Criminal Defense Attorneys in Indianapolis
When someone is charged with a criminal offense, facing criminal charges, or is worried about being accused of a crime, a criminal defense lawyer provides representation and resources. Criminal defense attorneys can help clients through the stages of the criminal justice process: allegations, arrest, prosecution, court appearances, conviction, post-trial issues, appeals, and beyond.
Before you ever face potential charges or go before a judge, arm yourself with accurate information about the criminal justice system. Our criminal law attorney can help. Give us a call for an initial consultation at 317-220-6056.
Types of Criminal Law Cases We Can Help With
Battery
Battery is handled via the state statute for intimidation and threats and no physical touching is required. A battery charge arises from touching someone or spreading your bodily fluids to them. Under the Indiana Code, battery can be a misdemeanor or felony and involves acting “rude, insolent, or angry” to cause harm.
Domestic Violence
In Indiana, the police, prosecutors, or judges may initiate court proceedings due to domestic violence evidence against a defendant. Domestic violence occurs between people in a family or personal relationship. Depending on the circumstances and seriousness, domestic violence may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor or Level 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 felony.
Failure to Pay Child Support
Failure to pay child support is punishable under Indiana law. Contact a criminal defense attorney to discuss your situation and if the prosecutor says you are already facing charges or arrest, work with a criminal defense lawyer to learn how your case could move from the family courts to the criminal courts.
Drug Crimes
Indiana drug offenses come with serious consequences including mandatory drug programs and incarceration. Although certain types of drugs and uses of drugs may be legal in other states, Indiana has somewhat stricter drug laws. Your consequences may depend on whether you are charged with possession, manufacture, cultivation, distribution, or another crime.
In addition to jail time and fines, you could face other consequences like the loss of professional licensure or damage to your reputation. Federal drug charges may require an appearance in federal court. If you have been charged with any type of drug crime or fear that you are about to be charged, a criminal defense attorney can help you understand the details of your case.
Disorderly Conduct
In Indiana, disorderly conduct is a charge that may apply to a wide variety of situations and is usually a Class B misdemeanor but sometimes elevates to a Level 6 felony. The charge often arises from circumstances involving fighting, unreasonable noise or movement, disruption of a lawful assembly, interfering with official business, and similar situations. Under the law, it must be shown that you “recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally” exhibited the behavior in question.
Property Crimes
Property crime includes theft, motor vehicle theft, burglary, embezzlement, arson, vandalism/criminal mischief, and more. A theft charge arises from an intent to deprive someone of property and can be a misdemeanor or felony. Burglary involves trespassing or breaking in to acquire someone else’s property. Robbery involves taking something by force or threat of force.
Alcohol and DUI Offenses
Impaired driving comes in many forms including operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substances. In Indiana, it is known as operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI). You could also be charged with reckless driving for impaired driving that endangers a person.
Why You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney
Your case deserves proper care and attention. You don’t have to rely on the public defender, who may be overwhelmed with many cases and unable to provide personalized attention. Criminal defense lawyers attend law school to learn how to represent people like you. A criminal lawyer helps you understand your options and builds a strong case on your behalf as a client.
A private law firm offers individualized assistance. You might be eligible for pretrial diversion, a plea bargain, or other arrangements. Criminal defense lawyers can spend time reviewing the details of your case to determine your potential options.
People with private criminal defense attorneys are more likely to avoid the most severe consequences. For example, data from the U.S. Bureau of Justice shows drug offenders convicted in criminal court receive shorter sentences with hired attorneys as opposed to court-appointed attorneys.
Zentz & Roberts- Criminal Defense Attorneys – Contact Us Today
If you have criminal charges, need to build a criminal defense, or want help navigating the criminal justice system, our Indianapolis criminal law attorneys can help. Contact our defense team at Zentz & Roberts, P.C. for a criminal case initial consultation by visiting us online or calling us at 317-220-6056. We do our best to get the best result for our clients.
***Please note: This page is not intended to give specific legal advice but is meant for information purposes only. Contact us to discuss your case***