Were you arrested or charged with a crime in Marion County, Indiana? Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers at (317) 759-2599 for a free consultation. A Marion County criminal defense attorney from our firm can explain the charges against you, protect your rights, and help you determine your next steps.
An arrest does not mean you will be convicted. However, the statements you make and the decisions you make early in your case could affect the outcome. Before discussing the allegations with police or prosecutors, consider speaking with an experienced defense lawyer.
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Why Choose Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers After an Arrest in Marion County, IN?
A criminal charge can put your freedom, career, reputation, and relationships at risk. At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, our attorneys bring 100+ years of combined experience to criminal defense cases.
Our team includes former police officers and prosecutors. This experience provides valuable insight into how officers investigate suspected crimes, how prosecutors evaluate cases, and where weaknesses may exist in the state’s evidence.
Attorneys at our firm have also received professional recognition, including:
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers
- Super Lawyers recognition
- A 10.0 Avvo rating
Our team can investigate your arrest, review the evidence, explain the possible consequences of a conviction, and build a defense based on the specific facts of your case. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
What Happens After an Arrest in Marion County, Indiana?
A criminal case may begin with an arrest, a summons, or the filing of formal charges. After an arrest, the accused person may be booked into custody and brought before a judge for an initial hearing.
The case may then proceed through discovery, pretrial conferences, motion hearings, plea negotiations, and, if necessary, trial. Indiana’s criminal and trial court rules govern criminal proceedings, while Marion County also maintains local rules and case-management procedures.
Not every case goes to trial. Depending on the circumstances, charges may be dismissed, reduced, resolved through a plea agreement, or ultimately decided by a judge or jury.
What Types of Criminal Cases Does Our Marion County Defense Team Handle?
Indiana law divides criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies. The potential consequences depend on the classification of the charge, the person’s prior criminal history, and the circumstances of the alleged offense.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers handles a variety of criminal cases, including the following.
DUI and Operating While Intoxicated
Indiana generally uses the term operating a vehicle while intoxicated, or OWI. These cases may involve breath or blood tests, field sobriety exercises, police observations, and allegations that a driver refused chemical testing.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence allegations may arise from disputes involving spouses, dating partners, relatives, or household members. These cases can result in no-contact orders and may affect employment, housing, and family matters.
Drug Crimes
Drug cases may involve possession, manufacturing, delivery, or possession with intent to distribute. The defense may depend on whether police conducted a lawful search and whether the prosecution can connect the accused person to the controlled substance.
Violent and Sex Crimes
Allegations involving battery, robbery, weapons, homicide, or sex crimes can result in serious felony charges. Our team can carefully review the evidence and challenge unsupported or unreliable allegations.
What Penalties Can Result From an Indiana Criminal Conviction?
The possible sentence depends on the offense and its classification under Indiana law. A conviction may result in jail or prison time, probation, fines, court costs, community service, or required counseling or treatment.
Additional consequences may include:
- Driver’s license suspension
- Difficulty obtaining employment
- Professional licensing problems
- Restrictions on firearm possession
- Immigration consequences
- Loss of housing or educational opportunities
- Sex offender registration for qualifying offenses
A Marion County criminal defense lawyer can explain both the direct and collateral consequences associated with the charges you face.
What Defenses Can Be Raised in a Marion County Criminal Case?
The prosecution must prove every required element of the alleged crime beyond a reasonable doubt. An arrest report or accusation alone is not enough to establish guilt.
Depending on the circumstances, potential defenses may include:
- Mistaken identity
- Lack of intent or knowledge
- Self-defense or defense of another person
- Consent
- An unlawful traffic stop
- An illegal search or seizure
- Unreliable chemical or forensic testing
- False or inconsistent witness statements
- Failure to preserve evidence
- Insufficient evidence
A constitutional or procedural violation may provide grounds for a motion to suppress evidence. No attorney can guarantee that a charge will be reduced or dismissed. However, a thorough investigation may uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that could strengthen your defense.
How Can a Marion County Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Me?
A lawyer can begin protecting your interests before evidence disappears or witnesses become difficult to locate. Your attorney can also communicate with police and prosecutors on your behalf so that you do not have to respond to questions alone.
Our legal team can:
- Obtain and review discovery
- Investigate the alleged offense
- Interview witnesses
- Examine police conduct
- Consult experts when appropriate
- File pretrial motions
- Negotiate with prosecutors
- Prepare for trial
Your lawyer can also explain any plea offer and discuss its potential benefits and risks. The final decision belongs to you, but informed legal guidance can help you understand your options and the potential consequences of each one.
Contact a Marion County Criminal Defense Attorney for a Free Consultation Today
A criminal charge can affect nearly every part of your life. Acting promptly may give your attorney more time to preserve evidence, locate witnesses, investigate police conduct, and prepare your defense.
At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, our legal team includes former police officers and prosecutors who understand criminal investigations and prosecutions from multiple perspectives.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation with a Marion County criminal defense lawyer. We are ready to hear your side of the story, explain your legal options, and help you determine how to move forward.
