Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Fishers

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the Fishers Police Department is 317-595-3300.

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

  You may obtain a copy of a Fishers police report online by filing a request via fax or email to the Records Division of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Fax Number: (317) 776-9835 Email: sheriff.records@hamiltoncounty.in.gov

• What are the common defenses that Fishers lawyers use to help your case?

  If you are facing criminal charges in Fishers, your criminal defense attorney will come up with a strategy to fight for your innocence and freedom. Among the most common types of defenses that lawyers use are innocence, self-defense, coercion, insufficiency of evidence, insanity, and defense of another. Your lawyer may also argue that the statute of limitations for the injury you allegedly caused has already expired.

• Is marijuana legal in Fishers?

  No. Despite the ongoing debate regarding the legalization of marijuana in the United States, possessing the substance or its paraphernalia remains illegal in Fishers and all of Indiana. If you’re convicted of possession of marijuana or paraphernalia, the consequences you may be facing include jail time, probation, and hefty fines and costs. With marijuana charges on your criminal record, you might also struggle with getting a job, housing, or federal financial aid.

• Will you go to jail in Fishers if you fail to meet the conditions of your probation?

  If you’re currently on probation in Fishers and you fail to abide by the terms of your sentence, you have committed a probation violation, which is punishable in itself. When you’re arrested for a probation violation, it is likely that the courts will send you to jail or prison immediately after a hearing. At this point, you do not have the right to a trial. This is because as far as the court is concerned, you are already guilty of the original crime, and violating the terms of your probation is enough grounds for incarceration.

• How are youth offenders in Fishers prosecuted for their crimes?

  Any individual below the age of 18 in Fishers who committed a crime is subject to be tried in a juvenile court. However, if the minor offender committed a serious crime, there is a possibility for them to be tried as an adult in court. The four ways where youth can be tried in adult court are by statutory exclusion, presumptive waiver, discretionary waiver, and prosecutorial discretion.

• Can you remove a conviction from your criminal record in Fishers?

  It may be possible for you to remove or expunge a conviction from your criminal record in Fishers. Expungement is a legal process of sealing your criminal record so that your prior convictions can’t be viewed by the general public and can only be accessed by law enforcement officials under certain circumstances. If your petition for expungement is approved by the court, neither your conviction nor arrest will appear in your background checks for employment, lease agreements, and other business transactions.

• 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.