What to Expect From Juvenile Court

A person is legally deemed a juvenile if they are under the age of 18. Although juveniles are also referred to as minors, a minor can also be someone who is under 21 years old and therefore, still prohibited to consume or purchase alcoholic beverages. If your pre-teen or adolescent was arrested, they will likely be prosecuted in the Indiana juvenile court system.

Continue below to learn what to expect when you enter the court room for your child’s case, plus how to best prepare your teen’s defense to avoid the maximum penalties for their charges.

Juvenile Delinquency Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Juvenile Delinquency Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Delinquent Offenses Versus Status Offenses

Kids will be kids, but when kids break the law, they can be subjected to criminal penalties in the juvenile court system. There are two primary types of juvenile crimes: delinquent offenses and status offenses. Delinquent offenses are crimes that can be committed by children and adults, like driving without a license, vandalism, shoplifting, illegal drug use, assault, and battery. Status offenses are crimes that can only be committed by juveniles, such as curfew violations, truancy, running away from home, and underage drinking.

In most cases of status offenses, at least the minor ones, juveniles are often given the option to cooperate with a supervised probation and behavioral modification plan rather than going in front of a judge. In more serious cases of both status and delinquent offenses among juveniles, a child or teenager may be required to go to court and be adjudicated by a judge.

Juvenile Court Process of

When you enter juvenile court, you will see a lot of people present, but rest assure, they are there to serve a good purpose. You can expect to see your own criminal defense attorney, the prosecutor, the magistrate or presiding judge (or in some cases, a commissioner or referee), an intake officer, and possibly a probation officer.

Initial Hearing – The first hearing is known as the initial hearing. This is when the juvenile is told what they are being charged with. During the initial hearing, it is imperative that you have a juvenile criminal defense lawyer present and working your case.

Detention Hearing – If a juvenile is being detained by the Department of Corrections, their detention hearing should take place within the first 48 hours of arrest; but this does not include holidays or weekends.

Waiver Hearing – If the prosecutor wants the judge to move the juvenile’s case from juvenile court to adult court, there will be a waiver hearing scheduled. Again, it is critical to have private criminal defense for your juvenile if a waiver hearing is set into motion.

Fact-Finding Hearing – When witness testimonies are required for juvenile case, a fact-finding hearing will be scheduled in which the witnesses will tell the judge what they know about the case.

Review Hearing – A judge will request a review hearing after juvenile’s conviction to see how they are doing with their progress, and court orders.

Juvenile Sentences

If a juvenile is sentenced for their offense, they are often put on probation, which can be either supervised or unsupervised, but in more serious cases, they can be sentenced to the Department of Corrections. for juveniles. Additional court ordered penalties that may be headed down to a convicted juvenile include community service, restitution, school attendance, rehabilitation, counseling, diversion programs, and house arrest.

A juvenile’s arrests and convictions stay on their permanent record even after they turn 18. However, these records may be eligible for criminal record expungement or record sealing. Talk to a trusted Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer to learn more about Indiana’s Second Chance Law if your juvenile has criminal record, or if you yourself have a criminal record from when you were a minor.

Juveniles Tried in Adult Court

If a child or adolescent commits a very serious crime, such as one in the realm of homicide, they may be tried in the adult court system. In such case, it would be critical to your child’s future to hire a skilled and aggressive Indianapolis Indiana criminal defense law firm to represent the case. This would be the best way for them to avoid the maximum penalties for the charges, including prison time.

Is your child or teenager facing criminal charges in Indiana and you have no idea how to protect them from a harsh future? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to connect with one of our esteemed criminal defense attorneys in Indianapolis, Indiana. We can meet over the phone, via online video conference, or in person at our office.

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Important Laws That Pertain to Parents of Teenagers

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Will My Kid Be Tried in Adult Criminal Court?

Although your teenager is still juvenile under the eyes of the law, they may not be tried as one if they are charged with a crime. Sometimes, juveniles end up in adult criminal court, where penalties are more severe and longer-lasting. If your kid has just been arrested and charged with a criminal offense in Indiana, you may wonder if they will be tried as an adult or a juvenile.

Continue reading to learn the top three ways a juvenile is tried in adult court and how to protect your child from receiving the maximum penalties for their Indiana criminal charges.

Juvenile Criminal Defense Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Juvenile Criminal Defense Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Juveniles 16 Year of Age or Older May Be Tried as an Adult

Although a juvenile is a minor under 18 years old according to both Federal and state laws, in criminal cases, teenagers between the ages of 16 and 17 years old are those who would typically be considered for adult court; but only under specific circumstances.

Even the Supreme Court recognizes that juveniles are not yet matured, and do not retain the proper emotional intelligence or impulse control to fully understand the wrongfulness of their crimes, nor the foreseeable consequences.

