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Griffith Criminal Defense Lawyers
Being convicted of a crime in Indiana can have devastating consequences. For instance, defendants who are convicted may be required to spend time in jail, pay expensive fines, and comply with the terms of probation, so it is critical that those who have been accused of a crime speak with experienced Griffith criminal defense lawyers who can help them begin formulating a defense.
Criminal Offenses
Criminal offenses in Indiana fall under a wide range of categories, including:
- Alcohol-related offenses, including driving while under the influence, public intoxication, and disorderly conduct;
- Traffic violations, such as speeding and reckless driving;
- Domestic violence or abuse;
- Theft crimes;
- White collar offenses, including fraud and embezzlement;
- Drug offenses, including possession, manufacture, and distribution of controlled substances;
- Crimes of violence, such as battery, assault, and homicide;
- Juvenile offenses; and
- Probation violations.
The severity of the penalties faced by those who are accused of committing these types of offenses depends on a number of factors, including the defendant’s prior criminal record and whether the crime is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.
Misdemeanor Offenses
Under Indiana law, defendants who are accused of committing a crime can be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanor crimes, although they should still be taken seriously, are generally less serious than felonies and so often come with reduced penalties. Misdemeanor crimes are classified into three groups: Class A, Class B, and Class C.
Class A misdemeanors, such as theft, deceptive checks, and welfare fraud are the most severe type of misdemeanor offenses and are punishable by up to a year in jail and as much as $5,000 in fines. Class B misdemeanor offenses, such as public intoxication, on the other hand, are considered less serious and so carry the less severe penalty of up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Class C misdemeanors, such as trespassing and possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana, are punishable by up to two months in jail and a $500 fine.
Felony Offenses
Unlike misdemeanor crimes, felony offenses, which are divided into the following six levels, are considered to be much more serious:
- Level 1 felonies, such as aggravated rape, are punishable by between 20 and 40 years imprisonment;
- Level 2 felonies, such as voluntary manslaughter, carry a penalty of between10 and 30 years imprisonment;
- Level 3 felonies, such as aggravated battery, come with a penalty of between three and 16 years imprisonment;
- Level 4 felonies, such as arson, come with a prison sentence of between two and 12 years;
- Level 5 felonies, such as involuntary manslaughter, are punishable by between one and six years imprisonment; and
- Level 6 felonies, such as vehicle theft, are the least serious type of felony and come with a potential prison sentence of between six months and two and a half years.
Fortunately, it is possible for lower level felony charges to be reduced to the less severe Class A misdemeanor, but only if certain requirements are met.
Experienced Griffith Criminal Defense Lawyers
If you need help understanding your own pending criminal charges or need assistance planning your defense, please contact the dedicated Griffith criminal defense lawyers at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock P.C. today.
