Carmel Attempted Murder Attorney
Attempted murder is not a lesser offense just because the victim did not die. Indiana considers attempted murder the same felony level as murder. If you are accused, it is important to contact a Carmel attempted murder lawyer right away.
Do not allow a conviction to ruin your life. You are looking at decades in prison if convicted, forever damaging your record, and lifelong consequences. The State of Indiana prosecutes these offenses aggressively in Hamilton County with vast resources. When you are charged with attempted murder, you need a defense ready to go to trial.
About The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C.
We defend high-level felony charges all over Central Indiana. Our lawyers frequently handle cases at the Hamilton County Judicial Center, the main venue for Carmel felony proceedings. We have five Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists at our firm. There are only six Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists in the State of Indiana, and five of them work at our firm, Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C.
Each of our attempted murder cases is given a team of two attorneys and a paralegal. This allows us to cross-review every piece of evidence and every potential legal issue and properly prepare. We also have one of our lawyers, a former prosecutor with extensive experience in major felonies and homicides.
This experience allows us to understand how the State thinks when reviewing evidence, preparing its witnesses, and developing trial strategy in violent felony cases. At our firm, we have over 100 years of experience handling criminal trials.
Indiana Attempted Murder Laws
The crime of attempted murder is charged under two statutes. Indiana Code § 35-42-1-1 states that a person murders another human being if they kill that person knowingly or intentionally. According to Indiana Code § 35-41-5-1, an attempt occurs when someone, with the necessary criminal intent, takes a significant action toward committing the crime. Essentially, the State must prove that:
- You took a specific intent to kill another person; and
- You took a substantial step toward killing that person.
Attempted murder is classified as a Level 1 felony, just one level below murder. A Level 1 felony is punishable by 20-40 years in prison, with a 30-year advisory sentence from the jury. Other charges and sentencing enhancements can increase that exposure.
The Importance of Intent
Note that the first element requires specific intent. The intent to cause serious bodily injury is not sufficient to meet the elements of attempted murder. The intent to kill is required. A prosecutor must prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt. Intent is often left up to circumstantial evidence and the inferences the jury draws from the statements you made, whether a weapon was used, and the severity of the injuries.
Just because there was a murder or attempted murder does not mean you intended to kill that person. Angry exchanges, a fight, or even reckless conduct do not equate to an intent to kill. If you did not specifically intend to kill that person, you did not commit attempted murder. The defense can argue the evidence proves reckless conduct, self-defense, sudden heat, or another mental state rather than the intent to kill the victim.
What to Do if You Have Been Charged With Attempted Murder
According to the FBI’s Reported Crimes in the Nation figures, there were an anticipated 16,935 murders countrywide in 2024, a 14.9% drop from the 2023 forecast. In 2024, there were roughly 5.0 killings for every 100,000 inhabitants. First, if you have been charged or think you are under investigation for attempted murder, you need to contact a lawyer immediately. Second, do not speak to the police without your lawyer present.
You have the right to an attorney, and you should invoke that right by asking to speak with a Carmel attempted murder attorney and refusing to answer any questions. Do not destroy any evidence. Delete texts, get rid of your phone, or change your social media settings. This situation can quickly escalate and lead to additional accusations. Before you delete anything, let your lawyer take a look. They can tell you if it’s the right course of action.
Lastly, if you’re facing charges, make sure you strictly adhere to all bond requirements. No contacting the victim, no possession of firearms, and no leaving the state are common conditions the court will impose on a Level 1 felony bond. If you violate any of the conditions of your bond, you could lose it and be taken into custody by the police. You also could be charged with additional offenses. Hire an attempted murder lawyer as soon as possible.
Potential Collateral Consequences
Remember that jail is not the only consequence of a conviction for attempted murder. A Level 1 felony conviction can impact your ability to obtain employment, professional licenses, housing options, and firearm privileges for the rest of your life. Additionally, media coverage can create reputation consequences that go far beyond the criminal sentence.
Besides the possibility of going to prison, remember these other long-term effects as you consider your legal strategy. The choices you make early on can significantly shape your future.
Hire an Attempted Murder Lawyer
Facing a charge of attempted murder is a serious decision. You should hire an attorney who understands the gravity of the charges. The stakes are incredibly high in attempted murder cases, with severe punishments and far-reaching effects.
You want a lawyer who goes the extra mile to prepare your case for trial and advocates on your behalf in the courtroom. There are six Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists in Indiana, and five of them work at The Criminal Defense Team.
When you are charged with attempted murder in Carmel, you need tried and tested trial experience with serious felony charges. We have a collaborative team, hundreds of hours of courtroom experience, and we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Speak to an attorney about beating the charge before it results in a criminal sentence. Contact The Criminal Defense Team right away for a consultation.
*Andrew Baldwin, Kathie Perry, Maxwell Wiley, Kelly Pyle, and Michael C. Cunningham are Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists, as certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Find out why having a Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialist as your defense lawyer is important here.