When Can a Child be Tried as an Adult in Indiana?

Indiana has specific laws that apply to whether a child under the age of 18 can be tried as an adult for a crime. The circumstances differ depending on the age of the child, the crime they are alleged to have committed, and whether or not it’s their first offense. 

No matter what the situation, if your child has been accused of a crime that could result in them being charged as an adult, you need the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Razumich & Associates is focused on criminal defense, and our experienced attorneys have defended juveniles and adults against criminal charges in courts all across Indiana. 

Indiana’s Laws That Allow Juveniles to be Tried as Adults

There are a number of Indiana statutes that define when a child may be tried as an adult for a crime. The following laws require the prosecutor to make a motion to the juvenile court judge if the prosecutor seeks to try the child as an adult. In these cases, there must be a “full investigation and hearing” before the motion can be granted. 

Child’s Age: 12 or older

Crime: Murder

Child’s Age: 14 or older

Crimes: 

• Any felony that is “heinous or aggravated,” with crimes against people being given more weight than crimes against property. 
• Any felony that is part of a “repetitive pattern or delinquent acts,” even if they are less serious. 

Child’s age: 16 or older

Crimes: 

• Any felony that is one of a list of Offenses Relating to Controlled Substances 
• Any other felony that is a Level 1 through Level 4 felony
• Involuntary manslaughter charged as a Level 5 felony
• Reckless homicide charged as a Level 5 felony

Finally, in some cases, there is no hearing required and no lower age limit that applies. If the prosecutor makes a motion to try the juvenile as an adult, the court is required to grant the motion if the child is charged with what would be a felony and they have previously been convicted of a felony or a “nontraffic misdemeanor.” 

Razumich & Associates Can Defend Your Child if They Face Criminal Charges

If your child is facing juvenile charges – whether or not the prosecutor is seeking to try them as an adult – you need one of the experienced criminal defense attorneys from Razumich & Associates by your side to protect your child’s rights, defend them against the charges they face, and fight for their future. We know that juvenile cases are extremely important both because of the stress and anxiety that they can cause and because of the consequences of a juvenile conviction.

Call Razumich & Associates today at 317-983-5333 or use our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced juvenile defense attorneys. Your child’s future is important to both of you; let Razumich & Associates help protect it!