Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Bloomington

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Bloomington, Indiana?

  812-339-4477 is the contact number of the Bloomington Police Department for non-emergency matters.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Bloomington, Indiana?

  Fill out the public access request form at https://bloomington.in.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Request%20for%20Public%20Information%20form.pdf to request a copy of a police report in Bloomington. The form can be delivered or sent to the Records Division at 220 E. Third St., Bloomington, IN 47401. You can also email completed forms to records-request@bloomington.in.gov.

• What types of offenses do defense attorneys in Bloomington typically handle?

  Criminal defense attorneys in Bloomington typically handle cases involving driving under the influence, as well as the cultivation, manufacturing, possession, distribution, and trafficking of drugs. They also manage matters concerning shoplifting, identity theft, fraud and embezzlement, assault and battery, and sex crimes like rape and exploitation of minors.

• What details should you remember about Bloomington's expungement laws?

  The following are some critical details about Bloomington's expungement laws:

  • Both felony and misdemeanor criminal records may be sealed or expunged.
  • The time it takes for your file to be expunged can range from 30 to 180 days.
  • You can only get your criminal record expunged once in your life.

• What steps will your Bloomington criminal case take?

  If you have been apprehended in Bloomington, your criminal case usually starts with an arrest or a court summons. You will be accused of a crime following your arrest and typically need to post a bond to be released. An initial hearing, where the court will decide how to proceed, is the following step in the procedure. Then comes the discovery phase, followed by the pre-trial and, if required, the trial.

• In Bloomington, is pleading guilty the sole course of action when charged of drunk driving?

  Your conviction is never guaranteed when you are accused of drunk driving or any crime in Bloomington. You are always entitled to a legal defense in court if you are facing criminal charges. You may demonstrate that the police officer's unjustified traffic stop violated their rights. You could also contest the precision of the breath test by showing that the police agency neglected to maintain the device correctly or that the subject's performance on the test could have a medical reason.

• What happens if a college student in Bloomington is accused of a crime?

  Following an arrest, college students in Bloomington have unique worries. They might risk being suspended or even expelled, jeopardizing their education and future. Because of this, it is essential for college students facing criminal charges to take them seriously and hire an experienced attorney. The defense attorney can assist the defendant in navigating the accusations while attempting to safeguard their future, education, and reputation.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.