdiction, the possible stages your child will experience in the Indiana juvenile justice system process are the detention hearing, initial hearing, waiver hearing, fact-finding hearing, dispositional hearing, and review hearing.

Detention Hearing

The detention hearing is the very first appearance in juvenile court. It usually takes place within the first 48 hours following an arrest, but not including weekends or holidays. At this hearing, a judge will determine whether the juvenile must remain in custody of the detention facility or if they can go home. This hearing is an opportunity for your child’s criminal defense attorney to present the wishes of the child to the judge and confirm who will be responsible for supervising the child while released from juvenile detention custody.

Initial Hearing

The initial hearing comes next, which is the court appearance in which the child is read their official charges. It is vital that your juvenile has a reputable criminal defense attorney present at this initial hearing.

Waiver Hearing

A waiver hearing is not always part of the juvenile justice system process. It only takes place if the prosecutor requests that the juvenile case be transferred to an adult court, therefore having the child tried as an adult.

Fact-Finding Hearing

The fact-finding hearing is held to allow witness testimonies, cross examination of witness and the accused, and for the defense attorney to present evidence in support of the child’s benefit. At the conclusion of this trial, the judge will determine if the child has in fact done something wrong. If the judge decides the child is innocent, or not liable for the offense, the case is over and the child walks, penalty-free.

Dispositional Hearing

A dispositional hearing is only held if the judge concludes that the child has done something wrong or broken the law in some way. At this hearing, the judge will decide the appropriate penalties or punishment for the child’s offense. Generally, this includes probation, community service, fines, restitution, mandatory school attendance, treatment, and counseling. In worst case scenarios, the judge will order the child to juvenile detention.

Review Hearing

A review hearing is held every 6 months, until the probation period is completed in full and as ordered. This hearing is used to check on the child’s progress while on probation.

Was your child recently charged or accused of a crime? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for skilled juvenile criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. Schedule your consultation over the phone, via online video conference, or in person at our office.

You Should Also Read:

Important Laws That Pertain to Parents of Teenagers
Is My Child Charged With a Delinquent Offense or Status Offense?
What To Do After Your Child is Arrested

Can I Be Arrested for Prank Calling?

Posted on December 15, 2020 by admin

Most Americans have gleeful childhood memories of prank calling neighbors and friends during sleep overs. But have you ever thought about how this seemingly innocent practical joke can lead to real life legal troubles? Generally, children and adolescents who make prank calls are not likely to get in trouble with the law. However, there are some forms of prank calling that could be considered illegal. Whether as a concerned teen who thinks they took a call too far, or a parent who knows their kids enjoy this common, juvenile pastime, it important to be knowledgeable on all possible consequences.

Continue reading to learn when prank calling crosses the line, and can get you or your child arrested or indicted on criminal charges.

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When Prank Calling Goes Too Far

Prank calling, as mentioned, is a common and generally innocent juvenile pastime. In most cases, such calls are perfectly harmless, and in worse case scenarios, really only cause frustration and confusion on the other end of the connection. But there are times when certain types of calling can cross the line into illegal activity. In the case of going too far or crossing the line, the potential types of crimes a prank caller could be charged with include harassment, disorderly conduct, hate crimes, or wiretapping.

Possible Prank Call Criminal Charges

❖ Harassment – The crime of harassment sits on a wide spectrum. When it comes to prank calling specifically, the act can turn into harassment if the calls are persistent, such as consecutive calls in a short period of time or calling every day. They can also be considered harassing if a prank caller is repeatedly calling to make threats.

❖ Disordering Conduct – Many states, including Indiana, consider making abusive, threatening, or offensive language a form of disorderly conduct, which is an illegal act. Being verbally abusive on a prank call can be against the law, and lead to the arrest of a prank caller if the person being pranked feels threatened or suffers damages like mental trauma or anxiety attacks.

❖ Hate Crimes – When prank calling is about abusing a person or family based on their gender, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, vocation, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic of their life, it can be deemed a hate crime. Hate crimes are illegal, and will be investigated and penalized according to law.

❖ Wiretapping – If a prank caller records the conversation without the person’s consent, it can be considered wiretapping. Many states decree wiretapping as against the law, so if caught, a prank caller could face legal penalties, whether the person called presses charges or not.

Where to Get Criminal Defense for Your Harassment Charges in Indiana

Call the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with aggressive criminal defense lawyer who will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms after being charged with harassment or disorderly conduct in Indiana. With decades of hands-on experience, you can trust Attorney David E. Lewis to build you a strong and impactful defense against your Indiana criminal charges.

