Few things are scarier than getting arrested and charged with a crime. If this happens to you, it’s important to make sure that your rights are protected and that you are able to assert a strong defense. Contact the skilled Indianapolis criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC for immediate legal assistance at (317) 759-2599.
Our team has decades of combined experience handling the most complex and challenging criminal matters, including DUI cases, domestic violence, assault defense, drug crimes, federal crimes, sex crimes, and more. Legal representation and a powerful defense can be the difference between time behind bars and getting the charges against you reduced or even dropped altogether.
We work hard, aggressively defend our clients, and have a history of getting results. When you’re charged with a crime in Indianapolis, we’ll fight for you, too. We know your future depends on it.
We offer a free consultation, so do not hesitate to contact our law office to schedule yours today.
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You Deserve an Experienced Lawyer from Suhre & Associates, LLC to Help You With Your Case
Indiana has some of the toughest criminal laws in the country. Highly-skilled state prosecutors won’t hesitate to begin working on their case against you the moment you’re placed under arrest.
Hiring an experienced attorney can level the playing field and give you the best shot at securing a positive result. Here’s why you should call Suhre & Associates, LLC for help as soon as you can after your arrest.
We’ll Determine If You Were Arrested Lawfully
Did you know that the police have to have a legitimate reason to stop you or place you under arrest? Offices must have reasonable suspicion to believe that you’ve done something wrong. This involves much more than just a gut feeling or belief you’ve broken the law.
If an officer makes an arrest without having reasonable suspicion that’s supported by facts and the circumstances, we’ll challenge your arrest in court. If the arrest wasn’t lawful, the criminal charges against you cannot succeed.
We’ll Find Out If Your Rights Were Violated
The Constitution provides you with certain rights. Anyone working for the state – including police officers and prosecutors – have to respect those rights. If you were subject to an illegal search, detained without cause, not read your rights, or prohibited from calling your lawyer – our attorneys will fight to get the charges against you dropped. The state cannot be allowed to benefit from any violations of your Constitutional protections.
We’ll Make Sure Your Case is Investigated Thoroughly
You know that the state will investigate your alleged crime to uncover any evidence to support the prosecution’s case against you. The best way to protect yourself is to ensure that you benefit from an independent investigation of your own. Our lawyers will carefully and diligently investigate the circumstances surrounding your arrest and reported crime. As part of this inquiry, we will:
- Comb through evidence secured from the state during discovery
- Review police reports, medical records, and any relevant documentation
- Analyze photographs and/or video footage that might exist
- Bring in experts to help us better understand some of the more complicated aspects of your case, and
- Interview witnesses and anyone who might be able to corroborate an alibi.
Our goal will be to gather exculpatory evidence to support your case and find any way to undermine the state’s case against you.
We’ll Bring In the Best Experts in Indianapolis
The state will rely on expert witnesses as they investigate, gather evidence, and develop its criminal case. Our team will make sure that you have experts working on your behalf, too. We’ll bring in whoever we think might be able to help with your defense, including:
- Medical professionals
- Mental health professionals
- Forensic experts
- Ballistics experts
- Computer and technology specialists
- Crime scene and/or accident reconstructionists, and more.
These professionals can review specific aspects of your case, provide critical information, and help us identify where the prosecution’s case might be weakest.
We’ll Fight to Delegitimize the State’s Case
It’s important to remember that the state has to prove that you are guilty of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt. To do that, they’ll have to present evidence to support their case. A critical part of your defense will involve attacking the validity and strength of whatever evidence the prosecution might have. If the state’s evidence is thrown out or questioned, prosecutors might have to seriously consider offering a plea or dropping the charges against you, altogether.
At Suhre & Associates, LLC, our attorneys know that your future is on the line if you’ve been accused of a crime. We’ll put our decades of combined experience to work for you and fight to secure the best possible outcome in your criminal case. Call our law offices today so that we can begin to build your defense.
We Handle All Criminal Defense Matters in Indianapolis
At Suhre & Associates, LLC, our experienced criminal defense attorneys are prepared to help you fight any and all criminal charges.
We’ll go above and beyond as we build your defense because we know your future depends on it. We handle all practice areas, including:
Assault
Technically speaking, assault is defined as an offense under Indiana law. However, that doesn’t mean conduct constituting assault is legal in the state. Instead, you may be arrested for crimes like criminal battery, criminal recklessness, or intimidation.
