The Indiana Romeo and Juliet Myth: Why Your Child Still Faces Criminal Charges

** The Indiana Romeo and Juliet Myth: Why Your Child Still Faces Criminal Charges Recent youth policy conversations and school incidents keep this topic visible for parents. Understanding the reality helps you respond quickly and protect young rights. ** The Indiana Romeo and Juliet Myth: Why Your Child Still Faces Criminal Charges is treated as specific close-in-age rules. These rules rarely remove charges entirely in practice. ** State rules set strict age gaps and documentation requirements. Prosecutors often file standard charges because legislative carve outs are narrow. Studies indicate mandatory minimums and zero tolerance norms override common sense expectations. Parents assume automatic protection, but gaps in the law still create risk. ** Close in age defenses exist but depend on precise facts and local precedent. You need a lawyer to interpret rules and challenge overreach. ** Can a close in age defense actually work here? Yes, if evidence fits narrow statutory exceptions and timelines. Should you contact a lawyer immediately after an accusation? Always, because early advocacy shapes charging decisions and record outcomes.