Many cities throughout the country have reported drops in crime rates during the coronavirus shut down. Indianapolis is no exception.

Overall crime rates in the city have decreased by 10 percent during the first six months of 2020. However, when you look at the specific figures, the picture is much different.

Burglary rates decreased by 20 percent, and larceny decreased by 12 percent. Yet, homicides increased by 48 percent. For the first six months of 2020, law enforcement officers responded to 104 deadly shootings.

Even though homicides increased, other violent crimes in Indianapolis decreased. Robbery rates fell by 11 percent, rapes were down by 24 percent, and aggravated assaults fell by 7.5 percent. Unfortunately, no one seems to have a good reason for the differences in crime rates.

Do You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer if You are Arrested?

Yes, it is in your best interest to talk to a criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis if you are arrested. Criminal convictions result in severe penalties. Your sentence for a criminal conviction could include:

In addition to the penalties, you will have a criminal record. A criminal record follows you for the rest of your life. It can impact your career, education, and other areas of your life.

Before you do anything, talk to a criminal defense lawyer. There are many benefits of having an experienced attorney on your side as you fight criminal charges in Indianapolis.

Benefits of Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

When you work with a criminal defense attorney you should be in a better position to:

Learn About Your Legal Rights

Your lawyer explains your legal rights. He also reviews the circumstances leading up to your arrest, the arrest, and what happened after the arrest. If your legal rights were violated, your attorney will find out.

Gain Knowledge of Criminal Law

In addition to determining if your legal rights were violated, your lawyer knows and understands the criminal statutes applicable in your case. You need someone who understands the law. Even though you were arrested, the state must prove its case.

A criminal defense lawyer reviews the state’s case for weaknesses. He also analyzes the case to determine if the state has sufficient evidence to prove each of the legal requirements.

If the state made a mistake, the attorney might file a motion to dismiss the charges. If not, the attorney develops a defense strategy based on the facts and circumstances of your case.

Understands the Local Courts and Rules

Each jurisdiction has procedures that they follow. A local attorney understands those procedures. He knows the judges, prosecutors, and officers.

Having an experienced, successful local defense attorney gives you an advantage. The attorney has built a reputation within the court system. Prosecutors and judges respect the attorney and take him seriously.

If you attempt to negotiate a deal yourself, the prosecutor may not take you very seriously. Also, the prosecutor has one goal – to get a conviction. Your attorney’s goal is to avoid a conviction, if possible.

Have Support and Guidance

Being arrested can be frightening. Whether you are innocent or guilty, facing the criminal justice system alone is overwhelming. An attorney provides legal advice, but he also provides support and guidance as you fight the criminal charges.

Your lawyer gives you an honest, unbiased perspective of the situation. Because you are emotional, you may not rationally think through the situation. Having someone on your side to keep you focused on a reasonable outcome can help you avoid rushing to accept a harsher plea deal.

Gain Access to Resources

An attorney has a team of legal professionals working with him to investigate your case. He also has access to expert witnesses, forensic scientists, and investigators who can help identify witnesses and gather evidence to use in your defense.

It can be difficult to access these resources on your own. Your case could hinge on access to these types of resources to build a strong defense to the criminal charges.

What Should I Do if I am Arrested in Indianapolis?

It can be difficult, but try to remain calm. You may be handcuffed, put in a police car, and jailed. They may fingerprint you and take your mug shots.

The entire process of being arrested can be overwhelming. Police officers and detectives may question you repeatedly to get more information.

Do not answer questions. Remain silent except for respectfully informing the officers you will not answer questions without an attorney.

Make sure that you ask for a lawyer. Asking if you need an attorney is not sufficient. You must say that you want a lawyer.

When your criminal defense attorney arrives, he will explain what is going to happen and try to get you out of jail. Until then, resist the urge to talk to the police.

Contact the Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC For Help Today

For more information, contact the Criminal Defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC, give us a call today at (317) 759-2599 or visit us at our Indianapolis law office.

Suhre & Associates, LLC – Indianapolis
101 W Ohio St #2000
Indianapolis, In 46204
United States