If you were charged with a crime mentioned above, our experienced Indianapolis assault attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC can help defend your rights and interests.
DUI
Driving Under the Influence (DUI), or Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OWI), as it is described under Indiana law, is a potentially serious offense. Not only are you facing jail time, but you could lose your license for the foreseeable future.
Nonetheless, there’s likely still time for you to fight back against your OWI charges. You may be able to contest the results of your chemical test or assert that your constitutional rights were violated, for instance. Contact our Indianapolis DUI lawyers today to learn more.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence offenses are taken seriously, with potential penalties, such as restraining orders, that don’t necessarily attach to other types of crimes. Oftentimes, these cases involve delicate, personal disputes that are far from simple.
With more than 100 years of combined experience, our trusted Indianapolis domestic violence lawyers know what it takes to offer you an effective defense strategy – no matter how complex your case may be.
Drug Offenses
Indianapolis makes it illegal to possess, distribute, or manufacture various types of substances. Depending on the type of drug, having even just a small amount on your person can lead to a conviction and jail time.
However, it’s critical to remember that the prosecution must prove every element of your charges beyond a reasonable doubt. That leaves a lot of room for a qualified Indianapolis drug offenses lawyer to fight back. Reach out to Suhre & Associates today to get started.
Federal Crimes
Many types of crimes are illegal on the federal level as well as on the Indiana state level. These include certain drug crimes, white-collar crimes, identity theft, and more. Being convicted of a federal crime can carry unique penalties, such as being placed in a federal penitentiary.
Your future freedom could be at stake, and you may need an Indianapolis federal crimes attorney to ensure you aren’t taken advantage of by the prosecution. Contact our law office today to begin your defense.
Juvenile Crimes
The Indiana Juvenile Justice System handles most cases involving minor children, and it is a system distinct from the one that handles adult criminal matters. There are many differences between the two systems, and juveniles are often allowed expansive rights throughout the process.
Nonetheless, that doesn’t necessarily stop the prosecution from overzealously pursuing charges against juveniles. If you or your child are facing criminal charges, it can greatly benefit you to hire a lawyer specializing in this area of the law. Look no further than the Indianapolis juvenile crimes attorneys with Suhre & Associates.
Sex Crimes
Sex crimes, such as rape and sexual battery, are some of the more severe criminal offenses under Indiana law. The potential consequences of a conviction go far beyond those imposed by the criminal justice system. In addition to a lengthy jail sentence, you may be forced to register as a sex offender, which can heavily impact your ability to live your life going forward.
Learn more about your legal rights and options by contacting our Indianapolis sex crimes lawyers for a free initial consultation.
Theft Crimes
Theft crimes range in severity. Some are relatively minor misdemeanor offenses that don’t necessarily impose a jail sentence, while others are serious felonies that can leave you behind bars for years.
If you hire Suhre & Associates, our Indianapolis theft crimes attorneys will work hard to secure a favorable outcome for your case, such as having your charges reduced or dismissed if possible.
Weapons Charges
A weapons charge conviction can carry consequences that may haunt you for the rest of your life. Oftentimes, these offenses have many potential aggravating factors that can make the subsequent penalties much more severe. Don’t let the prosecution get away with overcharging your case; contact our experienced Indianapolis weapons charges lawyers for legal help.
Restraining Order
Courts in Indiana tend to issue restraining orders even when there’s not much evidence to support a request. Why? Judges feel that it’s better to be safe rather than sorry. However, this means that you may be wrongly implicated in a crime or wrongdoing. Your reputation shouldn’t have to suffer because someone else is holding a grudge.
If this has happened to you, our Indianapolis restraining order defense lawyers will challenge the legitimacy of the court order and fight to clear your name. While we do that, it’s important for you to comply. Ignoring a restraining order – even a temporary one based on little evidence – can have severe consequences of its own.
Expungement
Indiana has some of the toughest criminal laws in the country. However, it has some of the most liberal expungement laws, as well. Expungement means that you might be able to get your criminal conviction sealed and/or erased from your criminal record. That can have a huge impact as you move forward with your life. Hiring an attorney to handle your expungement case can make a massive difference. Let our Indianapolis expungement attorneys help you put your life back together.
