Indianapolis Assault with a Deadly Weapon Lawyer

Were you recently arrested for committing assault with a gun or taser in Indianapolis, IN? Charges for assault with a deadly weapon are incredibly serious, so it’s imperative that you begin to defend yourself against these allegations now. Having an experienced Indianapolis assault with a deadly weapon lawyer from Suhre & Associates, LLC is a great start. Contact our law office at (317) 759-2599. to arrange a free consultation today.

How Our Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help You Fight Aggravated Assault Charges

At Suhre & Associates, LLC, our  Indianapolis criminal defense lawyers know how scary it can be to be charged with a crime like assault with a deadly weapon. We also appreciate that your future is very much on the line. The only way to limit the potential consequences of your charge is by asserting an aggressive defense and working to undermine the prosecution at every turn. 

When you work with our Indiana law firm, you can expect us to:

  • Protect your constitutional rights
  • Consult with relevant experts about the complexities of your case
  • Handle the administrative side of your criminal case
  • Fight tirelessly to bail you out of jail
  • Speak to the prosecuting attorney on your behalf
  • Provide you with sound legal advice during every stage of your case 
  • Guide you through the complex Indiana criminal justice system
  • Provide you with honest answers to any questions you may have
  • Help you understand how the Indiana legal system functions
  • Launch an investigation into the allegations levied against you
  • Put together a customized legal strategy for your criminal case
  • Look for evidence that may harm the prosecution’s case against you
  • Negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecuting attorney
  • Argue on your behalf at trial, if required

At Suhre & Associates, LLC, we know what it takes to help our clients beat their criminal charges. So don’t just sit back and wait for the prosecutor to convict you of assault with a deadly weapon. Get in touch with our skilled criminal defense attorneys to start fighting back against the allegations of the state today.

Understanding Indiana’s Assault with a Deadly Weapon Laws

In the state of Indiana, the term “deadly weapon” means:

  • A loaded or unloaded firearm
  • An electronic stun weapon that can cause serious bodily injury
  • An animal that can cause serious bodily injury, and
  • A biological disease or virus that can cause serious bodily injury

When Indianans use a deadly weapon to assault other people, the police can arrest them and charge them with a criminal offense like:

Battery

Section 35-42-2-1 of the Indiana Code states that it is illegal for a person to knowingly or intentionally:

  • Touch another individual in a rude, insolent, or angry manner, or
  • Place bodily fluid or waste on another individual in a rude, insolent, or angry manner

People who violate this statute are guilty of battery.

Courts in Indiana typically punish this offense as a Class B misdemeanor. However, if the offender uses a deadly weapon, they can upgrade crimes of this nature to a Level 5 felony.

Domestic Battery

Section 35-42-2-1.3 of the Indiana Code says that it is illegal for a person to knowingly or intentionally:

  • Touch a family or household member in a rude, insolent, or angry manner, or
  • Place bodily fluid or waste on a family or household member in a rude, insolent, or angry manner

Indiana laws define a “family or household member” as:

  • A current or former spouse
  • A current or former romantic partner
  • A current or former fiance
  • A blood relative
  • A relative by marriage
  • A guardian
  • A ward
  • A custodian, or
  • A foster parent

People who break this Indiana law are guilty of battery.

The Hoosier state usually classifies domestic violence crimes of this type as Class A misdemeanors. However, when a person commits the offense using a deadly weapon, it becomes a Level 5 felony.

Aggravated Battery

Section 35-42-2-1.5 of the Indiana Code says that it is illegal for a person to knowingly or intentionally inflict an injury upon another individual that:

  • Creates a substantial risk of death
  • Causes serious permanent disfigurement
  • Causes the protracted loss of a bodily function
  • Causes the loss of a fetus

Indianans who violate this criminal statute commit aggravated battery.

Courts typically punish this crime as a Level 3 felony. However, they may opt to upgrade it to a Level 1 felony when it results in the death of a child who is under the age of 14, and the offender is an adult.

Criminal Recklessness

Section 35-42-2-2 of the Indiana Code states that it is illegal for a person to knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly engage in any actions that create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another individual.

