Criminal Defense Attorney Near Me

Although certain acts are criminalized by federal law, and so are tried in federal court, most criminal charges are handled by judges who preside over state courts. Because each state has a different understanding of what constitutes an offense, it is extremely important for defendants who have been charged with a crime in Indiana to have a thorough understanding of the state’s criminal code. This can be a daunting task for those who are not being advised by an attorney, so if you are being investigated for, or have already been charged with committing a crime in Indiana, you should strongly consider retaining an experienced criminal defense attorney near you who could be able to get your charges reduced or even dismissed.

Indiana’s Criminal Code

Indiana’s criminal code prohibits a wide range of illegal activity and conduct. However, most charges are based on allegations of the following offenses:

• Theft-related crimes, which are defined as intentionally exerting unauthorized control over someone else’s property, while intending to deprive that person or entity of its value;
• Possessing, selling, or manufacturing controlled substances, such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and even the compounds that are used to manufacture these drugs;
• Driving and alcohol-related offenses, which includes driving while intoxicated, as well as driving without insurance, or committing too many traffic violations;
• Weapons offenses, which includes carrying a weapon in public without a concealed weapons permit, and possessing or carrying a weapon after being convicted of a felony;
• Crimes of violence, including assault and battery, domestic violence, manslaughter, and murder.

All of these crimes, with the exception of some traffic infractions, qualify as either misdemeanors or felonies.

Misdemeanor Offenses

In Indiana, misdemeanor crimes are divided into three categories:

• Class A misdemeanors, which are the most serious type of misdemeanor, and as such, are punishable by up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine;
• Class B misdemeanors, which come with a six-month prison sentence and a $1,000 fine;
• Class C misdemeanors, which aside from infractions, are the least serious type of crime in Indiana and come with a sentence of $500 in fines and two months in jail.

Most of the misdemeanor offenses charged in Indiana state courts involve allegations of drug possession, DUI, public intoxication, or disorderly conduct.

Felony Crimes in Indiana

Crimes that involve serious financial or physical injury, such as assault and rape, are usually charged as felonies. Felony crimes are punishable by longer prison sentences and hefty fines and fall under one of six categories, with Level 1 felonies representing the most serious offenses and Level 6 felonies, the least serious felony crimes. Aside from jail time and fines, defendants who are convicted of felony offenses could be ordered to serve a term of probation, home detention, or work release, to perform community service, to attend alcohol or drug counseling, or to have their driver’s license suspended. The severity of a person’s sentence will depend in large part on the seriousness of the crime, the individual’s criminal record, and whether he or she expresses remorse.