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Indianapolis Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Indianapolis Lawyer

Each year, anywhere from 25,000 to 35,000 juveniles will be arrested for committing criminal offenses in the state of Indiana. Juveniles must adhere to state criminal laws, but because they are minors, they cannot be prosecuted through the same system as adult offenders. Indiana, therefore, set up a special system for juveniles in family court and provided special rules and regulations that juveniles must follow. If your child has been accused of violating the law in Indiana, it is important to hire the right Indianapolis juvenile defense lawyer. The right lawyer has a keen understanding of both Indiana criminal law and family law and knows how important the outcome of your child’s case is for your family.

At Eskew Law, we focus on providing clients and their families with a unique experience. Rather than focusing only on finishing your case as quickly as possible, we devote time, energy, and attention to ensuring that the representation we provide matches your expectations and needs. At a consultation with our experienced criminal defense lawyers, we will discuss how to tackle juvenile delinquency allegations, explain the law, and formulate a plan of action. We provide the dedicated legal defense you deserve, and defense strategies that succeed. To schedule a consultation, call Eskew Law now at 317-942-3942.

What Is Juvenile Delinquency?

Juvenile delinquency is a term used to describe when a minor commits a criminal offense or another violation of the law associated with minors, such as a curfew violation. The Indiana Code sets forth a slew of crimes and their penalties, all of which a knowledgeable Indianapolis juvenile defense attorney at Eskew Law can explain further, if necessary. While juveniles must abide by these laws just like adults, they cannot be prosecuted or punished like adults. Instead, they go through the juvenile delinquency process, which is a more private process that focuses more on rehabilitation and providing services to troubled youth.

A juvenile is a minor under the age of eighteen. A delinquent child is a juvenile who commits an act defined as a crime in the Indiana Code and needs treatment or assistance that he/she is not receiving or refuses to accept without the intervention of a judge. While the law usually places discretion in the hands of parents on how to raise their children, it may intervene when a minor commits a criminal offense in hopes of rehabilitating the juvenile. Offenses vary from burglary, robbery, theft, drug possession, underage drinking, OWI, weapons offenses, sex crimes, and more. Aside from criminal acts, other delinquent acts include:

  • Violating curfew
  • Routinely disobeying parents
  • Leaving the house without permission
  • Using fireworks that result in property damage
  • Skipping school or excessive tardiness without permission

If your child is accused of violating the law, the state may intervene and initiate a juvenile case. The judge may then impose orders, such as coordinating a counselor to work with your child, monitoring school attendance, and penalizing your child if any orders are violated.

Do Minors Ever Get Tried as an Adult?

There are times the State may attempt to try a juvenile as though they were an adult. The scenarios where that is possible are:

  • If the child is at least 14 years old and is charged with what would be a felony if committed by an adult. The crime must be extremely heinous or part of an ongoing pattern of criminal behavior. The state must also prove that the child is beyond the juvenile rehabilitation within the juvenile courts and that it is in the best interest of society to waive the child to adult court
  • If the child is over 16, the crime committed would be a felony if committed by an adult, and it is in the best interest of society to try the juvenile as an adult
  • Murder or rape if the child is over 10 years old
  • If the child is over 16 and the offense would be a level 1, 2, 3, or 4 Felony that is not drug-related, and it is in the best interest of society to try the child as an adult
  • If the child has a prior adult felony or non-traffic misdemeanor

If your child is being tried as an adult, you have even more reason to contact a dedicated juvenile defense lawyer in Indianapolis for help right away.

Contact an Indianapolis Juvenile Defense Attorney for a Case Evaluation

If your child has been charged with juvenile delinquency, you may be confused and worried about what will happen next. The skilled Indianapolis juvenile defense lawyers at Eskew Law can explain what to expect, how the process works, and how we can help your child. We take this privilege and responsibility seriously for all of our clients throughout Indianapolis and Central Indiana. To schedule an initial consultation, call Eskew Law at (317) 942-3942 or fill out our online contact form.

Next Steps

Step 01
Consultation

Meet with the attorney to discuss your legal issue. This initial meeting helps you understand their expertise and decide if they’re the right fit.

Step 02
Agreement

Review and sign a retainer agreement. This contract outlines the services, fees, and other essential terms.

Step 03
Documents

Gather and provide all relevant documents related to your case. This step helps your attorney build your case efficiently.

Step 04
Communication

Set expectations for how and when you’ll communicate with your attorney. Clear communication ensures that you stay informed throughout the process.

Indianapolis Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Testimonials

Great law firm. Very receptive and will do their best to accommodate all of your legal needs.
-Mark Bovey
Courtney was such an amazing person to work with! She was very efficient and helpful with handling my case. I was arrested on gun and drug possession charges in August of 2024 in Hancock County here in Indiana. I was very nervous and worried about the outcome on my case. I originally believed it would take a while to resolve but she was very adamant on me getting the very best outcome possible. The case was resolved in a very favorable manner of time and the outcome was even better than what I hoped for. Highly recommend 10/10! Go with COURTNEY!!!
-MAF Enterprises
I was represented by Attorney Yasmin Barker, and she went above and beyond for me in both my family and civil matters. She gave me excellent advice, clearly explained everything, and always had my best interests in mind. Yasmin was responsive, patient, and available whenever I had questions, and her team communicated efficiently when she wasn’t immediately available. She prepared all the necessary documentation and motions quickly and thoroughly, making sure I understood my rights and the long-term impact of every decision. I highly recommend Yasmin Barker and her team to any father looking for a knowledgeable, dedicated, and compassionate family law attorney. Great team, great resources, and exceptional service!
-Reynaldo Zarazua
I have been utilizing this firm for almost a decade for my family’s legal issues. I have literally had a great experience with all the staff. I highly recommend Eskew law to expeditiously get the ball rolling on your cases. They go far and beyond the call of duty to assist in any way they can . Everyone in that office is professional and genuinely concerned for their clients. !!!
-Kimmies Vacations
Indianapolis Lawyer

Is Eskew Law Right For You?

Facing legal issues can be very overwhelming. Defending against criminal charges, navigating a personal injury claim, and advocating for yourself during a family law case can be difficult when you’re also balancing all your other responsibilities. At Eskew Law, we know how challenging this time can be for you, and we are dedicated to making it easier for you and your family.

If you are looking for a compassionate lawyer serving Indianapolis with integrity and professionalism, look no further than Eskew Law. With over seventy-five years of experience serving clients in Indiana, we are confident that we can help you get the answers you need and reach the resolution you deserve in your case.

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