Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Carmel

FAQs

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

  The City of Carmel Police Department's non-emergency contact number is (317) 571-2580.

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

  After a car accident in Carmel, the police report can be found online. There are several ways to get a copy of your accident report, such as:

  • Online: your report is kept by the Indiana State Police and can be found through the BuyCrash portal at https://buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com/ui/agency-search
  • Via mail: you can get a copy of your accident report by mail from the Administration Office of Hamilton County. Hamilton County says that you can send your self-addressed, postage-paid envelope to the Records Section (Crash Reports).

• Do you need a lawyer if you've been charged with a misdemeanor in Carmel?

  If you are found guilty of a misdemeanor in Carmel, the penalties can change your life forever. They can include jail time, probation, court costs, and fines that can ruin your finances. A conviction can also put your driver's license, job and school opportunities, and reputation in the community at risk. Even though there are risks when facing criminal charges, many people choose not to hire a lawyer, especially if the charge is a misdemeanor.

• What is the crime rate in Carmel?

  The 2020 crime rate in Carmel was 49%, which was 5.2 times lower than the average crime rate in the U.S. It was higher than in 28.8 percent of American cities. The number of crimes in Carmel dropped by 15% between 2019 and 2020. The number of murders was 1, which is two less than in 2019. In the last five years, violent crime has gone up in Carmel, but property crime has gone down.

• What are the consequences of losing a drug trial in Carmel?

  In Carmel, there are a lot of drug crimes, and many of them are felonies. If you are found guilty of a drug crime in Carmel, you could face harsh punishments and consequences that could last for the rest of your life. These could include:

  • Paying fines
  • Being ineligible for government assistance, including food stamps and emergency EBT cash financing
  • Being ineligible for financial aid to help pay for vocational or university training or a degree.
  • Risking deportation if you are denied a visa, a green card, or US citizenship.
  • Being sentenced to jail

• When will you be considered a repeat offender of traffic laws in Carmel?

  If you get three or more major traffic violations (like DUIs or reckless driving) in ten years, you'll probably be called a "habitual traffic offender." Even if you have been called a "repeat offender" and had your license taken away, you may still be able to apply for special driving rights. One can be called a "habitual traffic offender" for a number of reasons, including but not limited to:

  • Leaving a car accident scene
  • Reckless driving
  • DUI
  • Drag racing

• What level of a felony is a conviction for burglary in Carmel?

  In Indiana, burglary is usually a level 5 felony, but this level can be raised in certain situations. A felony level 4 crime is breaking into someone's place of living, home, or dwelling. If someone gets hurt during the break-in, it is a level 3 felony. When a dangerous weapon is used in a burglary, it is a level 2 felony. Finally, it is considered a level 1 felony to use a weapon to hurt someone seriously while breaking into their home.

• 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.