Noblesville Attempted Murder Attorney
It’s common for some people to believe that an attempted murder charge is less serious because it didn’t result in an actual death. However, these charges still come with very serious penalties if convicted. The fact that the victim did not die does not make the attempted murder any less serious. In Indiana, attempted murder is classified as a felony on par with actual murder. It is crucial to contact a Noblesville attempted murder lawyer as soon as possible.
About The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C.
All around Central Indiana, we defend people facing serious felonies. Hamilton County Judicial Center is the primary location for Noblesville felony proceedings, which is where our attorneys regularly handle cases. Our practice employs five criminal trial attorneys who are Board-Certified.* While not all of our attorneys are Board-Certified,* five of Indiana’s six Board-Certified lawyers are employed by our firm.
We assign a team of two lawyers and a paralegal to each attempted murder case. This enables us to adequately prepare and cross-review all of the material and any legal issues. One of our attorneys is also a former prosecutor with extensive experience in homicide and other charges.
This experience enables us to understand how the state approaches evidence assessment, witness preparation, and trial strategy in serious felony cases. Our business has been managing criminal trials for more than a century.
Attempted Murder Laws in Indiana
There are two statutes that charge attempted murder. According to Indiana Code § 35-42-1-1, if someone kills another person with knowledge or intent, it is considered murder. An attempt is defined in Indiana Code § 35-41-5-1 as the act of a person with the required criminal intent who takes a substantial step toward committing the offense.
The state must essentially demonstrate that you had the deliberate purpose to kill someone else and that you made significant progress in that direction.
Just one step lower than murder, attempted murder is categorized as a level 1 felony. A Level 1 felony carries a penalty of 20–40 years in jail. That exposure may be increased by further charges and sentencing enhancements.
Understanding Intent
Keep in mind that the first component requires a specific intent. The elements of attempted murder cannot be met by the mere intent to do grievous bodily harm. It must be with the intent to kill. It is the prosecutor’s responsibility to prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt. Circumstantial evidence and the conclusions the jury makes based on your comments, whether a weapon was used, and the extent of the injuries are frequently utilized to determine intent.
A brawl, an angry argument, or even careless behavior does not constitute intent to kill. You did not attempt murder if your intention was not to kill that individual. The defense may contend that the evidence does not demonstrate the intent to murder the victim, but rather reckless behavior, self-defense, sudden heat, or another mental condition.
How to Respond if You’ve Been Accused of Attempting Murder
The FBI’s Reported Crimes in the Nation data predicts 16,935 murders nationwide in 2024, a 14.9% decrease from the 2023 estimate. There were about 5.0 homicides for every 100,000 residents in 2024. First and foremost, you should hire an attempted murder lawyer if you have been charged with attempted murder or believe you are the subject of an investigation. Second, if your lawyer is not present, do not speak to the cops.
You should exercise your right to counsel by requesting to speak with a Noblesville attempted murder attorney and declining to answer any questions. Second, keep all evidence intact. Do not delete messages or destroy any technology. This can quickly get out of hand, leading to more accusations. Let your lawyer review everything before you remove anything. They can advise you on the most beneficial course of action.
Finally, make sure you strictly follow any bond requirements if you are facing charges. Common requirements the court will place on a Level 1 felony bond include no contact with the victim, no possession of guns, and no departure from the state. You risk losing your bail and being arrested by the authorities if you break any of its terms.
Penalties in an Attempted Murder Case
Keep in mind that a conviction for attempted murder has additional penalties besides jail time. A Level 1 felony conviction may affect your career, professional licensing, housing possibilities, and firearm permits. Furthermore, the effects of media coverage on one’s reputation might extend well beyond the criminal penalty.
As you consider your legal approach, keep in mind these additional long-term consequences, in addition to the potential for incarceration. Your early decisions have a big impact on your future.
Hire an Attempted Murder Lawyer
Choosing to face an attempted murder charge is a serious choice. You should hire an attempted murder lawyer who is aware of the seriousness of the charges. Cases involving attempted murder carry extremely high stakes, with harsh penalties and far-reaching consequences.
When it comes to preparing your case for trial and representing you in court, you want a lawyer who goes above and beyond to protect your rights. Five attorneys at this firm are Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists and are employed by The Criminal Defense Team.
An attorney can help review the evidence against you and build an appropriate defense that is tailor-made for your unique circumstances. An attorney can also advocate for your rights and make sure that none of them have been violated. If they have, your lawyer can address these in court and aim for a dismissal or a reduction in charges.
Contact The Criminal Defense Team Today
You need reliable trial experience with serious felony charges when you are accused of attempted murder in Noblesville. We prepare every case as though it were going to trial, have a cooperative team, and have hundreds of hours of courtroom experience.
Before facing a criminal penalty, consult a lawyer about overcoming the charge. Contact The Criminal Defense Team right away for a consultation. Of the 15,000 attorneys licensed in the state, only six have been Board-Certified* as Criminal Trial Specialists, and five of them work here. Our experienced legal team is ready to support you.
*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.