If you have been charged with assault in the state of Indiana, you are probably anxious about how your arrest will impact your future.
The experienced attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers have been practicing law in the state of Indiana for years, we handle the most complex and challenging criminal matters including assault defense, Indianapolis drug crimes, federal crimes, sex crimes, dui cases, Indianapolis domestic violence and more
Do not hesitate to give us a call at (317) 759-2599. We offer a free consultation with an Indianapolis assault defense lawyer.
Will you end up with a permanent criminal record? Will you receive a fine? Or will you need to spend some time in jail?
Before your brain explodes with worry, it is worth remembering that before any of these punishments can be doled out, the prosecution must successfully convict you. It is in your best interest to make their job as difficult as possible. You take your first step toward accomplishing this feat by hiring a skilled Indianapolis assault defense lawyer.
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How a Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You Fight Back Against Your Indiana Assault Charge
Our knowledgeable legal team is committed to providing you with the best possible defense against your criminal charge. To accomplish this goal, we will:
Help You Navigate the Legal System
The Indiana judicial system is incredibly complex – and the prosecution is not required to walk you through it. As such, if you want to make it to the end of your case without making any costly errors or missteps, you will need the help of an experienced lawyer.
The Indianapolis criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers have been practicing law in the state of Indiana for years.
We understand all of its complexities, loopholes, and shortcuts. When you hire us, we will provide you with the guidance you need to get through the system as painlessly as possible.
Protect Your Constitutional Rights
When investigating, arresting, interviewing, and processing you, law enforcement and prosecution officials must respect your constitutional rights. If they fail to do so, it may be possible to have some evidence thrown out or even have your case dismissed entirely.
When you have one of our lawyers by your side, we will keep a watchful eye out for any rights violations. If we spot an issue at any point in your case, we will raise it with the appropriate authorities immediately.
Negotiate with the Prosecuting Attorney
The prosecuting attorney who is assigned to your case will almost certainly want to land a conviction as quickly and easily as possible. As a result, you will most likely be offered a plea bargain fairly quickly after you have been charged with a crime.
If the deal is not acceptable, our assault defense lawyers can negotiate it on your behalf. Having worked in the industry for years, we know exactly how to convince prosecutors to be more generous with their offers. If there is a deal to be made, we will work night and day to try to make it happen for you.
Represent You in Court
Unfortunately, some prosecutors will not be willing to offer a reasonable plea bargain. When this happens, your case will end up in court. Since there is so much riding on the outcome of your trial, you will undoubtedly need a skilled attorney to represent you throughout.
Since our firm’s founding, our lawyers have argued hundreds of criminal cases in front of Indiana judges and juries. When you need someone to argue on your behalf in court, you can count on us.
As you can see, the Indianapolis assault defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers can assist your case in a multitude of ways. Our knowledge of the law and experience in the industry makes us the ideal choice to represent you in your legal battle against the state of Indiana. To set up an initial consultation with one of our lawyers, all you need to do is give us a call or contact us online.
Understanding the Difference Between Assault and Battery
When discussing violent crime, many people use the terms “assault” and “battery” interchangeably. However, in the state of Indiana, they are actually two entirely different and distinct types of crimes.
The term “assault” is generally used to describe crimes that involve the threat of violence. For a person to commit “battery,” on the other hand, they must physically touch their victim in a “rude, insolent, or angry” manner.
If you are facing criminal charges that fall under either of these two categories, you will need an experienced attorney to defend you. Fortunately, you can find plenty of those at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers in Indianapolis. Reach out to us today to set up a free consultation.
Types of Assault and Battery Crimes in Indiana
The state of Indiana classifies several offenses as assault crimes. The two most common assault charges in the state are:
Intimidation
Section 35-45-2-1 of the Indiana Code explains that anyone who communicates with the intent to frighten another person may be charged with intimidation. Individuals who intentionally force others to act against their will may also be charged with this offense.
Criminal Recklessness
Section 35-42-2-2 of the Indiana Code states that anyone who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally performs an act that creates a serious risk of bodily injury may be charged with criminal recklessness. This offense is generally punishable as a misdemeanor but can be upgraded to a felony if a weapon is involved.