For this reason, there are juvenile courts that are specifically tailored to juvenile criminal cases and juvenile rehabilitation. However, there are ways for prosecuting attorneys to treat juveniles like adults in adult criminal court.

A prosecutor’s office has three methods of doing this:

Direct File – They can seek to directly file the juvenile in the adult court, which does not require any sort of juvenile court hearing for approval, nor does the judge have any say-so in the prosecution’s decision. In order for prosecution to directly file a juvenile’s criminal charges in adult court, the criminal charge must fall under IC 31-30-1-4. Examples of charges on this list include attempted murder, murder, rape, kidnapping, robbery with a deadly weapon, robbery that causes serious bodily injury, and carrying a gun at school without a license.

Waive to File IC 31-30-3 allows prosecution to seek to waive charged juveniles to adult court. This differs from a direct file procedure because the motion must be filed and adjudicated in juvenile court first. Also, judges to have discretion in the decision. The 3 kinds of waivers include Discretionary, Presumptive, and Mandatory waivers. The waiver chosen depends on the age and nature of criminal charge.

Prior Successful Waiver/Subsequent Felony Charge – A prior successful waiver and subsequent felony charge is the third method of bringing charges against a juvenile offender in adult court, which is allotted under IC 31-30-1-2. If the juvenile is charged with a felony but was previously waived to adult court for a prior charge, prosecution will automatically file their new charges in adult court. However, if the juvenile’s new charges are on a misdemeanor level, and they were previously waived to adult court on felony charges, they will NOT automatically be turned over to the adult criminal justice system.

Hire an Indiana Criminal Lawyer for Superior Legal Protection

This information and Indiana Codes are confusing to anyone who is not well-versed in state and federal criminal law. It is vital to discuss all of your criminal charge and conviction concerns with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis. They have the knowledge and resources to navigate your kid’s criminal defense in a direction that minimizes their charges and subsequent penalties.

Are you looking for an aggressive and skilled criminal defense law firm for your daughter or son’s Indiana or federal criminal charges? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for professional criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent adults, minors, and juveniles all across the state.

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Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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The 6 Stages of an Indiana Juvenile Case

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
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

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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Do I Need an Attorney if My Kid is Arrested?

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.

Juvenile Criminal Attorney 317-636-7514
Juvenile Criminal Attorney 317-636-7514

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.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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Is My Child Charged With a Delinquent Offense or Status Offense?

When a child under the age of 18 years old is arrested or breaks the law, they are entered into the juvenile court system. There, they will face a series of legal procedures, obligations, penalties, and ultimately, a conviction. Their conviction, however, largely depends on whether they are charged with a delinquent offense or a status offense.

If your child was recently arrested, it is important to learn the difference between the two types of offenses. Not only can this help you better understand what to expect from the juvenile court proceedings, it can also help you protect your child from future brushes with the law.

Continue reading to learn the difference between a delinquent offense and a status offense.

Juvenile Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514
Juvenile Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514

Status Offenses

Status offenses are special because they can only be committed by people of a certain status. This does not mean wealth or intellect; instead, it refers to age. A status offense is only illegal for those who are underage, also known as minors. A minor is someone that is not old enough to partake in a certain behavior or action.

For example, a person under 16 years of age cannot operate a vehicle, a person under the age of 18 cannot smoke or purchase cigarettes, and a person under the age of 21 cannot consume nor purchase alcohol. All three of these individuals are considered “minors”, which means they would commit a status offense if they are caught partaking in any of the actions just mentioned.

Additional Examples of Status Offenses:

✤ Truancy

✤ Curfew Violations

✤ Running Away From Home

Delinquent Offenses

Delinquent offense are different from status offenses, primarily because they are crimes that can be committed by individuals of any age. Basically, both minors and adults can commit delinquent offenses. Examples of such crimes include shoplifting, operating a vehicle without a license, drunk driving, fraud, assault, vandalism, and any other action that is against state and federal laws. Minors who commit delinquent offenses are more likely to face harsher penalties.

Most often, less serious cases will result in an informal plan of probation; but more serious offenses can lead to a minor having to go before a judge and being sentenced to a juvenile detention center. If a minor is near 18 years old and commits an egregious crime, such as murder, they may be prosecuted as an adult. Check out our recent blog, “How Does the Juvenile Court System Work?” to learn more about juvenile court.

Who to Talk to About Your Child’s Case

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

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for aggressive and experienced criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss the best strategies for defense against your child’s criminal charges. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule your consultation with a trusted Indianapolis criminal lawyer, today.

The Difference Between a Delinquent Offense and a Status Offense

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.

Juvenile Criminal Lawyer 317-636-7514

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

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?

