Criminal Defense Attorney in Angola, IN

Although many criminal offenses fall under the jurisdiction of federal courts, most of those who are charged with crimes in Indiana end up in state court. For this reason, it is extremely important for those who have been accused of committing a criminal offense to consult with an experienced Angola criminal defense attorney who is well-versed in Indiana law and can help build a strong defense. 

The Indiana Criminal Code

Indiana’s criminal code defines a wide range of activities as criminal in nature, including:

• Traffic violations and driving offenses, such as operating a vehicle without a driver’s license;
• Alcohol-related crimes, such as driving while intoxicated, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication;
• Drug crimes, which includes the possession, manufacturing, or distribution of controlled substances, such as marijuana, cocaine, and heroin;
• Theft offenses, the penalties for which depend on the value of the items that were allegedly taken;
• Sexual offenses, including assault and rape;
• Weapons offenses, such as carrying a firearm despite not having a concealed weapons permit; and
• Crimes of violence, including assault and battery, as well as domestic violence.

Whether these offenses are charged as misdemeanors or felonies depends on a number of factors, including the accused’s prior criminal record, whether the offense resulted in harm to another person, and the defendant’s age. Certain crimes, however, can only be charged in accordance with specific and strict sentencing guidelines. 

Indiana Misdemeanors

Indiana law groups misdemeanor offenses into the following categories:

• Class A misdemeanors, which make up the most serious misdemeanor offenses, and include crimes, such as petty theft, and are punishable by up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine;
• Class B misdemeanors, such as public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and marijuana possession, and are punishable by less severe penalties than their Class A counterparts, including a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail; and
• Class C misdemeanors, such as first time DUI offenses, and are the least serious type of misdemeanor crime in the state being punishable by no more than a $500 fine or 60 days in jail.

Although many misdemeanor offenses are regularly charged in Indiana, most involve accusations of driving under the influence and drug possession.

Indiana Felonies

Indiana classifies its more serious offenses as felonies, most of which involve at least some sort of severe physical or financial injury. Felony offenses fall under six categories, with Level 6 felony offenses, such as vehicle theft, representing the least serious offenses and Level 1 felonies, such as aggravated rape, the most serious crimes. 

Besides being required to serve time in jail, those who are convicted of committing felony offenses in Indiana are often required to serve probation once they are released, attend a work-release program, perform community service, or attend counseling or therapy. Generally, the more extensive a person’s criminal record and the more serious the offense, the more severe he or she can expect the penalties to be. For this reason, first-time offenders are often given lighter sentences than those who are in and out of court, or who express little remorse for their actions. 

Contact a Dedicated Angola, IN Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you were charged with a criminal offense in Indiana, please contact The Bellinger Law Office to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Angola, IN. We recognize that arrests and criminal charges do not usually occur at the most convenient times, so we make ourselves available to our clients on a 24/7 basis, so if you have questions or concerns about your own case, please do not hesitate to call or contact us online today.