Advice for Parents Whose Kids Drive Drunk

Posted on October 5, 2020 by admin

Teens are known to experiment with alcohol, but some wind up making some brash and dangerous decisions that can end in devastating consequences. We are talking about drunk driving. If you are the parent of a teen or minor adult who has a history of alcohol usage, and you know they have operated a vehicle under the influence in the past, you should know what to do in the case of a DUI arrest since you will likely be the first call they make from jail.

Continue reading to learn which steps to take after your teenager is pulled over drunk, and arrested for a DUI in Indiana.

Underage Drinking DUI Lawyer 317-636-7514 — Underage Drinking DUI Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Get to Know the Zero Tolerance Law in Indiana

In all states, any minor that is caught operating a motorized vehicle, including motorcycles and ATV’s, with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02% or higher, will immediately be subjected to drivers’ license suspension. Furthermore, all states have adopted the Zero Tolerance Law, which means it is strictly illegal for minors to drive a vehicle after drinking alcohol, no matter how little the quantity imbibed. Although adults can legally operate a vehicle with a bold alcohol content of 0.07% or lower, there is simply no tolerance for those under the legal drinking age.

Even if your minor was not driving, they can still be arrested for a DUI if they are in the front seat of a vehicle and the keys are in the ignition. The car does not have to be on for a drunk driving arrest to be made. If your minor refuses a breathalyzer, they will be arrested and penalized, even if they are not exhibiting any signs of intoxication.

Common Penalties for Minor DUI Convictions

Minors, including those 18 years old to 20 years old, will be penalized according to state judicial schedule if caught operating a vehicle with alcohol in their systems. One penalty that is guaranteed: immediate suspension of drivers’ license. Additional penalties that are common and possible include restitution for any property damages caused by drunk driving, fines, jail, probation, house arrest, ignition lock system on steering wheel of car, community service, victim impact panels, substance abuse treatment programs, alcohol education courses, school orders, and counseling.

Criminal Record Expungement for Minors

If your minor driver is arrested on drunk driving charges in Indiana, you will need a criminal defense lawyer who can protect them from the maximum penalties for their charges, and petition for criminal record expungement. Upon eligibility, your teenager might be able to have their DUI arrest and conviction sealed or expunged from their criminal record. A skilled Indiana DUI defense lawyer can build your loved one an impactful defense to dismiss or reduce their charges and penalties, and move forward with petitioning for expungement or record sealing.

Indianapolis Indiana Drunk Driving Criminal Defense for Minors

Call the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to learn how your teen can beat their Indiana DUI charges with aggressive criminal defense. Attorney David E. Lewis is your solution to reducing or dismissing their sentence, and thus, protecting their future freedoms. If you want them to avoid the maximum penalties for a drunk driving conviction, it is important to let our skilled legal teams build an impactful defense that will sway the decision of the courts. We provide free initial consultations, so you do not have to pay anything to simply talk to a lawyer for trusted advice. Schedule an online, over-the-phone, or in-office appointment, today.

Will I Go to Jail for Underage Drinking?

Posted on February 26, 2020 by admin

After you turn 18 years old in the United States, you are legally an adult. However, even though you are deemed an adult in the eyes of the law, you are still in fact, a minor, which means you are also still restricted from partaking in certain activities, primarily consuming alcohol. Currently, the legal drinking age is 21 years old, which means that anyone under the age of 21 years old is subject to arrest and underage drinking charges if caught by authorities. As a result of being caught intoxicated or in possession of alcohol while under the legal drinking age, many types of penalties can ensue; one of which could be jail time.

Continue reading to learn how Indiana law penalizes underage drinking, and what you can do to ensure you avoid the maximum sentence for your underage drinking charge.

Indiana Underage Drinking Lawyer 317-636-7514

Indiana Underage Drinking Laws

You must be 21 years old to legally consume or purchase alcoholic beverages in Indiana, and virtually all other states. If caught in possession of, under the influence of, or consuming alcoholic beverages as a minor adult, the law has a set schedule on how you are to be penalized.

Although judges have the discretion to modify the ultimate sentence handed down for underage drinking as they see fit, the basic statute for possessing, consuming, or transporting alcohol as an underage adult is a Class C Misdemeanor.

In Indiana, a Class C Misdemeanor is punishable by 0 to 60 days in jail, up to $500 in fines (§ 7.1-5-7-7). Fines do not include court costs, filing fees, nor attorney fees.

