May 26, 2020 | Criminal Defense
Each year, more than 29 million tourists visit Indianapolis. That was good enough for the city to claim the number 15 spot on a recent listing of most popular U.S. cities for tourists. Whether it’s to experience the country’s largest gaming convention, the Indy 500, the Big Ten Football Championship Game, or an NFL scouting combine, there’s a lot to do here.
For many people with travel plans on their minds, their general safety is just as much of a concern as the sights they’ll see.
What Is the Crime Rate in Indianapolis?
With a population of nearly 900,000 people, Indianapolis has many of the same safety issues shared by many other large cities. For all its issues, though, Indianapolis is 2 percent safer than other big cities in the U.S.
In 2018, there were 47,407 reported crimes in Indianapolis. Of those, 23 percent (11,170) were violent crimes. More than 76 percent (36,237) were property crimes.
What’s the Property Crime Rate in Indianapolis?
Property crimes typically involve the theft or ruin of someone else’s property. This can include burglary, arson, theft, shoplifting, and vehicle theft.
These offenses can be treated as felonies and include jail time and heavy fines. The possible penalties increase greatly if they involve breaking into someone’s home.
Here’s the total number of property crimes in Indianapolis during 2018.
- Burglary: 22%
- Theft: 65%
- Vehicle theft: 14%
Your overall chances of being the victim of a property crime in Indianapolis is 1 in 25.
What’s the Violent Crime Rate in Indianapolis?
A violent crime is one that involves the actual harm of someone or the threatened use of violence. Examples of violent crimes include rape, sexual assault, robbery, assault, and murder.
Violent crimes are typically always viewed as felonies and carry years of prison time and thousands of dollars in fines.
Here’s how the total number of violent crimes in Indianapolis reported during 2018 breaks down:
- Murder: 1.4%
- Rape: 6%
- Robbery: 27%
- Assault: 64%
In Indianapolis, you have a 1 in 79 chance of being the victim of a violent crime.
In the first few months of 2020, more than 35 people were killed in Indianapolis. While those numbers are indeed alarming, it’s an unfortunate trend that other major cities in the Midwest are experiencing.
How Is the Crime Rate Trending in Indianapolis?
Although the above news is disturbing, it’s important to note that overall, crime rates in Indianapolis are on the decline.
The number of violent crimes has decreased by 7 percent, while property crimes have decreased by 14 percent.
How Many Police Officers Are There in Indianapolis?
Currently, there are 1,813 police officers here in Indianapolis. That comes out to 2.2 officers for every 1,000 residents.
Overall, that’s nearly 34 percent less than the national average.
What Should I Do If I’m Accused of a Crime in Indianapolis?
Whether you’re a resident or are visiting Indianapolis, you need the expertise of a skilled criminal defense attorney if you’ve been charged with a crime. Even if you are innocent of the charges, you do not want to take on the legal system on your own.
Here’s how a defense attorney can help you.
- Guide you through the legal system. Trust us, the judicial landscape is different from anything you’ve known. A seemingly small mistake at any point in the process can have devastating effects on your life.
- Your lawyer will know how to attack the charges against you. It’s likely your defense attorney has handled cases very much like yours. Because of that experience, your lawyer will have a good idea of weak points in the charges you’re facing.
- Your attorney has the resources to handle your case. For example, if expert witnesses are needed to strengthen your case, your defense attorney will know how to find them and will have the means to make them a part of your case.
- Your lawyer’s connections can pay off. Because of their relationships with judges and prosecutors, your defense attorney will be in a much better position to negotiate on your behalf for either a plea deal or an affordable bond.
- You’re in a much better position to have the charges either dismissed or reduced. With a defense attorney leading your case, it will be much tougher for the prosecutor to prove the charges against you. Your attorney will know the most effective ways of challenging their claims.
Whether you’ve committed the crimes you’re accused of or not, a criminal defense attorney is your best option for keeping your freedom.
Contact the Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, contact the criminal defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers give us a call today at (317) 759-2599 or visit us at our Indianapolis law office.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers – Indianapolis
101 W Ohio St #2000
Indianapolis, In 46204