Hendricks County Juvenile Defense Attorneys for Indiana Juvenile Offenses

Facing juvenile criminal charges in Hendricks County is a serious matter that can impact your child’s future. Indiana’s juvenile justice system may focus on rehabilitation, but it also imposes strict consequences under the Indiana Juvenile Code for offenses committed by minors. Even though these cases are handled in juvenile court, the stakes can be high – ranging from detention to lasting records. As experienced Indiana juvenile criminal lawyers, we understand the gravity of the situation and are here to protect your child’s rights while guiding your family through every step.

Juvenile cases in Hendricks County are heard at the county’s superior Court Three in Danville. If your son or daughter has been accused of a crime – whether it’s a school-related incident or a serious felony – Brian Johnson and Kellie Pillar can provide skilled, compassionate representation. We know how local prosecutors and judges handle juvenile matters, and we will fight to keep the case in the juvenile system whenever possible, focusing on rehabilitation over punishment.

Serious Consequences Under the Indiana Juvenile Code

Many parents assume that because a case is in juvenile court, the outcome will be “just a slap on the wrist.” In reality, Indiana law can treat juvenile offenses with significant consequences to hold youth accountable and protect public safety. If a child is found to be a “delinquent child” (the juvenile court’s equivalent of a conviction), they can face penalties that affect their freedom, education, and future opportunities. In Hendricks County and throughout Indiana, juvenile judges have broad discretion to impose tough sanctions – which is why having a knowledgeable juvenile defense attorney is so critical.

Under the Indiana Juvenile Code, possible outcomes for a delinquent act include probation with strict conditions, formal apologies or restitution to victims, and even removal from the home. The court can require counseling or substance abuse treatment, mandate community service, or place the youth on house arrest or curfew. In more serious cases, judges may order a juvenile to be taken into custody at a youth detention center or committed to the Indiana Department of Correction’s juvenile division. This means your child could be sent to a secure juvenile facility (such as the state juvenile correctional facility in Plainfield) for months or even years, depending on the offense. Clearly, these are life-altering penalties – not something any family takes lightly.

A delinquency finding can also cast a long shadow over your child’s future. Juvenile records do not automatically disappear at age 18; they remain on file unless you take action to have them expunged. If not handled properly, a youthful mistake could show up on background checks for college, employment, or military service. With stakes like these, it’s crucial to approach a juvenile case with the same seriousness as an adult criminal charge.

Common Juvenile Offenses in Hendricks County

Hendricks County sees a range of juvenile cases, from minor misbehavior to very serious charges. Our firm has experience defending youths in Central Indiana for many types of allegations. Some common juvenile offenses we handle include:

• Drug Possession or Alcohol Offenses: Teenagers caught with marijuana, alcohol, vaping products, or other controlled substances can face delinquency charges. What might seem like a minor infraction (for example, a small amount of marijuana or pills at school) is still illegal for minors in Indiana. A drug or alcohol-related offense can lead to probation, mandatory drug education programs, and even a suspension of driving privileges. More severe cases like dealing drugs at school or possession of harder substances can result in detention or being labeled a delinquent for a substance-related felony.
• School Fights and Threats: Incidents that happen on school grounds often carry over into the juvenile court. If your child was involved in a fight, they could be charged with battery or assault. Verbal or written threats (including social media posts) may lead to charges such as intimidation or even school terroristic mischief in extreme cases. Schools in Avon, Brownsburg, Plainfield, and other Hendricks County communities are quick to involve law enforcement for fights or threats to student safety. A momentary lapse in judgment – an altercation in a hallway or a threatening comment made out of anger – can result in your teen being arrested and facing a court appearance. These offenses are treated seriously, especially given concerns about school violence, so it’s vital to have a lawyer advocate for your child’s side of the story.
• Sharing Intimate Images (“Sexting”): What some teenagers consider flirting or a prank can actually violate Indiana’s child exploitation and pornography laws. If a minor takes or shares sexually explicit photos of themselves or another minor (even a consensual boyfriend/girlfriend situation), they could be charged under laws intended to punish child pornographers. For instance, a teen who forwards a nude image of a classmate could technically be accused of distributing child pornography – a felony offense. Indiana has not carved out a special exception for teen sexting, so prosecutors have the discretion to file extremely serious charges. Beyond the legal penalties, these cases carry a stigma that can haunt a young person. We understand the sensitive nature of such allegations and work to prevent an impulsive act from destroying your child’s reputation and future.