Battery offenses in the state of Indiana generally fall into two categories – misdemeanors and felonies:
Misdemeanor Battery
Misdemeanor battery is a relatively broad offense, outlined in section 35-42-2-1(c) of the Indiana Code. Just about any physical confrontation, from a domestic violence incident to a bar fight, can result in this charge.
Felony Battery
A misdemeanor battery charge can be upgraded to a felony battery charge under certain circumstances. Generally speaking, the presence of a weapon or a serious injury is enough to heighten the offense.
The criminal defense lawyers at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers in Indianapolis are experts in assault and battery law. If you need help fighting back against any of the charges listed above, please do not hesitate to call us.
Punishments for Assault Convictions in the State of Indiana
The punishments doled out by the state of Indiana for assault convictions can vary quite a bit from one case to the next. Penalties are generally tied to factors such as the seriousness of the crime and the criminal history of the offender.
Some common punishments for assault convictions in Indiana include:
- Prison time
- Hefty fines
- A permanent criminal record
- Community service
Convicts may also face additional consequences outside of the criminal court system, such as:
- Child custody issues
- Immigration issues
- Professional licensing issues
- Housing issues
If you have been charged with assault, Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers may be able to help you avoid these punishments. Give our Central Indiana law offices a call today to set up an initial consultation and learn more about our legal services.
Potential Defenses Against Indiana Assault Charges
When you are charged with an assault offense, it can be easy to think that a conviction and subsequent punishment is inevitable. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. With a well-thought-out defense strategy, it may be possible to have your charge reduced or dismissed.
A brief list of some of the most effective defenses against Indiana assault charges would include:
Mistaken Identity
When assault crimes happen late at night or in the middle of large crowds, it can sometimes be tough for police to identify the offender. As a result, they sometimes mistakenly arrest the wrong person.
Fortunately, if this nightmare scenario were to happen to you, it should be fairly easy for your legal counsel to resolve. Once they present exculpatory surveillance camera footage or witness testimony to the court, your case will most likely be thrown out immediately.
Lack of Evidence
If a prosecuting attorney wishes to convict you of an assault offense, they must first prove that you are guilty. If they do not have enough evidence to show for certain that you committed the crime, your case could be dismissed.
In using this defense strategy, your lawyer does not need to prove that you are innocent. They need only to claim that the prosecution does not have enough proof to adequately make their case.
Miscommunication
To be convicted of intimidation, you must have intentionally threatened another person, causing them to become fearful. If their fear was instead caused by a misunderstanding or miscommunication, it may be possible to get your charge dropped.
Of course, proving a communication error can be quite challenging. The existence of an audio recording or written record of the conversation can go a long way toward clearing your name.
Call Our Indianapolis Assault Defense Lawyers Today
Assault is a serious crime. If you’re convicted, the penalties can be quite harsh. You can experience the consequences for years, long after you’ve completed your criminal sentence. The best way to avoid an assault conviction is by calling the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers as soon as you can after your arrest.
Our experienced assault defense attorneys have been representing the people of Indianapolis for years. If you have been charged with an assault crime, we’re here to help you fight to protect your future. Give us a call today to learn more. We would be happy to arrange a free consultation to discuss your case in greater detail.
Local Sherif
- Clermont County Sheriff’s Office – 4470 OH-222, Batavia, OH 45103, United States
Local Prisons
- Indiana Department of Correction – 302 W Washington St e334, Indianapolis, IN 46204, United States
- Beyond the Prison Gates – 4200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46241, United States
- Marion County Community Corrections – 40 S Alabama St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, United States
- Indiana Women’s Prison – 2596 N Girls School Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46214, United States
Nearby Courts
- Vigo County Courthouse – 33 S 3rd St, Terre Haute, IN 47807, United States
- Clinton County Courthouse – 125 Courthouse Sq, Frankfort, IN 46041, United States
- Fountain County Circuit Court – Fountain County Courthouse, 301 4th St, Covington, IN 47932, United States
- Martinsville City Court – 59 S Jefferson St # A, Martinsville, IN 46151, United States
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Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers
101 W Ohio St #2000
Indianapolis IN 46204
317) 759-2599
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Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers
101 W Ohio St #2000
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 759-2599
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