Potential Penalties for Underage Drinking:

⚠ Driver’s License Suspension – 0 to 12 Months
⚠ Alcohol Treatment Program
⚠ Community Service

How to Prepare for Underage Drinking Charges

If you were recently arrested for underage drinking, and you are 18 years old or older, you need to retain private legal counsel as soon as possible. Licensed criminal defense attorneys can build you a strong and impactful defense that will protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. Mostly, they can keep you out of jail. Just be sure to choose the right lawyer for your Indiana underage drinking charges, as it takes a motivated and aggressive attorney to fight your case.

Trust Indianapolis Criminal Attorney, David E. Lewis

Contact David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to start building a strong and impactful criminal defense against your Indiana underage drinking charges so that you have a chance at avoiding the maximum penalties for your suspected underage drinking. Our Indianapolis criminal defense law firm offers free initial consultations, so there are no out-of-pocket obligations to you.

Can a Cop Arrest a Kid?

Posted on October 4, 2019 by admin

Most might laugh at the idea of a police officer handcuffing and detaining a kid. But the truth is, “kids” are arrested every day, and for a wide range of criminal infractions and offenses. The key here when answering the question of legality is your definition of “kid.” A kid can be both a minor and a juvenile, depending on their age. Once you know which legal categorization applies to your children, you can better understand which types of criminal penalties they might face in the case that they are caught breaking the law.

Continue reading to learn the difference between a minor and a juvenile, and whether or not a cop can arrest them in Indiana.

Minor vs. Juvenile

A minor is any person that is prohibited to perform a certain activity, such as driving a car, voting, and drinking alcohol. For instance, a person under the age of 21 is a minor when it comes to alcohol consumption, but not for smoking or voting, and a person under the age of 18 is a minor when it comes to smoking or voting. In contrast, juveniles are specifically persons between a certain ages. So, a minor can also be a juvenile.

State Laws for Minors and Juveniles

Minors can be anyone between the ages of 16 years old and 21 years old, depending on the law in question. So yes, cops can and will arrest minors if they are caught breaking the law. The type of court system they are tried in will depend on whether or not they are under or over 18 years old. For instance, if a 17 year old is caught smoking and in possession of cigarettes, they can face criminal charges in the juvenile court system. If a 20 year old is caught consuming, buying, or intoxicated on alcohol, they will face charges in the adult court system.

Juveniles

Juveniles between the ages of 11 and 17 years old can be arrested by a police officer if they are caught breaking the law. Every state has their own set of laws surrounding criminal procedure and penalization of juveniles, but all juveniles are generally tried in juvenile court. For teenagers that are close to the age of 18 and have committed serious crimes, such as murder, they will likely be tried as an adult. There are various factors that influence the judicial course of action for a juvenile, which is why it is imperative to speak with a licensed Indiana criminal lawyer who can educate you on your child’s case and best strategies for defense.

Children Under 10 Years Old

If a child under the age of 10 years old commits a crime, they are not tried in the juvenile court system. Instead, they are entered into a state-run or government-administrated social services program. Here, they are evaluated and rehabilitated by professionals in the social service and child care industries. See our blog, “Do I Need an Attorney if My Kid is Arrested?” for help with legal guidance regarding children.

Juvenile Criminal Defense in Indiana

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if your child has been charged with a crime in Indianapolis or anywhere else within Central Indiana. Our law firm offers aggressive and experienced criminal defense for juveniles and minors who are facing criminal charges in Indiana. Don’t settle for an attorney that doesn’t have the drive. Attorney David E. Lewis will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. We also offer criminal record expungement services to help clean up your criminal history and improve your quality of life!

Do I Need an Attorney if My Kid is Arrested?

Posted on September 16, 2019 by admin

When an adult is arrested, most of us know the basic process of detainment, arraignment, bail bonds, probation, and more. But what happens when a child is arrested? Continue reading to learn what you need to know about arresting minors and juveniles in Indiana.

Juveniles vs. Minors

If you have kids, it is important to know the difference between a minor and a juvenile, because they are not the same. A minor can be both a person and a kid, whereas a juvenile is always a kid. You see, anyone who is prohibited from certain activities due to their age is considered a minor. If a person is 20 years old, they are minor when it comes to consuming alcohol or entering a bar. Accordingly, a person is a minor at 17 years old because they cannot legally smoke or purchase cigarettes nor vote. Similarly, a person who is 23 years old can also be a minor since they are not qualified to rent a car until they are 25 years old.

In contrast, a juvenile is anyone between the ages of 10 and 17 years old, and who has not been emancipated from legal guardians. If a child has been emancipated at 16 years old, they are considered a minor, not a juvenile. Once a person turns 18, the law deems them a legal adult, so they are not a juvenile anymore, but they are still a minor in terms of other laws.

