Tippecanoe County Criminal Defense Attorney
If someone is charged with a misdemeanor or a serious felony, it can be hard to understand how the charges will impact their future. In Indiana, prosecutors often work quickly to secure witness interviews and forensic testing to build their cases. From Lafayette to West Lafayette and Dayton to Battle Ground, local criminal charges can carry consequences that reach far beyond the courtroom, and it would be wise to hire a Tippecanoe County criminal defense lawyer.
About The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley, P.C.
At The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley, P.C., our attorneys exclusively practice criminal defense law throughout Indiana. Our lawyers typically team up when representing defendants in serious criminal matters. With at least two lawyers and a paralegal reviewing evidence and brainstorming strategy, clients benefit from team representation rather than high-volume legal services.
The attorneys at The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley, P.C., represent just five percent of Indiana lawyers who have earned Board Certification as a Criminal Trial Specialist. Currently, there are five active Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialists practicing in Tippecanoe County and throughout the state of Indiana.
Our lawyers have more than 100 years of collective criminal defense experience. Our team includes one former prosecutor who gained experience prosecuting serious felonies and homicide cases. Understanding how prosecutors investigate and build cases can be advantageous when developing legal criminal defense strategies and working to identify holes or weaknesses in the state’s evidence.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Tippecanoe County
In terms of safety, Tippecanoe County is in the 83rd percentile, which means it is less safe than 17% but safer than 83% of counties. In a typical year, Tippecanoe County has a crime rate of 20.25 per 1,000 population.
The northeastern portion of Tippecanoe County is typically seen as the safest among locals. The likelihood of becoming a victim of crime in Tippecanoe County varies by region, with the West having a one in 29 risk and the Northeast having a one in 103 possibility.
A prosecutor must file formal charges, also known as an Information or indictment, to elevate an accusation to criminal charges. Criminal charges may stem from allegations involving operating while intoxicated/driving under the influence (OWI/DUI), drug crimes, theft crimes, domestic battery, violent felonies, firearm offenses, white-collar criminal allegations, or other types of accusations.
Every criminal case is unique, and the available evidence will vary from one situation to the next.
Indiana Criminal Defense Laws
Indiana criminal laws outline serious penalties for a variety of offenses. Felony offenses are divided into six different levels, including Level 1 Felony, Level 2 Felony, up to Level 6 Felony. Misdemeanor offenses are also broken down into classifications.
Indiana Code § 35-33 covers many of the procedures related to criminal prosecutions, arrests, and pretrial matters. Indiana Code § 35-41 covers general definitions related to criminal law, including defenses, culpability, and liability.
Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
When people are suddenly arrested or accused of crimes, it’s natural to want to know what comes next. When you hire a criminal defense lawyer, you can learn more about the specific accusations, potential defenses, and what you might be up against if you decide to go to court.
Building a criminal defense takes time and attention to detail. Our lawyers work as a team to collaborate on case strategy and evidence review. That team-based approach allows us to divide up heavy workloads so we don’t miss important details. Whether you have hours of video, thousands of documents, or complex forensic evidence involved in your case, we have the resources to thoroughly review every aspect of your case.
We also believe that good communication is critical. Your case will always receive our personal attention. Our Tippecanoe County criminal defense attorneys work in shifts so we can always have a lawyer available to take your call, even outside normal business hours. We make sure to listen to our clients and families so they can make informed decisions about their cases.
FAQs
What Happens After Someone Is Arrested in Tippecanoe County?
Once someone is arrested, they are usually booked, fingerprinted, photographed, and advised of the charges against them. Depending on the circumstances, bail or release conditions may be set by a judge at an initial hearing. Prosecutors often continue their investigation after criminal charges have been filed. Criminal cases can progress rapidly through the initial stages.
Will My Employer Find Out About Impending Criminal Charges?
Employers or potential employers can sometimes learn of criminal charges because they are part of the public record. Thus, they may uncover them by conducting a background check or searching the courts. In addition, some employers mandate that employees disclose arrests and pending charges as part of company policy or a licensing requirement.
Can Someone Be Charged Even if There Is No Physical Evidence?
Yes. Prosecutors can indict based on witness testimony, circumstantial evidence, or electronic evidence, even if there is minimal physical evidence. However, a lack of physical evidence can still be a key issue for defense. Cases built on presumptions, he-said-she-said, or circumstantial evidence can be called into question on reliability, credibility, and whether prosecutors will be able to prove the entire case beyond a reasonable doubt.
What Should I Avoid Doing After Being Charged With a Crime?
Most people harm their case after criminal charges have been filed by speaking to the media, posting on social media, calling witnesses, or talking to investigators without an attorney present. Anything you say on the phone, through text messages, or online can be used against you. You may need to be careful about your communications until the case is over, especially if the police are still investigating.
Contact The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley, P.C., Today
Facing criminal charges can disrupt your life and the lives of your family members. You have the right to hire a lawyer and understand your legal options. If you have been arrested or think you are under investigation, call us today to discuss your situation.
The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley, P.C., serves clients throughout Tippecanoe County and all of Indiana. The firm houses five of Indiana’s six total Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialists. Just as you would not hire any doctor to handle your medical issues, but would contact a specialist, treat your legal matter the same way. Contact us today to begin reviewing your case.
*Andrew Baldwin, Kathy Perry, Kelly Pyle, Maxwell Wiley, 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.