Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in South Bend

FAQs

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

  Dial (574) 235-9201 to call the South Bend Police Department for non-emergency concerns.

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

  To obtain a copy of a South Bend police report, visit the SBPD Records Bureau in person at 701 W. Sample St., South Bend, IN 46601. The office is open Mondays through Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays through Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, check out https://police.southbendin.gov/how-do-i/request-police-report.

• Can you present evidence on an electronic device to the court at trial in South Bend?

  The use of electronic devices is not permitted in South Bend courthouses. If you have important text messages, pictures, or any other item that is digitally stored that you wish to present as evidence or introduce into the court’s record, it would be best to provide them in hard copy, as they otherwise wouldn’t be honored.

• Can you get a translator if you can’t speak English and are due for a court appearance in South Bend?

  If you have an upcoming court appearance for criminal matters in South Bend and you wish to have a translator work with you, the court will be able to provide one for you. To get the help of a translator, simply notify court staff with your request, so a translator can be scheduled for your next court appearance.

• What are the violations you should avoid while on probation or parole in South Bend?

  If you are under probation or parole in South Bend, you must avoid violating the conditions of your probation or parole or risk getting sent to jail or prison. The most common types of probation or parole violations are:

  • Getting a new arrest or conviction
  • Testing positive for drugs or alcohol
  • Failing to appear for a weekly visit or drug test
  • Failing to complete community service on time
  • Violating curfew
  • Checking out of rehab early
  • Leaving home while in home confinement
  • Absconding or leaving the jurisdiction without permission

• What are the instances wherein a juvenile will be tried as an adult in South Bend?

  There are some cases in which a South Bend juvenile offender may be tried as an adult at the court. For instance, if the offender is over 10 years old and committed murder or rape, they may be tried as an adult. Other scenarios would be if the child has a prior adult felony or non-traffic misdemeanor or if the child is at least 14 years old and is charged with what would be a felony if committed by an adult.

• Can you clear your criminal record in South Bend?

  If you wish to clear your criminal record in South Bend, a lawyer can help evaluate if you are eligible to remove or expunge a conviction from your criminal record. If you are qualified, your lawyer will prepare with you for a hearing and to demonstrate strong evidence and argument to support granting your expungement before the court. Once you’ve been granted expungement, your conviction will no longer be visible to the public, even if a background check is run on you.

• 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.