Juvenile Delinquency

Juvenile Delinquency Defense Attorneys in
Lafayette, Bloomington, and Anderson, Indiana

If your child is arrested on criminal charges, he or she may face juvenile delinquency proceedings. Juvenile delinquency proceedings are the court equivalent to criminal charges for children under the age of 18. Serious juvenile crimes can also result in waiver to adult court. If your child is detained by police on criminal allegations, it is important to contact an attorney immediately. During a juvenile criminal investigation, your child has the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Our Lafayette, Anderson, and Bloomington juvenile delinquency defense attorneys can protect your child’s rights.

Informal Adjustment: Avoiding Juvenile Delinquency Proceedings

For certain less serious juvenile crimes, it may be possible to avoid juvenile delinquency proceedings by entering into an Informal Adjustment Agreement. This is an agreement that must be approved by all parties and can resolve the case without formal court proceedings. Informal adjustment usually requires the child to complete certain obligations, such as community service or counseling, within a certain period of time. The early involvement of an experienced juvenile delinquency defense attorney can help in seeking informal adjustment.

Lafayette, Bloomington, and Anderson, Indiana Juvenile Crimes Defense Lawyers

If your child is accused of a crime, it is important to hire an attorney immediately. Juvenile crimes have different procedures than adult court and important things happen early in a case. Gibson Law Office only handles criminal cases and our Bloomington, Anderson, and Lafayette juvenile delinquency lawyers can help you understand the juvenile delinquency process and defend your child’s rights. With offices in Monroe, Madison, and Tippecanoe County, our attorneys defend cases statewide.

Lafayette and Anderson Juvenile Delinquency Defense: Waiver to Adult Court

If the State seeks to waive your child to adult court, experienced legal representation is essential. Children at least 14 years old can be waived to adult court if they are alleged to have committed a felony that is heinous or aggravated, or if they have a pattern of delinquent behavior.

Children at least 16 years of age can be waived to adult court for certain drug crimes or charges that would be a Class A felony or Class B felony. A juvenile criminal defense attorney can fight waiver by presenting evidence that 1) your child can be rehabilitated in the juvenile justice system and 2) it would be in the best interests of the child and the welfare of the community for the child to remain in the juvenile justice system.

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If your child is accused of a crime, the court procedures may seem confusing and even frightening. Important court hearings take place quickly after an arrest or allegation, and obtaining legal representation is critical to protecting your child’s rights. Our attorneys always meet with prospective clients for free so that we can understand your case and give you feedback on possible defenses and strategy. With offices in Lafayette, Anderson and Bloomington, Indiana, we are a statewide criminal defense firm. If you are seeking the best possible result for your child, call us for a free consultation.

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Juvenile Crimes Can Result in Secured Detention

If a Juvenile Delinquency petition is filed, the State may seek to have your child taken into custody. An experienced juvenile defense attorney can present evidence at the detention hearing that your child is not a risk to the community and is best supervised at home by his or her parents.

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Talk to an experienced criminal attorney now.

You need to act fast to protect your rights. Certain defenses and motions must be filed prior to deadlines set by the court. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys will develop a strategy to attack the evidence in your case. Schedule a free consultation now.

Juvenile Delinquency