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.

FAQs About Juvenile Criminal Law

Juvenile Criminal Lawyer 317-636-7514

Juvenile Criminal Lawyer 317-636-7514

When children are in trouble with the law, they are sent through the juvenile court system. During this time, parents are reeling with questions and concerns regarding their minor’s future and freedom. If your teenager is currently facing criminal charges, you are likely to be full of questions too. Continue reading to learn the answers to the most frequently asked questions about juvenile law and the juvenile court system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Juvenile Court?

Because juvenile crimes are handled differently than adult crimes, they require a special court system structured just for the purpose of managing juvenile delinquency cases. This is called juvenile court, and in this system, most matters are treated as civil or family law matters rather than criminal. This generally alleviates minors of being tried under the state’s penal code for crimes.

Who are Juveniles?

Juveniles are people who are under the age of 18 years old but older than 10 years old. They are also called minors. Common juvenile crime cases range from truancy and shoplifting, to drug possession, underage alcohol consumption, and more.

Do Juveniles Have a Right to a Trial Jury?

In adult criminal court, the United States Constitution gives you the right to a trial jury. However, in juvenile court, this right is not usually granted. Some states do allow it, including Kansas and New Hampshire.

Do Juveniles Get an Attorney?

If we lived prior to 1964, a juvenile could not have an attorney represent their case in court. However, in the 21st century, juveniles are given the right to an attorney, and even given to opportunity to free counsel from a public defender.

Can Adults Be Charged for a Crime They Committed as a Minor?

This is not very common, but it can happen. It usually happens for very serious offenses, such as rape, armed robbery, and other violent crimes. It depends on the age of the offender when the crime was committed, the type of crime committed, the current age of the offender, and more.

How Long Can Juveniles Be Sentenced to Detention?

Just like adult criminal court, the length of time a juvenile will spend in detention depends on the severity of the crime and their criminal priors. There is no limit or typical sentence, but for major crimes, sometimes juveniles are transferred to an adult penitentiary once they reach 18 years old.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense for Minors

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

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

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for aggressive juvenile criminal defense representation 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 to discuss your case and the best strategies for defense. Call 317-636-7514 to speak with an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer who cares.

Types of Specialized Criminal Courts in Indiana

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

In Indiana, there are two primary types of court cases, civil and criminal. Most civil cases involve a plaintiff suing for restitution or compensation. Common examples are divorce and child custody cases. In contrast, criminal cases involve enforcing laws and seeking punishment for crimes committed. In civil cases, a person is seeking money, but in criminal cases, the party pressing charges is seeking punishment.

The government, or state, is generally the party that brings criminal charges against a person. Once this happens, the person will go to court to stand trial on the charges. There are three main categories of criminal court, all of which deal with different types of criminal cases. Continue reading to learn about the types of specialized criminal courts in Indiana.

Indiana Criminal Courts

The three main types of specialized criminal courts include major felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile court. Each court system deals with the specific charges and penalties under their category. However, this can also depend on the county in which your crimes originated. And in some cases, minors are tried as adults in felony or misdemeanor court if their crimes are severe. Take a closer look at each type of specialized court system in Indiana:

Felony Court – If a person is charged with a major felony, they will stand trial in an Indiana felony court. A major felony can be anywhere between a Level 5 and a Level 2 felony crime, as well as, murder. However, a major felony may be considered any level felony depending on the county in which the crimes originated. A felony is any crime that is punishable by 1 year or more in jail. For example, if Jack stole a car, he would be arrested for suspicion of car theft. Next, the state would bring felony theft charges against him and then he would go to felony court to stand trial.

Misdemeanor Court – Misdemeanors are lesser offenses than felonies. A misdemeanor is any crime that is punishable by up to 1 year in jail. Common examples of misdemeanor crimes include shoplifting, public intoxication, driving with a suspended license, and so on. Misdemeanors are classified into three classes, from A to C, depending on the severity of the crime and criminal history. The most serious is a “Class A” misdemeanor. If a person is charged with a misdemeanor, they will stand trial in an Indiana misdemeanor court.

Juvenile Court – If a person is charged with a crime, and they are under 17 years old, they will generally stand trial in an Indiana juvenile court. In the case that a crime is a typical juvenile offense, such as trespassing or petty theft, they will remain in the juvenile court system. However, in the case that the crime committed is a serious or egregious offense, minors may be tried as adults in felony court. It largely depends on the state in which the crimes originated.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer

David E. Lewis Criminal Defense Attorney

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

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 when you need an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer that stops at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. With extensive trial and litigation experience, and a drive that never stops, Attorney David E. Lewis will build a strong defense and impactful defense against your Indiana criminal charges. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis, IN.