Experienced Felony Attorney in Lafayette, IN
Felonies are reserved for the most serious criminal offenses in Indiana. Many of these charges stem from acts of violence or serious drug-related accusations. If you are facing this potentially life-altering allegation, you can rely on the steady support of a Lafayette felony lawyer to manage your case and work to resolve your charges on favorable terms. Legal support can play a crucial role in protecting your rights and interests in court.
Dedicated Defense for Serious Felony Charges
If you are facing a felony charge in Lafayette, you can protect your future and reputation by hiring the award-winning Lafayette criminal defense lawyer team at The Criminal Defense Team. Please keep in mind that awards are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
Our Indiana-based criminal defense firm is headed by five of the state’s six Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialists. We are also staffed by a former prosecutor who understands how the state builds cases.
If you were undergoing a complex medical procedure, you wouldn’t settle for just any doctor. The same is true for criminal defense. With more than 100 years of combined criminal defense and trial experience, our dedicated defense team is prepared to do what it takes to position you for a favorable outcome in your case. We take a team-based approach to managing cases and assign at least two lawyers to every client we represent.
Understanding Felony Charges in Lafayette
Felony charges are the most serious criminal offenses under Indiana Law and can carry lasting consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom. Indiana classifies felonies into six levels, ranging from Level 6, the least severe, to Level 1, the most severe. Murder carries its own sentencing guidelines. Judges can order penalties based on the type of offense, the facts of the case, and the defendant’s criminal record.
Opioids remain the leading cause of fatal drug overdoses in Indiana, and possession or distribution of certain quantities of those controlled substances can lead to a felony charge. The violent crime rate in Lafayette is 2.783 per 1,000 residents in a normal year, and violent offenses like rape and aggravated assault can potentially lead to a prison sentence. A conviction for this class of offense can lead to confinement at Miami Correctional Facility or another state prison.
Defense Strategies for Fighting Felony Allegations
The right defense strategy should be tailored to the specific accusation and the evidence the prosecution is using. If you are facing accusations that you assaulted someone, and the case relies on witness testimony, your lawyer could look for credibility issues with that witness or explore an alibi witness defense that places you elsewhere on the day and time of the offense.
If you acted in self-defense or the other party was engaged in mutual combat, your attorney could argue that no crime was committed. Some cases could benefit from steps that seek reduced charges, such as from trafficking to possession. Criminal intent plays a significant role in many types of charges, and your attorney could question whether you knew you were committing a crime.
Why You Should Hire a Felony Lawyer?
Whether you were arrested near Purdue University, Lafayette Country Club, or elsewhere in Lafayette, the first step you should take is to hire a felony lawyer who understands Indiana’s felony laws and how to properly manage your felony case. An experienced Lafayette felony attorney can scrutinize the evidence for inconsistencies and weaknesses that can support your defense.
A felony lawyer understands the burden of proof that prosecutors must meet and the steps that are needed to prevent a serious conviction. Attorneys can negotiate a favorable plea deal or take the case to trial when necessary. Their unwavering support can make a meaningful difference in how your criminal case plays out.
*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.
FAQs
What Is the Lowest Felony Level in Indiana?
The lowest-level felony in Indiana is a Level 6 felony. Although this is the least severe felony, a conviction can still result in imprisonment, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. Any felony would be a serious red flag for future employers or landlords. As a lower-level offense, defendants may be eligible for alternative sentencing or a reduction to a misdemeanor.
Can a Felony Be Reduced to a Misdemeanor in Indiana?
Yes. A felony may be reduced to a misdemeanor in Indiana. Reduced charges are considered a favorable outcome in many cases because the potential penalties are significantly lowered. A reduction in charges often comes as a direct result of steps taken by the defense to weaken the prosecution’s case. When the evidence no longer supports the charge, or when prosecutors can be persuaded to reduce the charges, the defendant could instead face a misdemeanor.
What Is the Most Serious Felony Charge in Indiana?
A Level 1 felony can lead to 20 to 40 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000. Murder is considered an unclassified offense that is also considered the most serious charge in Indiana and can result in multiple decades of confinement in prison. Felonies carry minimum sentences, making a strategic defense critical for anyone seeking to protect their freedom.
Can You Receive Probation for a Felony in Indiana?
Yes, in some cases. Whether probation is available depends on the felony level, the facts of the case, the defendant’s criminal history, and any mandatory sentencing requirements. Some defendants may receive probation, community corrections, or another alternative to incarceration, while others may be required to serve a prison sentence. Those favorable outcomes are generally reserved for non-violent crimes and first-time offenders.
Protect Your Freedom by Contacting an Indiana Criminal Defense Team Today
Facing a felony charge can be a life-altering experience and one that requires a strategic defense. When you work with The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C., you gain support from a defense team that includes a former prosecutor and five Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialists. That certification is only earned by 0.04% of defense attorneys in the state and speaks to the high level of training our lawyers undergo.
Our clients are assigned at least two defense attorneys and a dedicated paralegal. We take a hands-on approach to managing cases and allocate considerable time and resources to defending clients. Don’t risk your future on unproven legal counsel.
Our award-winning legal team stands ready to provide you with the unwavering support your case deserves. Please keep in mind that awards are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization. Reach out to our office today.