Criminal Defense
Know your criminal defense options
Talking to a criminal defense attorney may be the most important thing you do. If you are being investigated for or charged with a crime, it is vital that you talk to an experienced attorney before you talk to anyone else. We handle all types of criminal cases ranging from misdemeanor marijuana offenses to major felonies. We can also help with probation violations, sentence modifications, expunging your criminal record, and obtaining specialized driving privileges.
Know your rights
- You have the right to remain silent. Use it! Do not discuss the events or your case with law enforcement. Ask for a lawyer immediately. You have the right to have an attorney present during any questioning.
- Never consent to a search. Law enforcement may decide to search anyway, but if you have not given your consent, you may be able to argue the search was a violation of your constitutional rights.
Remember… during any interaction with law enforcement, you should always be respectful and cooperative. Obey their commands, be courteous, never touch an officer or resist. Doing so only creates more problems.
Indiana Criminal Offenses
In 2015, the Indiana Legislature made significant changes to the criminal code for the first time in over 30 years. The categories of offenses and sentencing ranges for those offenses were amended and are now as follows:
| Murder | 45 to 65 years | 55 years | $10,000 |
| Level 1 Felony | 20 to 40 years | 30 years | $10,000 |
| Level 2 Felony | 10 to 30 years | 17.5 years | $10,000 |
| Level 3 Felony | 3 to 16 years | 9 years | $10,000 |
| Level 4 Felony | 2 to 12 years | 6 years | $10,000 |
| Level 5 Felony | 1 to 6 years | 3 years | $10,000 |
| Level 6 Felony | 6 months to 2.5 years | 1.5 years | $10,000 |
| Class A Misdemeanor | Not more than 1 year | $5,000 | |
| Class B Misdemeanor | Not more than 180 days | $1,000 | |
| Class C Misdemeanor | Not more than 60 days | $500 |
DUI/OWI
People often think there is no defense for a charge of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Operating While Intoxicated (OWI). However, that is not always the case.
An effective, experienced advocate can question why you were stopped, the reliability or validity of any tests administered, whether there was sufficient probable cause for your arrest or any other issue that may arise.
These charges can have a significant impact on your driving privileges and the charges are more severe if you have a prior conviction. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.
Probation Violations
Our attorneys have experience in successfully negotiating and arguing sentencing in probation violation cases in Courts across central Indiana. If you have been charged with violating the terms of your probation, or fear that you will be, contact us to discuss the potential outcomes and what options you may have.
Expungements
A fresh start. That’s what the Indiana Legislature had in mind when it enacted the expungement statutes in 2013. While the media trains us to think of the more horrific criminal offenders, the truth is that the vast majority of criminal convictions are non-violent misdemeanors and low-level felonies entered against every day Hoosiers. Whatever crime you may have been convicted of, you must serve the sentence you are given. However, after you complete that sentence, you shouldn’t suffer the consequences of those past mistakes any longer.
Expunging your criminal record restores your civil rights, such as the right to vote and possess firearms. Additionally, potential employers and others cannot access criminal records that have been expunged and you can answer positively on a job application that inquires as to past convictions.
There are certain requirements to file expungement petitions, mostly that you have not had another conviction within five years for misdemeanor offenses and within eight years for most felony offenses. Contact us to see if you qualify.
Specialized Driving Privileges and Hardship Licenses
Most people who have had a license suspended need and deserve the opportunity to get back on the road. The law was expanded in recent years to enable more people to ‘get legal’ with their driving privileges. No matter how bad your driving record may be, most people qualify for some form of Specialized Driving Privileges. We can also request the Court waive costly BMV reinstatement fees.
