Experienced Tippecanoe County Gun Crime Attorney
Being arrested for a gun crime in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, can be a terrifying and uncertain process. Whether you’ve been charged with illegal possession in Stockwell or illegal discharge of a weapon in Lafayette, the consequences you could face if convicted are steep. If you find yourself charged with a gun crime in Tippecanoe County, you need to seek the skilled and effective representation of a Tippecanoe County gun crime lawyer you can trust.
About The Criminal Defense Team
The Criminal Defense Team has over 100 years of combined experience and has handled thousands of criminal trials throughout Indiana. When you work with us, you don’t get a single Tippecanoe County criminal defense lawyer, but rather, at least two attorneys and a paralegal assigned to your case. We are proud to offer client-focused representation, meaning consultations are not rushed, and you get the counsel and defense you deserve.
Attorneys 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. In Indiana, there are only six Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists total, and five of them work for The Criminal Defense Team.
Common Gun Crimes We Defend in Tippecanoe County
The United States averages around 47,000 firearm-related deaths each year, with around 132 people dying from a gun injury every day. While more than half of these are related to firearm-induced suicides, more than four out of every 10 are linked to homicide cases.
However, it is important to remember that there are a number of gun crimes an individual can be charged with outside of assault or violent crime. At The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley, P.C., we have experience defending clients against the following kinds of gun-related charges:
- The possession of an illegal firearm
- The possession of a firearm while on school grounds
- Pointing a firearm
- The act of intimidation with a firearm
- The unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon
- Criminal recklessness with a firearm present
- The illegal discharge of a weapon
- The prohibited or unlawful sale or transfer of a firearm
- The carrying of a handgun without the necessary license
- Acts of armed robbery
- The altering or total removal of the identification number on a firearm
Each and every one of these crimes carries severe penalties if convicted. The Criminal Defense Team is here to review the charges against you and the circumstances involved to better understand the possible defense strategies that may protect you. Our goal is to minimize the consequences you might face so that you can move forward with your life and put the past where it belongs: behind you in Tippecanoe County.
How We Defend You Against Gun Crime Charges
Finding yourself accused of a gun crime in Indiana can feel hopeless. The Criminal Defense Team is here to remind you this is not the end of the road. There are multiple defense strategies that may be implemented, depending on the exact facts and circumstances of your case. Our team is well-versed in Indiana weapons law and can use this knowledge to the advantage of your case.
Depending on the specific nuances of your case, we may be able to utilize one or more of the following defense strategies:
- Duress: This may be a viable defense if we can prove that you only acted as you did because you were under threat or coercion when the weapon was used in an allegedly illegal manner.
- Self-defense: Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to prove that you used your weapon only to protect yourself or someone who was in imminent danger.
- Mistaken identity: If you were wrongfully accused or misidentified as the offender of the weapons crime, we may be able to uncover evidence to prove this defense.
- Unlikely to reoffend: Based on the circumstances and evidence, the prosecutors may be unable to prove that you would commit a similar act in the future, and we may be able to use this as a defense against all charges.
- Violation of rights: If we can prove that the police officers involved in your arrest or the prosecution violated any of your rights during said arrest or while collecting evidence, this may be used as an effective defense.
- Justified possession: You may be able to use this in cases where you took the gun from another person who was about to commit a crime.
FAQs
What Kind of Weapons Are Illegal to Possess in Indiana?
In Indiana, there are certain weapons that are illegal to possess, no matter who you are or whether you have a criminal record or not. These weapons include machine guns, ammunition that is capable of piercing through armor, and sawed-off shotguns. The penalties for possessing any of these weapons are severe.
Do I Lose My Rights to Own a Firearm Following a Conviction in Indiana?
Yes, in Indiana, it is very likely that you can lose your rights to own, possess, or purchase a firearm after a conviction. In fact, the loss of these rights is automatic should you be convicted of a felony. Certain misdemeanor convictions may also result in permanent firearm restrictions, including those for domestic violence.
What Are the Penalties for Gun Crimes?
If you are convicted of a gun crime in Indiana, you can face some combination of jail or prison time, fines, and loss of certain civil rights. In addition to these legal penalties, you are also likely to face certain personal consequences, like difficulty finding housing or future employment. In fact, individuals with a criminal record face a 30% unemployment rate.
What Should I Do If I Am Arrested for a Gun Crime in Indiana?
If you are arrested for a gun crime in Indiana, you need to contact an attorney right away. At The Criminal Defense Team, we have a lawyer on-call 24/7 who is ready and able to defend you at any time of the day or night. Do not answer any of the police’s questions or give in to any pressure to confess until you’ve spoken with your lawyer.
Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer Today
When the time comes to hire a gun crime lawyer, the Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists at The Criminal Defense Team are here for you. Contact our Indiana-based firm today and schedule a consultation.