Arresting Juveniles and Minors

If a juvenile between the ages of 10 years old and 17 years old commits a crime, the outcome largely depends on the discretion of the arresting officer. All law enforcement officials have their own way of dealing with juvenile crimes. In some cases, cops will simply detain them and call their parents to have them picked up, or give them a ride home in the squad car, handcuffed, to teach them a lesson.

Other times, cops give juveniles on-the-spot counseling and then release them back to parents after a time-out period. In more serious cases, a juvenile is transported to a juvenile detention center where they will await their arraignment. Police discretion mostly depends on a child’s age, the seriousness of the crime, and the parent’s ability to take over.

Criminal Defense for Juveniles

When it comes to retaining a criminal defense lawyer for kids under the age of 17 years old, it all depends on the situation. You see, children under 10 years old are not tried in the juvenile court system if they commit a crime. Instead, they are enrolled into a state social services program to be evaluated and rehabilitated by professionals. You may still need a lawyer in this case to protect your rights and get the best outcome possible for your case.

Kids who are tried in the juvenile court system can face a wide range of sentences and subsequent penalties, such as court-ordered therapy, community service, behavioral rehabilitation, house arrest, probation, special schooling, and in serious cases, live-in juvenile schools or detention camps. In the most serious cases, a juvenile can be tried as an adult in the adult criminal court system. For this reason, it is quite necessary to retain professional legal counsel in order to obtain the best possible outcome for your case.

It is important to remember that juveniles do not have a right to bail like adults do. In the case that your juvenile is detained at a juvenile detention center, they will be given a phone call, but they will remain there until their court arraignment. This hearing is generally scheduled within the first 24 or 36 hours of arrest, and will involve a judge deciding whether or not to release the defendant or sentence them to one or more of the above-mentioned penalties.

If a minor 18 years old or older is charged with a crime, they will be charged as an adult because, as mentioned, the law deems a person a legal adult at the age of 18 years old. In this case, it would be vital for anyone of this age to retain proper criminal defense to avoid the maximum penalties for their charges.

Where to Get Trusted Criminal Defense in Indiana

Call the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with aggressive Indiana criminal defense attorney who will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. With decades of hands-on experience, you can trust Attorney David E. Lewis to build you a strong and impactful defense against your Indiana criminal charges.

How Does the Juvenile Court System Work?

Posted on December 12, 2018 by admin

If your minor child is in trouble with the law, both of you can expect to endure a mandatory series of legal obligations in the juvenile court system. Continue reading to learn more about minors who break the law, and what the juvenile courts are like.

Indianapolis Juvenile Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Minors vs. Juveniles

You may be confused by the terms, “minors” and “juveniles” since they are very similar in meaning. Basically, a minor is anyone who is prohibited from certain activities due to their age. This includes consuming alcohol, smoking cigarettes, driving a car, voting, and similar activities. For example, a person who is under the age of 21 is considered a minor in the eyes of the law.

In contrast, the term “juvenile” is more specific. A juvenile is anyone between the ages of 10 and 17 years old, and who has not been emancipated from legal guardians. When a person turns 18, the law deems them a legal adult, however, they can still be a minor, as shown in the example before. Children under 10 years old are not tried in the juvenile court system if they commit a crime. Instead, they are enrolled into a state social services program to be evaluated and rehabilitated by professionals.

Juvenile Court Facts

After committing a crime, a juvenile will be detained in a state or county juvenile detention center, much like a county jail. Their experience from there will depend mostly on the type of crime they are charged with, as well as, various other behavioral and historical factors. When referred to juvenile court, a couple different situations can occur. A juvenile may enter into an informal deal that includes probation rather than seeing a judge; or they may have to go in front of a judge, who in turn, may dismiss their case, order them to probation, or send them to the Department of Correction.

Judges also have the discretion to order juveniles to additional mandatory terms, such as therapy, community service, mentoring, life coaching, school, drug rehabilitation, or admittance into an in-patient psychiatric facility. In fact, it is very common for judges to use these additional penalties in juvenile criminal cases.

Your Child’s Rights

In the juvenile court system, a child has several rights. They include, but are not limited to:

✦ The right to a lawyer or public defender;
✦ The right to know the date and time of all hearings;
✦ The right to attend all hearings;
✦ The right to know what information the judge has on their case;
✦ The right to question witnesses;
✦ The right to know the criminal charges against them;
✦ The right to refuse to tell anyone, including the judge, what happened;
✦ The right to give the judge information, have other people give information, and then make arguments;
✦ The right to make the state prove the case against them;
✦ The right to have a trial within 20 days if held in custody, or 60 business days if released;

Indiana Juvenile Criminal Defense

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law 317-636-7514

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss the best course of action for your juvenile’s criminal case with a seasoned Indianapolis criminal defense attorney you can trust. We work around the clock to ensure your juvenile’s rights are protected and your freedoms are preserved. You can avoid the maximum penalties for your charges with our aggressive legal representation!

