Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Evansville

FAQs

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

  The Evansville Police Department phone number is (812) 436-7896.

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

  You may get police incident reports in Evansville by submitting an online request to the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office here: https://vanderburghsheriff.org/request-for-public-records/incident-reports/. Alternatively, you may inquire in person at the Evansville Police Department’s Central Records Section, Room 126.

• How can a criminal charge in Evansville affect your life?

  Whether your case is a misdemeanor or felony in Evansville, it could negatively impact your life by damaging your reputation, causing stress on your friends and family members, and putting your job and freedom at risk. Even a DUI, DWI, or OWI charge may have repercussions such as the suspension or revocation of your license and a potential increase in your automobile insurance premiums post-conviction.

• How long will you need to register as a sex offender in Evansville?

  You may be required to register and verify your personal information annually for at least 10 years with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, which has jurisdiction over Evansville. Depending on the sex crime conviction, this obligation may be heightened to lifetime verification every 90 days. According to Indiana Code § 11-8-8-7, these burdensome requirements apply to you if you are living, working, volunteering, owning a property, or planning to enroll as a student anywhere in the state.

• How can you protect your rights in a pending criminal case in Evansville?

  Apart from your lawyer, do not speak about your case with anyone—not even your co-defendants or inmates. They could be on the lookout for details that would benefit their own cases, and use the information you provide to testify against you. If you write letters to an Evansville judge, prosecutor, or police, these may also be used as evidence against you. Do not try to contact witnesses either, because this act may appear as an effort to influence them.

• Why should you hire a lawyer for an Evansville criminal case?

  Criminal defense attorneys in Evansville work to minimize the adverse consequences of your charges. They are familiar with alternative programs, such as pre-trial diversions, so you can prevent jail time and a hit on your criminal record in exchange for community service, probation, or restitution. Lawyers can also help you avoid mistakes that may leave you convicted or incarcerated despite your innocence.

• If you were incarcerated for a crime in Evansville, could you request a speedy trial?

  Yes. If you wish to have a speedy trial and believe it is in your interest, you are allowed to exercise this right in Evansville. You must communicate with your lawyers so they can present a speedy trial request to the court and have the proceedings start within 70 days. However, this time limit may be extended due to court congestion problems.

• 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.