Indianapolis Violent Crimes Lawyer

Defending Clients Facing Violent Crime Charges in Marion County

When situations escalate and you face violent crime charges, it can feel like the world is against you. At Harwell Legal Counsel, we provide clients with compassionate and dedicated legal representation. Our Indianapolis violent crimes attorney, knows how overwhelming and stressful this process is. We also know how isolating it can be to face these charges. When you need a strong advocate fighting for your rights, we can help. 

Are you facing a violent crime charge in Indiana? Call Harwell Legal Counsel today at (317) 401-8715 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our violent crimes attorney in Indianapolis!

What is Considered a Violent Crime? 

A violent crime is any criminal offense that involves the use or threatened use of force against another person or property. These types of crimes typically involve physical harm, injury, or death, including murder, assault, robbery, sexual assault, and domestic violence.

Violent Crime Cases We Handle 

A conviction for a violent crime can impact you for the rest of your life. Prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively. Convictions for violent crimes carry some of the most severe penalties. Consequently, these cases should always be taken seriously. If you are facing violent crime charges, your first step should be securing legal representation with which you feel confident. 

Our Indianapolis violent crime attorney handles cases involving:

• Assault and battery
• Domestic violence
• Drug-related violent crimes
• Gang violence
• Kidnapping
• Murder and attempted murder
• Theft and robbery cases
• Vehicular manslaughter
• Weapons charges

The circumstances of your case will determine how the prosecutor proceeds, but most violent crime cases are charged as felonies. Having a felony conviction on your record can have lasting consequences. If you are facing violent crime charges, or if you believe you are under investigation for a violent crime, you should contact an experienced Indianapolis violent crime lawyer as soon as possible.

Is Aggravated Assault a Violent Crime?

Aggravated assault involves the use of a deadly weapon or the intent to cause serious bodily harm, which can result in severe physical harm or death. Based on these circumstances, aggravated assault can be classified as a violent crime. This type of assault can involve a variety of weapons, including guns, knives, and other deadly objects. In some cases, the perpetrator may not even use a weapon, but the intent to cause serious bodily harm or death is still present, making it a violent crime. The consequences of aggravated assault can be severe, both for the victim and the perpetrator. They may include imprisonment, fines, and a criminal record that can have lasting effects on the offender's future.

What is the Difference Between Assault and Battery?

Assault and battery are two distinct but related legal terms, and they are often used together because they frequently occur in tandem.
Assault refers to the threat of physical harm or the intentional creation of a reasonable apprehension of harm in someone else. In other words, it involves making someone fear that they are about to be physically attacked or harmed.
Battery, however, involves the actual use of force or violence against another person, resulting in physical harm or injury.

To summarize, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual use of force or violence. However, the two are often used together because an assault can lead to a battery if the threatened harm is carried out. Both assault and battery are considered criminal offenses and can result in legal penalties such as imprisonment, fines, and restitution.

What are the Penalties for Violent Crimes in Indiana?

Indiana penalties for violent crimes vary depending on the specific offense and circumstances involved. Here are some examples of penalties for some violent crimes in Indiana:

• Murder: In Indiana, murder is a felony that can carry a sentence of up to 65 years in prison or, in some cases, life imprisonment without parole. In some cases, the death penalty may also be imposed.
• Assault: Assault in Indiana is typically classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the offense. A misdemeanor assault conviction can result in up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A felony assault conviction can result in up to 6 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Robbery: In Indiana, robbery is typically classified as a felony and can carry a sentence of up to 16 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Kidnapping: Kidnapping in Indiana is a felony offense that can carry a sentence of up to 16 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. However, if the victim is under 14, the offense can carry a sentence of up to 50 years in prison.

It is important to note that these are only examples of the penalties for some violent crimes in Indiana. The penalties can vary widely depending on the specific offense and circumstances involved. Additionally, judges have discretion in sentencing and may consider factors such as the defendant's criminal history and the severity of the crime when determining a sentence.

Defenses For Violent Crimes in Indiana 

Several defenses can be used for violent crimes in Indiana, depending on the case's specific circumstances. Here are some examples of possible defenses for violent crimes in Indiana:

• Self-defense: If a defendant can show that they acted in self-defense, they may be able to avoid a conviction for a violent crime. Self-defense is a legal defense that can be used when a person reasonably believes that they are in imminent danger of being harmed and that using force is necessary to protect themselves.
• Defense of others: A defendant may be able to use the defense of others if they use force to protect another person from harm. This defense can be used if the defendant reasonably believed the other person was in danger of harm.
• Consent: In some cases, a defendant may argue that the alleged victim consented to the use force or violence. However, this defense may be difficult to prove in severe violent crime cases.
• Mistaken identity: A defendant may argue that they were not the person who committed the violent crime and were mistakenly identified by witnesses or law enforcement.
• Insanity: In rare cases, a defendant may be able to use the defense of insanity. This defense requires a showing that the defendant was unaware of the nature and consequences of their actions when the crime was committed due to a mental illness or defect.

It is important to note that the availability and success of these defenses will depend on each case's specific facts and circumstances. The expertise of a qualified criminal defense attorney can be critical in crafting and presenting an effective defense.

We Understand the Criminal Process 

The courts are stringent when it comes to violent crimes. These cases involve serious injury to the victims, and the penalties of a conviction are some of the most severe. Penalties can include significant fines, restitution to victims, lengthy prison sentences, probation, and mandatory community service. Additionally, having a violent crime conviction on your record can bar you from holding specific jobs and can impact other legal issues, such as custody and visitation. With so much at stake, don't risk defending yourself.

Contact Harwell Legal Counsel today to schedule a FREE consultation with our violent crimes lawyer in Indianapolis!