Felony Defense Attorney in Lake County, Indiana
A felony charge threatens your freedom, your job, and your record, and we build every felony case as if it's headed to trial, because that preparation is what actually changes outcomes.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
A felony charge is frightening precisely because you don't know what it means yet. You don't know what level of felony you're facing, what the realistic range of outcomes looks like, or whether the person defending you is actually prepared to take your case to trial if that's what it takes. We've handled serious felony matters throughout Lake and Porter County for nearly a century of combined experience across our attorney team, and we sit down with you directly, not through a paralegal, to walk through what you're actually up against.
What Level Is Your Felony Charge?
Indiana grades felonies by letter and number, and understanding where your charge falls matters more than most people realize when they're first arrested.
- Level 6 felony is the least severe classification, often involving charges like certain drug possession or theft offenses, and carries six months to two and a half years.
- Level 5 felony covers more serious offenses and carries one to six years, common in cases involving battery resulting in injury or certain drug-related charges.
- Level 4 felony applies to offenses like burglary of a dwelling or certain drug dealing charges, carrying two to twelve years.
- Level 3 felony includes offenses such as armed robbery or aggravated battery, carrying three to sixteen years.
- Level 2 and Level 1 felonies represent the most serious non-murder charges under Indiana Law, with sentencing ranges that can extend to decades in prison.
- Murder is classified separately from the numbered felony levels and carries its own sentencing structure under Indiana law.
How We Build Your Defense
We Prepare for Trial. That's Why We Rarely Go.
Prosecutors know the difference between a firm that's building toward a plea and a firm that's building toward trial. When we prepare your case as if it's going in front of a jury, from the earliest filings through discovery, it changes how the prosecution approaches your case from day one.
A Felony Charge Is Not a Conviction
The gap between being charged and being convicted is where your defense lives, and it's often wider than people assume when they're scared and facing their first court date. We use your free consultation to walk through the specific evidence against you, the realistic range of outcomes, and what a genuine defense looks like in your situation.
Federal Felony Matters
When a felony charge crosses into federal court, Larry Stassin's admission to the U.S. District Courts and the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals means our firm can carry your defense through that system directly, without referring you out to an attorney you've never met.
Honest Answers for You and Your Family
Families of people facing felony charges are often more frightened than the person charged, and they deserve clear information as much as you do. We explain each stage of the process in plain language, including the realistic outcomes, not just the hopeful ones, so your family understands what's actually happening.
Felony Defense Questions We Hear Often
What's the difference between a Level 6 and a Level 1 felony in Indiana?
Level 6 is the least severe felony classification, carrying up to two and a half years, while Level 1 is among the most serious, carrying up to 40 years or more depending on the offense. The level assigned to your charge depends on the specific offense and any aggravating factors, which we can walk through during your free consultation.Will I go to prison if I'm convicted of a felony?
Not necessarily. Indiana law allows for alternatives like probation, community corrections, or suspended sentences depending on the felony level, your criminal history, and the specifics of your case, and a strong defense often shapes which of these outcomes is available to you.Do you handle felony cases in Porter County as well as Lake County?
Yes, we represent clients facing felony charges throughout both Lake County and Porter County courts, including Crown Point, Valparaiso, and the surrounding areas. We're local attorneys who know these courts and the people in them.How much does it cost to hire a felony defense attorney?
We offer a free consultation to review your charge and discuss fees before you commit to anything. Felony defense fees vary based on the complexity and level of the charge, and we'll give you a clear answer during that first conversation.What should I do if I've already been arrested and charged?
Contact an attorney before you speak further with police or prosecutors, even if you believe you can explain your side clearly. Anything you say can be used against you, and a felony charge moves quickly through the court system, so early representation matters.Can a felony charge be reduced or dismissed?
Sometimes, depending on the strength of the evidence, procedural issues, and how the case is built from the start. This is exactly why trial-ready preparation matters even in cases that ultimately resolve through negotiation.
Understanding your felony charge is the first step, and it's one you shouldn't take alone. We offer free consultations across Lake and Porter County so you can get honest answers about your case before you decide anything.