Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Indianapolis
At Colasessano Law Office LLC, we understand what families are up against when a child faces criminal charges. Led by Attorney Gary L. Colasessano, our firm brings more than 30 years of experience in Indiana criminal courts to every juvenile case we handle. Gary Colasessano began his career as a public defender, which gives us a practical understanding of how prosecutors approach cases against young people. It’s a perspective that shapes how we build every defense, from the first hearing through the last.
The Indianapolis juvenile justice system emphasizes rehabilitation and second chances rather than punishment, but that doesn’t make the stakes any lower. Procedural deadlines are tight, the risk of detention is real, and in serious cases, prosecutors may seek to transfer a child to adult criminal court. Families who involve a juvenile defense attorney early can have more options available. We work closely with families throughout the process, pursuing outcomes that aim to protect both the child’s rights and their future.
We offer free consultations and respond quickly by phone, text, or email. If your child has been accused of a crime in Indianapolis or Marion County, call us at (317) 203-8541 to speak with Attorney Colasessano directly.
Dedicated Juvenile Defense in Indianapolis
Juvenile defense requires command of both Indiana criminal law and the family court framework that governs how cases are heard and resolved. We adapt our approach to where the case stands, whether that means pursuing a negotiated resolution or preparing for a contested hearing, and we prepare every case as though it will go to trial. That preparation can give us real leverage during negotiations and ensures we’re fully ready if a hearing becomes contested.
From initial assessment through court representation, our focus is on strategic preparation and strong advocacy:
- Strategic, Case-Specific Defense: Every case is different. We build defenses around a thorough evaluation of the facts, not a generic template.
- Trial-Ready Negotiations: Because we prepare thoroughly from the start, our trial readiness can give us meaningful leverage when negotiating on a client’s behalf.
- Consistent Communication: We provide transparent updates and are available to answer questions throughout the process. No one in our clients’ families should feel left in the dark.
Why Families in Indianapolis Choose Colasessano Law Office LLC
Gary Colasessano’s time as a public defender gave him direct insight into how prosecutors think and how to anticipate their strategies before they unfold. That background, combined with more than 30 years of courtroom advocacy, shapes how we approach every juvenile case we take on.
- 30+ Years of Experience: We handle complex state and federal criminal matters confidently, including serious charges that other attorneys may avoid.
- Direct Attorney Access: Every client works with Attorney Colasessano, not associates or staff. Calls and messages are returned quickly, often the same day.
- Honest, Straightforward Guidance: We communicate clearly at every stage, including when the truth about a case is difficult to hear.
Our fees are competitive and reflect a commitment to accessible representation. Many clients return to our firm over many years because they trust the preparation, the communication, and the direct access they receive. That kind of ongoing relationship reflects what we believe representation should look like.
What to Expect When You Work with Us
Important procedural steps happen quickly after a child is taken into custody. Under Indiana Code 31-37-6-2, if a child isn’t released from custody, a detention hearing must be held within 48 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. Early legal involvement gives families more room to act at every stage that follows.
Here’s how the process works when you bring a juvenile case to Colasessano Law Office LLC:
- Initial Consultation: We discuss the facts of your child’s case and establish a clear defense plan from the start.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We conduct a thorough investigation to understand the full picture before forming a strategy.
- Pre-Trial Preparation: We prepare for both contested hearings and negotiated outcomes, so we’re ready for whatever direction the case takes.
- Court Representation: We represent your child’s interests at every proceeding, from the detention hearing through the dispositional hearing.
- Post-Case Support: When the case concludes, we provide guidance on next steps, including options like juvenile record expungement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Are Juvenile Cases Different from Adult Cases in Indianapolis?
Juvenile cases in Indianapolis are handled in the Marion County Superior Court Juvenile Division and focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. The court doesn’t convict a minor of a crime; it adjudicates the child as delinquent if the alleged offense would be a crime if committed by an adult. That distinction matters because it preserves more opportunities for rehabilitative outcomes, including diversion programs, counseling, and community-based alternatives to detention. Our firm works to connect clients with resources that support the court’s rehabilitative mission while building the strongest possible defense.
What Should I Do If My Child Is Accused of a Crime?
Contact a juvenile defense attorney immediately. Reach out to Colasessano Law Office LLC to schedule a consultation, and do not allow your child to speak with police or investigators without legal counsel present. Any statement your child makes can affect the outcome of the case, and courts closely scrutinize whether statements by juveniles were made voluntarily and knowingly given the child’s age. The sooner we’re involved, the more options we can have to protect your child’s rights from the outset.
How Does Colasessano Law Office LLC Build a Defense for Juvenile Clients?
We start with a detailed assessment of the facts. Attorney Colasessano’s background as a former public defender directly informs how we anticipate prosecution strategy when building a defense. From there, we conduct a thorough investigation, work with relevant experts when the case calls for it, and prepare for both trial and negotiation. That groundwork is what can give us leverage during plea discussions and confidence in the courtroom.
Can a Juvenile Be Tried as an Adult in Indiana?
Yes. In Indiana, a juvenile can be waived to adult criminal court when the alleged offense is serious. Waiver may be required when the act would constitute murder or a Level 1, 2, 3, or 4 felony if committed by an adult. Children who are 16 or older may also face waiver for certain drug felonies. A waiver hearing is one of the most consequential moments in a juvenile case, and having a juvenile defense lawyer prepared to contest that transfer can make a real difference in what happens next.
Can a Juvenile Record Be Expunged in Indiana?
Most juvenile records in Indiana can be expunged. In some cases, expungement isn’t automatic after the case closes, and the juvenile may need to petition the court after meeting eligibility requirements under Indiana’s juvenile expungement statutes. Whether and when expungement is available depends on the nature of the offense and the outcome of the case. We walk families through their post-case options so they understand what path forward looks like for their child.
Contact Colasessano Law Office LLC for a Free Consultation
When your child is facing charges in the Indianapolis juvenile justice system, the decisions you make in the first days matter. At Colasessano Law Office LLC, we offer honest guidance, direct attorney access, and the kind of preparation that takes every case seriously. We’re reachable by phone, text, or email, and we respond quickly.
Call us at (317) 203-8541 today for a free consultation with our Indianapolis juvenile crimes attorney.
