Criminal Defense Lawyer Fort Wayne

Indiana Criminal Defense Attorneys Serving Clients in Fort Wayne

When you have been arrested or are facing any kind of criminal charges in Indiana, it is critical to begin working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Fort Wayne to ensure that you have the best chance of beating the charges and avoiding a conviction. Both misdemeanor and felony offenses should be taken extremely seriously since both can result in jail time, monetary fines, and professional consequences. Our firm can begin working with you today on a defense strategy that is tailored to the facts of your case. 

Types of Fort Wayne Criminal Defense Cases We Handle

Defense strategies can vary widely depending upon the specific offense you are facing. Accordingly, it is important to have a Fort Wayne criminal defense lawyer on your side who can develop a plan for your defense that is tailored to the elements of the offense you are facing. At The Bellinger Law Office, we defend clients in many different types of cases, including but not limited to the following:

• DUI/DWI defense;
• Traffic violations;
• Domestic violence;
• Drug crimes;
• Protective orders;
• Theft;
• Weapons charges;
• Expungement; and
• Title IX sexual harassment investigations.

Many of the defenses we handle involve categories of criminal offenses that can be charged as misdemeanor or felony offenses depending upon the particular facts of the case. We also routinely assist clients with record sealing or expungement inquiries. In addition, we provide representation in Title IX investigations involving sexual misconduct at colleges or universities. While these cases are not investigated under state criminal statutes, they are often connected to criminal allegations involving sex crimes or assault.

Penalties for Criminal Convictions in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Penalties for a criminal conviction in Fort Wayne can be severe, so it is essential to have a criminal defense lawyer in Fort Wayne who can help you to fight the charges. The following are penalties for misdemeanor and felony convictions under Indiana law:

• Level 1 felony: 20 to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000;
• Level 2 felony: 10 to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000;
• Level 3 felony: 3 to 16 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000;
• Level 4 felony: 2 to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000;
• Level 5 felony: 1 to 6 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000;
• Level 6 felony: 6 months to 2.5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000;
• Class A misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000;
• Class B misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000;
• Class C misdemeanor: Up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.

Contact an Experienced Fort Wayne Criminal Defense Lawyer

Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, you should know that having a criminal conviction on your record can have devastating consequences. Not only can you receive a severe sentence that includes jail time and a significant monetary fine, but you can continue to face repercussions once you have served your sentence. To be sure, certain types of criminal convictions can affect your ability to get hired for some jobs, and certain convictions can even affect where you are able to live. Do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our aggressive criminal defense attorneys in Fort Wayne. Contact The Bellinger Law Office to learn more about how we can assist you.