Your Criminal Law Attorney In Indianapolis
The stakes increase for the accused at every stage of the criminal justice process: charge, arrest, prosecution, conviction and appeal. Whenever you make a decision, the weight of consequences and impact on your life grows heavier. Our Indianapolis criminal attorneys have the experience and aggressive strategies to help defendants achieve the most favorable results in their cases. Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming and scary. With severe penalties upon conviction, it is recommended that you work with an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer who is familiar with how these cases are handled in Indiana. At Harwell Gray Legal Counsel LLC, our lawyers are well-versed in all aspects of criminal law, and we can help you build a strong defense strategy. We offer case evaluations, and we can provide legal services in both English and Spanish.
To schedule a consultation with our criminal defense attorneys in Indianapolis, contact Harwell Gray Legal Counsel LLC at 317-344-9085.
Our team of experienced Indianapolis criminal defense attorneys is committed to providing professional and unwavering legal support. We recognize that each case is unique and approach every situation with the utmost diligence and professionalism. At Harwell Gray Legal Counsel LLC, our lawyers believe in offering our clients comprehensive legal guidance and strategic defense strategies throughout Hendricks and Hamilton counties.
Navigating The Criminal Justice System
Being accused of a crime can be a life-altering experience. The consequences of a criminal conviction can be severe and far-reaching, affecting your personal and professional life. At Harwell Gray Legal Counsel LLC, our team can handle a wide range of criminal cases, including:
- DUI/DWI: Driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated involves operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Drug offenses: Charges related to the possession, distribution or manufacturing of controlled substances.
- Assault: Crimes involving physical harm or threats of harm to another person.
- Theft: Charges related to stealing another person’s property or belongings.
- Domestic violence: Crimes involving violence or abuse within familial or intimate relationships.
- White collar crimes: Nonviolent financial crimes such as fraud, embezzlement or identity theft.
- Juvenile offenses: Crimes committed by minors.
Our experienced Indianapolis criminal defense attorneys understand the challenge of facing criminal charges. They will listen to your situation and help you determine what defenses are available to you. If you have been charged with a crime, our attorneys can also provide you with guidance on how to proceed and continue to fight charges post-conviction.
Know Your Rights After An Arrest In Indianapolis
As the accused, you have rights that are protected by the law. Here are five of the most essential rights to remember if you are arrested:
- The right to remain silent, which means after getting arrested, you do not have to make any statements to the police or answer their questions
- The right to legal counsel. Your right to a defense attorney begins the moment you are arrested. You can have an attorney advise you, be present during interrogations and work to get you out of jail.
- The right to a fair trial. This includes the presumption that you are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, the right to present evidence, the right to cross-examine witnesses and the protection against being forced to testify against yourself
- The right to due process, which guarantees that the criminal justice process is the same for everyone
- The right to equal protection under the law, meaning you are not treated with prejudice due to your race, religion or other illegal reason without a compelling reason
Your best bet for asserting your civil rights is to hire an experienced defense lawyer. Our attorneys are well-versed in understanding and upholding these rights to ensure that you receive a fair and just legal process.
Building A Strong Defense Strategy
Crafting a strong defense strategy is at the core of what we do. We investigate every aspect of your case, scrutinize evidence and work tirelessly to build a robust defense on your behalf. We aim to support you and your case, whether through negotiation or in a courtroom.
In many cases, the prosecution’s case is not supported by the facts or is based on evidence the police obtained illegally. We always prepare to take criminal cases to trial and argue for your freedom. In other cases, a plea agreement that keeps you out of jail or minimizes incarceration and other penalties is the better option.
We tailor our strategic advice to each particular case. This process starts with our initial consultation. We will go over your side of the story and ask you detailed questions about what happened before, during and after your arrest. Next, we will demand and review the evidence from the prosecutors and lay out your options for how to proceed based on your needs.