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime, do not hesitate to contact our law offices for immediate assistance. We can meet you at our law offices or, if you’re in custody, we’ll come to you.
Should I Cooperate With the Police or State Prosecutors?
No. From the moment you’re placed under arrest, you should invoke your right to remain silent. That’s because the old saying is true – anything that you say can and will be used against you.
The police and prosecutors in Indianapolis will be listening to what you say very carefully. They’ll also go to great lengths to get you to talk and say something – anything – that could be incriminating. They won’t hesitate to use your own words against you in court.
The best rule of thumb is to tell the police that all communication must involve your lawyer. Make it clear that you’re not going to say anything unless your attorney is present. Even then, it’s best to let your criminal defense attorney do the talking. We know how to handle questions you might be asked and protect you from any tactics detectives or attorneys for the state might use.
Crimes in Indiana Carry Tough Penalties
Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, a conviction can change your life forever.
What are the Penalties for a Misdemeanor in Indiana?
Even though crimes that are classified as misdemeanors tend to be less serious offenses than felonies, it’s still important to assert an aggressive defense. A misdemeanor conviction can be punishable by time in a Marion County jail, expensive fines, and/or probation. The penalties will ultimately depend on the specific circumstances of your case and the severity of the charge.
Class C Misdemeanor: A Class C Misdemeanor is the least serious criminal offense in Indiana, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and $500 in fines.
Class B Misdemeanor: A Class B Misdemeanor carries the possibility of up to 180 days in jail and $1,000 in fines.
Class A Misdemeanor: A Class A Misdemeanor is the highest level misdemeanor in the state of Indiana. A conviction can result in a maximum of 12 months in a Marion County jail and $5,000 in fines.At Suhre & Associates, LLC, our attorneys will defend you against misdemeanor charges every step of the way. If this is your first offense, we’ll fight tirelessly to keep you out of jail and negotiate a plea that focuses on probation.
What are the Penalties for a Felony in Indiana?
Felony charges are reserved for crimes that tend to be violent and/or more serious. You may also face felony charges if you have one or more criminal convictions on your record. The possible consequences of a felony conviction can be quite harsh. All felonies in Indiana carry the possibility of years behind bars and up to $10,000 in criminal fines.
In Indiana, prison sentences include what’s known as an “advisory sentence.” This is a guideline that courts are allowed to – but not typically required – to follow when considering an appropriate term of imprisonment.
Level 6 Felony: A Level 6 Felony is the next step up from a Class A Misdemeanor. A conviction is punishable by between six months and 18 months in an Indiana State prison. The advisory sentence for a Level 6 Felony is one year.
Level 5 Felony: A Level 5 Felony is punishable by between one and six years in state prison. The advisory sentence for a Level 5 Felony is three years.
Level 4 Felony: A Level 4 Felony carries a sentence of between two and 12 years in prison. The advisory sentence for a Level 4 Felony is six years.
Level 3 Felony: A Level 3 Felony is punishable by anywhere between three and 16 years in prison. The advisory sentence is nine years.
Level 2 Felony: A Level 2 Felony is punishable by anywhere between 10 and 30 years in prison. The advisory sentence is 17 and a half years.
Level 1 Felony: Level 1 Felony charges are reserved for some of the most serious criminal offenses in Indiana. A conviction can result in imprisonment for between 20 and 40 years. The advisory sentence is 30 years.
Other crimes – including murder – have their own sentencing structures. This means that it’s possible to sentenced to time behind bars in excess of the 40-year maximum for a Level 1 Felony. It all depends on the charge, number of counts, aggravating factors, and your criminal record.
When faced with felony charges, a tenacious defense can make a huge difference. Contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC for help today.
Our Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help You Today
Have you or a loved one been arrested for a crime in Indianapolis, Indiana? It’s important to understand that a conviction can have immediate and long-lasting consequences that impact nearly every aspect of your life. The best way to stop this from happening is by turning to an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense attorney for help.
We offer a free consultation, so do not hesitate to contact our Suhre & Associates, LLC law firm to schedule yours. We’ve been successfully representing defendants in central Indiana for nearly a decade. The sooner you reach out to us for help, the sooner we can begin to design your defense strategy. Call to get started today.