Potential Penalties for Juvenile Offenses in Indiana

The juvenile justice system’s primary goals are rehabilitation and public safety. However, that doesn’t mean the consequences are mild. If your child is adjudicated delinquent (found responsible for the offense), the court can impose a range of penalties such as:

• Probation and Strict Conditions: Many juveniles are placed on probation, requiring them to check in with a probation officer and follow rules set by the court. Conditions may include curfews, attending school with good behavior, random drug testing, and avoiding contact with certain people. A violation of probation terms can result in harsher sanctions, so compliance is critical.
• Juvenile Detention or Placement: For more serious cases or repeat issues, the judge can order the youth to be confined. This might mean short-term detention in a juvenile facility or a longer commitment to a juvenile correctional institution run by the state. Indiana operates secure youth facilities where juveniles live under supervision and must complete programs. Time in custody can range from a few days to several months or beyond, depending on the offense and progress in rehabilitation.
• Community Service and Programs: The court often tries to instill accountability through community-based penalties. Your child may have to perform a certain number of community service hours, participate in anger management or substance abuse classes, or attend educational programs (for example, a theft prevention class for a shoplifting case). They might also be ordered to write apology letters or pay restitution if someone’s property was damaged.
• Fines and Driver’s License Impact: The court can impose fines (paid by the parent or juvenile) or court costs. In some cases, especially involving drugs or alcohol, Indiana law allows the suspension of a juvenile’s driver’s license or a delay in obtaining a license until a certain age as an added deterrent.
• Sex Offender Registration: One of the most severe penalties a juvenile can face is being required to register as a sex offender. We will discuss this in detail below, but it’s important to know that even a minor without any adult criminal conviction can be forced onto the sex offender registry in certain circumstances – a consequence that carries tremendous long-term restrictions and stigma.
• 
  

Any combination of these outcomes can be ordered by the juvenile court judge, tailored to the specific case. Our role as Indiana juvenile defense attorneys is to advocate for an outcome that protects your child’s future – whether that means diversion (an informal resolution that avoids a formal record), probation instead of detention, or minimizing the terms so they can move forward with their life.

Being Tried as an Adult: Waiver to Adult Court

One of the most alarming risks in serious juvenile cases is the possibility of waiver to adult court. Indiana law provides that for certain grave offenses, or for older teenagers, the case may be removed from the juvenile system entirely. This means your 16- or 17-year-old could be tried just like an adult in the regular criminal court, with adult-level charges and penalties. In Hendricks County, these “waiver” or direct-file cases would go to the adult criminal docket in the Hendricks County Court system (since the juvenile jurisdiction would be waived).

Which cases can be waived? Generally, the older the youth and the more serious the charge, the more likely a waiver. Indiana statutes outline several scenarios:

• Automatic Adult Charges (Statutory Exclusion): For certain offenses, if the child was 16 or older, the law mandates adult court jurisdiction. These include some of the most serious felonies, such as murder, rape, armed robbery causing injury, kidnapping, and certain firearm or drug dealing offenses. In these instances, the juvenile court “has no jurisdiction” – meaning the prosecutor files the case directly in adult court from the start. For example, a 17-year-old accused of dealing narcotics or a 16-year-old charged with rape would be directly charged as an adult under Indiana law.
• Discretionary Waiver (Judge’s Decision): If the child is 14 or older and charged with a felony that is particularly serious or part of a pattern of offenses, the prosecutor can request a waiver hearing. The juvenile judge will consider factors like the child’s age, the nature of the offense, past delinquency history, and whether the juvenile system’s rehabilitative programs would be enough to protect the community. For instance, a 15-year-old involved in a violent aggravated battery or repeated felony-level thefts might face a waiver hearing. The court may waive jurisdiction if it finds the offense was heinous or part of a repetitive pattern, that the youth is beyond rehabilitation in juvenile system, and that adult trial is in the community’s best interest.
• Mandatory Waiver for Prior Offenders: Indiana follows a “once an adult, always an adult” rule. If a youth has been waived to adult court before, or has a prior adult criminal conviction for a felony or serious misdemeanor, any new felony charge must be filed in adult court.In other words, a teenager who was previously tried as an adult will automatically be treated as an adult for subsequent offenses, no matter how minor the new charge might seem. This makes it especially important to avoid that first transfer to adult court if at all possible.
• 
  

Being prosecuted as an adult is a drastic turn of events for a minor. Adult court means the child will have a permanent adult criminal record if convicted, and they face adult sentencing guidelines – potentially years in prison, hefty fines, and a public record of conviction. Furthermore, a youth held in adult jail or prison loses access to the specialized rehabilitation programs of the juvenile system and may be placed among adult offenders. We strive vigorously to prevent waiver to adult court. As your attorneys, we will argue to keep the case in juvenile court where the focus is on guidance and treatment, not just punishment. If your child’s case has already been filed in adult court, we can sometimes petition for a transfer back to juvenile (if the law allows) or, at the very least, handle the adult criminal defense with the goal of protecting the young person’s future.

Sex Offenses and Juvenile Sex Offender Registration

Sex-related allegations against juveniles are uniquely serious. Not only do these cases carry the possibility of severe penalties and even adult prosecution, but Indiana law can also require a juvenile to register as a sex offender in certain situations. It is shocking for many parents to learn that a child can be forced onto the sex offender registry without any adult conviction – but it does happen under the Indiana Juvenile Code.

