Juvenile Delinquency Overview

The Edward McGlone Law Office represents minors in Indiana state juvenile delinquency proceedings.  We handle cases in many counties in Indiana, including Greene, Hendricks, Owen, and Parke counties.

While we defend minors in an array of delinquency matters, we commonly handle cases involving:

• Vandalism
• Drugs
• Alcohol
• Theft
• Shoplifting

It is very common for parents to be extremely distraught when they learn their child has been accused of committing a delinquent act.  Some parents have the reaction that they wish to see their child convicted in order to "learn their lesson."  Of course, it is understandable when a parent wants that outcome, out of a desire to never see their child get into trouble again.  Nevertheless, many parents do not understand the full extent of what is at stake.  At the Edward McGlone Law Office, we believe it is important for all parents to know the following information about juvenile delinquency proceedings:

• A juvenile court adjudication that your child in fact committed an act of delinquency can impact college applications and other future opportunities.

• Although "learning a lesson" is an important goal, it does not cancel out the importance of your child receiving a fair trial, including quality legal representation.  The state should always be held to its burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

• The minor's attorney is the one person in the courtroom whose primary duty is to the minor.  It is vital that every child have someone to advocate for his or her best interests in delinquency proceedings.

• Defendants are innocent until proven guilty.  Remember that your child may be charged with something he or she did not actually do. 

• In many cases, going through the stressful and difficult process of the juvenile delinquency proceedings is enough in itself to teach a child not to misbehave again. 

• Although juvenile court proceedings may seem less formal than an adult criminal court proceeding, the charges and consequences in a given case may be extremely serious and have the potential to be life-changing for your child.

We Can Help

If your child has been charged with committing a delinquent act in Indiana, his or her future may be at stake.  An experienced juvenile delinquency lawyer can protect your son or daughter's rights and employ numerous legal strategies to help reach a satisfactory outcome in the case. 

For a free consultation, contact The Edward McGlone Law Office today, or call us at (812) 645-0809.