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Who is Considered a Juvenile?

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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

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

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.

What To Do After Your Child is Arrested

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Juvenile Criminal Lawyer 317-636-7514

Juvenile Criminal Lawyer 317-636-7514

It’s natural for parents to want to be there for their children at all times, whether for monumental life steps and special occasions, or all the small things in between. And when things get rocky, parents want to make everything better for their kids. This is especially true when kids get into serious trouble. Kids are young and inexperienced, and bound to make mistakes. So when children are beginning to approach an age where they can break the law and be penalized for it, it is important for parents to educate themselves on what to do if their child
is ever arrested for a crime.

Arrested Minors

There are three ways a minor is arrested for a crime. They are either arrested at the scene of the crime, summoned to appear for a court hearing for a crime, or issued a warrant for their arrest for being a suspect of a crime. Most often, minors are arrested at scene. If the crime is something minor and traffic-related, like driving with a suspended license, the officer may choose to be lenient and let them off with a summons for court, rather than taking them to jail. But for more serious infractions, minors will be handcuffed, read their Miranda rights, and taken to jail for processing.

Common crimes for minors include shoplifting, vandalism, truancy, trespassing, underage drinking, drug possession, and more. If a minor commits a crime, but not caught at the scene, they will be issued a warrant for their arrest, and must surrender to authorities to face their charges, or face additional legal penalties. For example, if a teenager robs a grocery store and gets away, but the entire crime was caught on tape, an arrest warrant will be issued for their arrest.

What to Do as a Parent

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Once you have custody of your child again, usually after their arraignment is concluded, it is important to immediately retain the services of an experience criminal defense attorney. They have the knowledge and resources needed to build a strong defense for your minor, giving them the best possible chance of avoiding maximum penalties. They will guide you through the entire legal process, doing all that they can for your child’s case. And they will ensure you are doing everything right as well.

Do not opt for a public defender to save money. They generally have many cases to see to and cannot give your child’s case the special attention it deserves. When it comes to your child’s reputation and future, it’s not worth taking the risk. Hire a trusted criminal lawyer to protect your child’s rights and preserve their freedoms instead.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Defense Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis Attorney at Law at 317-636-7514 if your child was arrested in Indianapolis, Indiana. He provides comprehensive criminal defense for minors facing criminal charges for misdemeanor and felony crimes. Attorney David E. Lewis will work around the clock fighting for your child’s rights. Call 317-636-7514 to discuss your legal matters with an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense attorney you can trust.