The Difference Between a Delinquent Offense and a Status Offense

Posted on June 25, 2018 by admin

A person who is 17 years old or younger is considered a minor under the law. When a minor is arrested on the suspicion of committing a crime, their offense can be placed into one of two categories: delinquent offenses or status offenses. Continue reading to learn the difference between the two types of juvenile offenses, and what to do if your kid was recently arrested on criminal charges.

Indianapolis Juvenile Criminal Lawyer 317-636-7514

Status Offenses

Status offenses are any crimes that can only be committed by a minor. The most common examples of status offenses include running away, truancy (skipping school), curfew violations, underage drinking, underage smoking, and underage driving.

Delinquent Offenses

In contrast to status offenses, delinquent offenses can be committing by persons of all ages and genders. Some of the most common examples of delinquent offenses in juvenile court include shoplifting, theft, battery, assault, fraud, unlicensed driving, uninsured driving, drug possession, trespassing, and vandalism.

Sentencing a Minor

If a minor commits an offense, their case will be brought forth in juvenile court. Sometimes, minors do not have to go before a judge, and instead, are entered into an alternative probation plan with the prosecuting attorney. Other times, a judge will oversee the case and hand down a sentence. Judges have the discretion to sentence minors convicted of status offenses to probation or to the Department of Corrections. They may also order a minor to complete certain orders like counseling, community service, life coach meetings, mentorship programs, or school. They can also decide to close the case.

Get Professional Legal Help

If your child or adolescent was recently arrested, it is in the best interest of your family to retain a licensed and qualified Indianapolis juvenile criminal defense lawyer who can protect your child’s rights and preserve their freedoms. Fortunately, a juvenile defendant has a lot of rights in court. Learn all of them and more from your trusted criminal defense team.

Indianapolis Juvenile Criminal Defense

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law 317-636-7514

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for aggressive juvenile criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss the best strategies of defense for your case. We work around the clock to ensure your rights are protected and your freedoms are preserved. You CAN avoid the maximum penalties for your charges with our aggressive legal representation. Call 317-636-7514 to get started, today.

Who is Considered a Juvenile?

Posted on August 14, 2017 by admin

Under Indiana law, a juvenile is a person who is between 10 and 17 years old. Once a person turns 18, they are considered adults in the eyes of the law. Continue reading to learn more.

Juvenile Criminal Lawyer 317-636-7514

The definition of a juvenile is not universal. The specifics regarding the start and end of the juvenile age spectrum vary from state to state, and even under federal law. In terms of committing crimes, juveniles are tried differently depending on a number of factors, including the severity of the crime and age of the juvenile. In most cases, juveniles who commit crimes are tried in the juvenile court system. However, if a juvenile is close to their 18th birthday, and their crime was egregious or severe, they can be tried in the adult criminal court system.

Juvenile Court

The juvenile court system has a separate set of rules and procedures. One of the most apparent differences between juvenile and adult criminal court is the level of rights given to defendants. Juveniles are entitled to less rights than defendants in adult criminal court since they are usually still under their guardians custody. For instance, many states do not allow trial by jury for juvenile offenders; however, all states give juveniles the right to an attorney and the right to an appeal.

Minor Versus Juvenile

Many people are confused by the term minor. A minor is both the same and different from a juvenile. A minor is any person that is prohibited to perform a certain activity, such as driving a car, voting, and drinking alcohol. If a person is under the age of 21, they are considered a minor when it comes to alcohol consumption. If a person is under the age of 18, they are considered a minor when it comes to voting. In contrast, juveniles are specifically persons between a certain ages.

Children Under 10 Years Old

If a child under the age of 10 years old commits a crime, they are not tried in the juvenile court system. Instead, they are entered into a state-run or government-administrated social services program. Here, they are evaluated and rehabilitated by professionals in the social service and child care industries. It is important to talk to an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense attorney if your juvenile or child has been charged with a crime. They have the knowledge and resources to defend your child’s case and avoid the maximum penalties for their charges.

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if your child is facing criminal charges in Indianapolis, Indiana. We work around the clock to ensure your child’s rights are protected and their freedoms are preserved. Our law firm offers free initial consultations, so be sure to schedule yours today.