Examples of juvenile sex offenses include charges like child molestation and sexual battery, or the previously mentioned sexting scenarios where explicit images are shared. If a juvenile court finds the young person committed a sex offense, the court holds a special hearing to determine if the child should be designated as a sex or violent offender for registry purposes. The judge does not order registration in every case, but they have the authority to do so if certain legal standards are met. Specifically, Indiana law requires the State to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the youth is likely to reoffend sexually before the court can force a juvenile to register as a sex offender. This is a high burden of proof, and for good reason – being on the registry is highly punitive and can derail a young life.

If the court does impose registration, the consequences are far-reaching. Your child’s name, photo, and offense details could become part of the Indiana Sex Offender Registry. This status can restrict where they live and go to school, limit job and college opportunities, and subject them to ongoing monitoring by law enforcement. In some cases, juveniles required to register might not be listed on the public registry until they reach adulthood, but the requirements begin immediately (for instance, checking in regularly with authorities, notifying of address changes, etc.). Once the person turns 18, they may remain on the public registry for many years or even for life, depending on the offense and Indiana’s registry rules.

We are exceptionally mindful of the high stakes in juvenile sex offense cases. We work diligently to challenge the evidence and prevent a delinquency adjudication if possible, or to avoid a registry requirement even if the court finds the offense occurred. We may bring in psychological experts or rehabilitation specialists to show that your child is not a predator and does not pose a future risk, countering the prosecution’s push for registration. Protecting a young client from the scarlet letter of sex offender status is one of the most critical roles we play as juvenile defense lawyers. Even in a case of consensual teenage sexual conduct or youthful misjudgment, the prosecution might attempt to apply harsh adult-like penalties – and it’s our job to make the court see your child as a person deserving of a second chance.

Why You Need an Experienced Hendricks County Juvenile Lawyer

When your child’s future is on the line, you need an attorney who knows Indiana’s juvenile laws inside and out, and who has experience with the Hendricks County juvenile court system. Juvenile cases are not the same as adult criminal cases – the procedures, terminology, and objectives differ in many ways. Our legal team has decades of combined experience defending young clients in Hendricks County (including Avon, Brownsburg, Danville, Plainfield, and surrounding areas) and across Central Indiana. We understand the local court rules, the tendencies of the judges and prosecutors handling juvenile matters, and the resources available for youth offenders. This local knowledge can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case.

As skilled Indiana juvenile criminal lawyers, we will thoroughly investigate the allegations against your child and build a strong defense. That includes examining police reports, school records, witness statements, and any available video or electronic evidence (texts, social media, etc.). We are often able to find weaknesses in the State’s case – for example, violations of your child’s rights during a school interrogation or search, unreliable witness testimony, or simply lack of proof. When we find these issues, we use them to seek dismissal of the charges or to negotiate a better resolution. In many situations, we can argue for alternatives like diversion or informal adjustment (where your child completes a program or community service and the case is dismissed without a formal record). Our first priority is always to protect your child’s future and avoid a lasting delinquency adjudication if at all possible.

Just as important as our legal acumen is our approach to working with young clients and their families. We pride ourselves on being compassionate advocates who understand that good kids can make mistakes and that one incident should not define their entire life. From the first consultation, we take the time to listen to you and your child, answer all your questions, and address your fears. We know that navigating the juvenile justice process can be overwhelming for a parent – the terminology, the court hearings, and the possibility of detention or other penalties is frightening. Our attorneys will walk you through each step, from the initial detention hearing (where it’s decided if your child can go home or must stay in detention) to the fact-finding (trial) and disposition (sentencing) phases. We make sure you understand what is happening and what the options are at every juncture. You will never feel alone in this process; we are by your side, fighting for your family’s rights and guiding you toward the best possible outcome.

Protecting Your Child’s Future – Contact Us for Help

A juvenile offense does not have to ruin your child’s life. With proper legal representation, many of the worst outcomes – unnecessary detention, being tried as an adult, a permanent record or sex offender registration – can be avoided. Our goal as your defense attorney is to resolve the case in a way that allows your child to learn and grow from the experience without enduring lifelong consequences. We treat each case with the utmost care, because we know we’re not just handling a legal matter – we’re protecting a young person’s future and a family’s peace of mind.

If your son or daughter has been charged with an offense under the Indiana Juvenile Code in Hendricks County, don’t wait to seek help. Early intervention by a knowledgeable juvenile lawyer is key to building a strong defense and exploring options like diversion before they disappear. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation. We will review the details of the case, explain your child’s rights and options, and start crafting a plan to achieve the best outcome. In this difficult time, let our experienced and compassionate team be your ally. Call us now – we are ready to stand by your family and fight for your child’s future every step of the way.

Call (317) 718-7000 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.