When law enforcement officers in Indianapolis catch people violating this statute, they can charge them with criminal recklessness.

This crime is a Level 6 felony when Indianans commit it while armed with a deadly weapon.

Prosecutors can upgrade it to a Level 5 felony if the perpetrator shoots a gun into an inhabited dwelling or a building where people may gather.

Intimidation

Section 35-45-2-1 of the Indiana Code states that it is illegal for a person to communicate a threat to another individual with the intent:

  • That the other individual engage in conduct against their will
  • That the other individual fears retaliation for a lawful act
  • That the other individual (or another party) will evacuate a building or vehicle

Indianapolis residents who violate this law are guilty of intimidation.

Indiana courts classify this offense as a Class A misdemeanor. However, a prosecutor can upgrade it to a Level 5 felony if the offender uses a deadly weapon.

Are you facing intimidation or battery charges in Indiana? If so, please get in touch with the skilled legal team at Suhre & Associates, LLC, as soon as you can. We may be able to use our in-depth knowledge of criminal law to convince a jury to acquit you.

Consequences of an Indiana Assault with a Deadly Weapon Conviction

People who use deadly weapons to commit assault and battery in Indiana can receive lengthy prison terms and thousands of dollars in fines.

When determining the specific nature of an offender’s punishment, judges refer to the following sentencing guidelines:

  • Level 1 Felonies: Up to 40 years in state prison and a fine of as much as $10,000.
  • Level 2 Felonies: Up to 30 years in state prison and a fine of as much as $10,000.
  • Level 3 Felonies: Up to 16 years in state prison and a fine of as much as $10,000.
  • Level 4 Felonies: Up to 12 years in state prison and a fine of as much as $10,000.
  • Level 5 Felonies: Up to six years in state prison and a fine of as much as $10,000.
  • Level 6 Felonies: Up to 30 months in state prison and a fine of as much as $10,000.
  • Class A Misdemeanors: Up to one year in county jail and a fine of as much as $5,000.
  • Class B Misdemeanors: Up to 180 days in county jail and a fine of as much as $5,000.

The permanent criminal record that accompanies an assault with a deadly weapon conviction in Indianapolis can also cause offenders to experience collateral consequences, such as:

  • Trouble Landing a Job: Hiring managers in Indianapolis often reject job applications for people with criminal records.
  • Professional Licensing Issues: Convicted felons can have quite a lot of difficulty obtaining and renewing professional licenses. Some may even lose their permits the moment the court convicts them.
  • Immigration Problems: A felony conviction can make it tricky for an immigrant to get an extension on their Green Card or qualify for U.S. citizenship.
  • Loss of Gun Ownership Rights: The state of Indiana does not allow felons to buy, own, carry, or use firearms.
  • Problems Getting Student Loans: The federal government makes it almost impossible for convicted felons to obtain student loans.
  • Trouble Finding Housing: Housing managers in the state of Indiana usually prefer to avoid renting homes to felons.

Do you need a skilled criminal defense attorney to help you battle to avoid spending years in prison? Then please pick up the phone and reach out to Suhre & Associates, LLC, in Indianapolis. We know what it takes to win these types of cases, and we are ready to fight tirelessly for you.

Defenses Against Indiana Assault with a Deadly Weapon Charges

Indiana residents can often get their assault with a deadly weapon cases dismissed by:

  • Arguing that the prosecution does not have enough evidence to convict them
  • Claiming that they touched the other person accidentally
  • Proving that the police arrested the wrong individual, or
  • Claiming that they acted in self-defense

If you’ve been charged with battery or assault in Indiana, and you need a legal representative to help you develop an effective defense strategy, please get in touch with Suhre & Associates, LLC, today. We have been assisting Indianapolis residents with cases like yours for years and would be happy to provide you with the help you require.

An Indianapolis Assault Defense LawyerYou Can Count On

When you need an Indianapolis assault with a deadly weapon lawyer to defend you against the accusations of the state of Indiana, there is only one place you should turn – Suhre & Associates, LLC. We have the skills, experience, and know-how to handle your case. Contact us today to set up a free consultation with a member of our team and learn more about our services.

Our Indianapolis Criminal Defense Law firm also provides: