If you are facing criminal charges, you need legal advice. The consequences of your decisions now can have a long term impact on your life and career. Let us analyze your situation and make a recommendation concerning your legal options. Even if you plan to plead guilty, there is a lot you still need to know and legal representation is critical.
A critical right of criminal defendants is the right to a jury trial. Every defendant has the right to force the State to prove him/her guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. It is therefore important that the attorney you hire have courtroom experience to develop a sound case strategy, to effectively cross-examine the State’s witnesses and to protect your rights during this critical stage of your case. Our attorneys have this experience and are ready to defend your rights.
How Charges are Filed
After a police officer arrests an individual, the officer forwards a report to the county prosecutor’s office. The prosecutor, or a deputy prosecutor, then reviews the report and determines which, if any, charges to file. This decision to file charges is solely within the discretion of the prosecutor’s office. If the prosecutor decides to file charges, the prosecutor formally files charges in court and the criminal case begins.
The Court Process
If charges are filed against you, one of the first events in your case will be an initial hearing. At this hearing, the State may offer you a plea agreement. Your ultimate decision, and it is your decision to make, of whether to accept this plea agreement should not be made lightly. We encourage you to talk with an attorney before accepting any plea agreement so that whatever decision you make is an informed decision.
Charging Classes
Indiana law designates crimes as either felonies or misdemeanors. A felony conviction can carry severe penalties at sentencing and can result in long-term employment and civil rights implications. Other crimes are designated as misdemeanors, which carry lesser penalties, can still result in serious implications.
Some violations of the law, usually traffic related, are infractions. Infractions are not criminal in nature and as such only carry a monetary penalty. When charged with a traffic related infraction, it is important to speak with an attorney to understand the potential long-term consequences of what may seem like “just” a small ticket. Such a ticket, in combination with certain other driving offenses, could lead to an automatic license suspension or other administrative penalties.
Taking Your Case to Trial
A critical right of criminal defendants is the right to a jury trial. Every defendant has the right to force the State to prove him/her guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. It is therefore important that the attorney you hire have courtroom experience to develop a sound case strategy, to effectively cross-examine the State’s witnesses and to protect your rights during this critical stage of your case. Our attorneys have this experience and are ready to defend your rights.
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Traffic infractions and some criminal offenses must be reported to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and can impact your privilege to drive. It is important to know your rights and potential consequences of admitting to a traffic violation before make a determination on how to proceed with your case. Let us help you protect your driving record and ability to legally drive.