Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Gary, IN

FAQs

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

  To reach the Gary Police Department, call (219) 881-7300.

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

  To obtain a police report from the Gary Police Department, call the front desk at (219) 881-1214 and wait for further instructions.

• What are some juvenile crimes that minors can be charged with in Gary?

  Sadly, some of the crimes that adults commit in Gary are the same ones that minor offenders can be charged with. Still, the most common ones include:

  • Property crimes, including auto theft and vandalism
  • Possession of fake identification
  • Underage drunk driving
  • Minor in possession (underage drinking)
  • Battery or assault, mostly happens in school fights
  • Possession of marijuana or prescription painkillers
  • Shoplifting

• Can you find a way to still drive for a living if your license was suspended in Gary?

  Yes, there may be a way. In 2015, Gary and the rest of Indiana implemented a new law with regard to driving privileges for people whose driver's licenses were suspended for whatever reason. Contact a criminal defense attorney and ask them if you are eligible for what is called a Hardship License, which should allow you to drive again, especially if this is how you make a living.

• What do you need to know about expungement in Gary?

  This is under Indiana's Second Chance Law, which allows a repentant offender to make a petition to have their record sealed, expunged, or marked as expunged. However, expungement in Gary can be complicated as you only get one chance in your lifetime to have all of your criminal convictions expunged. You also have only 365 days to file for separate, multiple petitions for offenses that happened in different counties.

• What happens to individuals in Gary who often get stopped by police for traffic violations?

  It depends on how "often" this is and what kind of violations they are being charged with. If it happens a lot and one of the offenses they committed was serious, or they were found to be driving without a license or with a suspended license, they will be labeled as a Habitual Traffic Violator. This may get you a license suspension for life and jail time of up to 6 years.

• Can you be charged with a criminal case in Gary if you were out drunk in public?

  Not quite. Just simply being drunk while out in the public does not automatically mean you are going to get arrested. The only time law enforcement would have to take you in is if you disturbed the peace or endangered someone's life while intoxicated. This is classified as a Class B misdemeanor in Gary and would have you looking at a sentence of 180 days in jail and paying a hefty fine of up to $1,000.

• 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.