Best Criminal Defense Lawyers South Bend, IN

South Bend, IN Criminal Defense 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.