From Our Clients
When you are unsure about your next step, it is important to seek an advocate who has the experience to back you up. Here is feedback from some of our clients:
- “A law firm that cares about the clients. A rare breed to find.”– Rickey
- “Very respectful, dependable and professional.”– Maria
- “The best lawyer in Indy.”– Denise
Read more reviews from other clients who were satisfied with our compassionate team of criminal and family law attorneys Johnson and Hancock counties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indianapolis Criminal Law
At Harwell Gray Legal Counsel LLC, our lawyers understand that navigating the complexities of criminal law can be daunting. To provide clarity and support, we’ve compiled answers to common questions that individuals facing criminal charges often have.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
The distinction between misdemeanors and felonies is primarily based on the severity of the crime and the associated penalties.
Misdemeanors are less serious, typically punishable by fines or up to one year in jail. Indiana categorizes misdemeanors into three classes: Class A, Class B and Class C, with Class A being the most severe.
Felonies are more serious, typically carrying longer sentences, often exceeding one year and expensive fines. Indiana divides felonies into six levels, with Level 1 being the most severe and Level 6 the least.
Felony convictions can lead to imprisonment ranging from a few years to life, depending on the crime’s severity. Examples of felonies include drug dealing, resulting in death and murder.
What is the role of the prosecutor in a criminal case?
A prosecutor is a lawyer who works for the state to bring criminal charges against those accused of criminal conduct. They play a crucial role in the criminal justice system by presenting evidence in court and seeking to have the defendant convicted.
Prosecutors often have a background in law, with many having prior experience as public defenders or in other legal roles. Most are incredibly savvy, meaning you need a skilled criminal defense attorney.
A defense lawyer can challenge the prosecutor’s evidence, raise doubts about the charges and safeguard your rights while prioritizing the best possible outcome.
What happens during an arrest?
During an arrest, the police take the individual into custody based on suspicion of a crime, documenting the incident thoroughly. For the uninitiated, here are some of the steps to anticipate in an Indiana arrest:
- Law enforcement officers take the individual into custody
- They inform the person of their rights
- The individual is processed at the police station (fingerprinting, photographing, etc.)
- The arrested person may be held until a bail hearing or release
Within 48 hours, the arrested person attends an initial hearing, where charges are read and bail considered. Having a lawyer present during court procedures helps ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
How does the criminal trial process work?
The trial process involves numerous, overwhelming stages, but again, knowing what to expect can help. Here is how criminal trials work in Indiana.
- Jury selection: Interviewing and choosing impartial jurors
- Opening statements: Each side presents an overview of their case
- Evidence presentation: Prosecution and defense present evidence and witnesses
- Cross-examination: Both sides question the other side’s witnesses
- Closing arguments: Summarizing the case to persuade the jury
- Jury instructions: Judge provides legal guidelines for the jury
- Jury deliberation: Jury members gather in private to discuss the case and reach a verdict
Upon a guilty verdict, the judge determines an appropriate penalty. However, acquittal is the top priority, especially for felony charges, many of which are ineligible for post-conviction relief (expungement).
An experienced attorney can guide you through each stage, offering advice and building a defense that persuasively counters the prosecution’s efforts. Family members can provide support and even help by gathering relevant information on your behalf.
What are Miranda rights, and when do they apply?
They are the legal rights read upon an arrest, informing you of your right to remain silent and to attorney representation.
Your Miranda rights apply when you are both in custody and under interrogation. They do not apply during voluntary conversations with police or if not in custody. If you are not read your Miranda rights, any statements you do make may be inadmissible in court.
How does bail work in Indiana?
The judge determines the amount of bail at the initial hearing. Judges consider factors like offense severity, prior criminal history and flight risk. In Indiana, bail amounts and conditions can vary by county due to different local practices and policies.
While bias can potentially influence bail decisions, recent reforms aim to reduce disparities by focusing on risk assessments rather than stereotypes.
Your Legal Partners In Indianapolis
If you are facing criminal charges, it’s crucial to have experienced legal professionals in your corner. Contact us online or by calling 317-344-9085 to schedule a consultation with our Indianapolis-based attorneys. We are here to provide the guidance and support you need during this challenging time.
