As a parent, learning that your child is facing juvenile charges can be scary. You might ask: Will this follow my child forever? In Indiana, juvenile cases work differently than adult cases. Many kids can move forward without a lifelong record.
By understanding the state’s laws and legal systems for juvenile offenders, you can better anticipate and protect your child’s future.
The goals of the Indiana juvenile justice system
Children aged 17 and below who commit offenses face Indiana’s juvenile law. Because of your child’s young age, the court may provide them a chance to avoid criminal charges or its harsh consequences after being found guilty of an offense. Indiana’s juvenile courts usually adhere to the “best interests of the child” with the primary goal of rehabilitation.
The state recognizes that children and adolescents still need cognitive and emotional development. Instead of punishment, the system aims to provide your child with necessary treatment to prevent future delinquent acts. However, juvenile court can still impose severe consequences, especially if your child is a repeat offender or facing serious allegations.
What is informal adjustment?
A juvenile case can lead to a delinquency adjudication, which is similar to a conviction in adult court. A delinquency finding can stay on your child’s record unless they take steps later to seal or expunge it. In many situations, your child must ask a judge for that relief.
If your child is a first-time offender or has committed a minor offense, Indiana offers a solution. The program, known as Informal Adjustment (IA) is a diversion process that allows your child to avoid a formal “delinquency” finding. Under an IA, the child and their parents enter into an agreement with the probation department.
Your child will agree to complete certain requirements within a period of up to six months. Requirements may include:
- Community service
- Apology letters or restorative justice programs
- Counseling or substance education
- Restitution (paying back for damage or loss)
- Curfew compliance or supervision check-ins
If your child successfully completes the terms of the IA, they will have no formal record of delinquency. Thus, this is often the best-case scenario for a child, as it prevents the case from moving forward in the court system.
Protecting your child’s future
While any involvement with the juvenile justice system is serious, Indiana’s system does not purposefully work against your child. In reality, young people have a genuine second chance. Facing a juvenile offense may not permanently derail your child’s future.
With legal guidance, your child’s juvenile charge may become a critical learning opportunity without being a lifelong burden. If your family is going through this difficult experience, consider reaching out to an experienced criminal defense attorney.
