Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in West Lafayette, IN
A criminal offense charge is a serious situation, and penalties for conviction can cost you in fines, time in Tippecanoe County Jail or prison, and much more. You need a West Lafayette criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights whether you are being investigated or have been arrested. An effective legal defense could help you avoid conviction, protecting your job, home, and reputation.
Work With The Criminal Defense Team
The abilities of your criminal defense attorney are crucial to help you safeguard your future. At The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C., five of our attorneys are Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialists.* They are five out of six board specialists in criminal trials in the entire state. When you need medical care, you go to a specialist for that care. Likewise, you should work with a criminal trial specialist to navigate your criminal case.
One of our attorneys is a former prosecutor who has experience in major felony cases, including homicide cases. This experience gives our team unique insight into these complex criminal cases. The firm is also equipped to handle major discovery in cases.
We understand how important compassionate support is for those dealing with criminal charges without sacrificing aggressive legal defense. Our firm prioritizes team-based handling of cases, working together in teams of two attorneys and one paralegal for each case. We focus on brainstorming together on each case. This helps you get the comprehensive support your case deserves.
*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.
Criminal Cases We Handle at The Criminal Defense Team
There were 7,846 criminal offenses reported in Tippecanoe County in 2025 reported by the state’s Management Performance Hub (MPH), partnering with the Indiana State Police. At The Criminal Defense Team, we manage criminal cases like:
- Drug offenses: Drug-related crimes include possession offenses, manufacturing, and dealing. There were 2,891 drug offenses reported in Tippecanoe County in 2025, according to MPH, and 47.9% of these offenses were alcohol offenses like public intoxication. Drug crimes are harshly prosecuted, especially when dangerous Schedule I substances are involved.
- Driving while intoxicated: Operating a vehicle under the influence (OWI) creates a high risk of danger and can lead to collisions. A collision or a traffic stop can lead to an arrest. There were 1,211 impaired traffic offenses in Tippecanoe County in 2025, making up 65.7% of all traffic offenses. While an OWI charge may seem indisputable, there may be many potential defenses to challenge an offense to prevent conviction and protect your ability to drive.
- Property crimes: Property crimes are offenses where property is stolen, destroyed, or damaged. Arson, burglary, shoplifting, and vandalism are common property crimes. There were 810 property crimes reported in Tippecanoe County in 2025. Of these, 379 were theft/conversion offenses.
- Domestic violence: Domestic violence offenses are violent actions or threats of violence made against a family member or someone in the household. In 2025, there were 316 domestic battery offenses in Tippecanoe County, making up 38.9% of all violent offenses. Domestic violence offenses can also include criminal trespassing, stalking, and disorderly conduct.
- Sex offenses: There were 64 sex offenses reported to MPH in 2025 in the county. Sex offenses include crimes like rape, sexual misconduct with a minor, online sex crimes, statutory rape, and sexual battery. These offenses are incredibly serious, carrying criminal charges and severe social stigma. A strong defense is essential.
- Violent offenses: Violent crimes include murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, robbery, and battery. Eight hundred and twelve violent offenses were reported in Tippecanoe County in 2025, including 240 battery offenses. There were also 116 weapons offenses. Homicide charges are some of the most serious violent crimes, and murder carries the potential for 65 years in prison.
- White-collar crimes: A white-collar crime is a financial offense that is nonviolent, but can potentially affect many victims. They include offenses like identity theft, embezzlement, insider trading, credit card fraud, money laundering, mail and wire fraud, and extortion. Sixty-five fraud offenses were reported in the county in 2025, according to MPH.
In West Lafayette, our firm knows how to navigate these types of cases and can guide you through all the procedures of your criminal case.
FAQs
Is It Worth It to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
It is worth it to hire a criminal defense lawyer to protect your freedom, wealth, future, and reputation. You are much more likely to secure an outcome to your criminal case that either minimizes the severity of your penalties or avoids conviction altogether. An attorney helps protect your rights, avoid unfavorable plea deals, and advocate for your interests in court.
How Many Years Does a Level 4 Felony Carry in Indiana?
The advisory sentence for a Level 4 felony in Indiana is six years, but a fixed term may range between two years and 12 years. There is also a fine of up to $10,000. It includes offenses like battery to an endangered adult, a kidnapping offense that results in moderate bodily injury to a third-party person, and arson.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Defense Lawyer in Indiana?
The cost to hire a lawyer in Indiana depends on the lawyer you work with and the types of criminal offenses you are facing. Most criminal defense attorneys charge an hourly rate. When you have more severe criminal charges, it will likely take more time and work to build a defense, meaning rates are likely to be higher, and the more time spent also increases costs. Always discuss fees with an attorney upfront.
Can You Beat a Criminal Charge in Indiana?
It is possible to beat a criminal charge in Indiana, but it depends on the specifics of the charges against you, your arrest, and whether or not you work with a skilled defense attorney. The defense strategy for each case will be unique to your circumstances. An attorney can help you assess options like lack of criminal intent, violations of your constitutional rights, and lack of evidence that you committed the offense.
West Lafayette Criminal Defense Attorney
When you need an effective criminal defense strategy from the Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialist lawyers at The Criminal Defense Team, reach out to us. We offer 24/7 on-call support from a lawyer to bring you legal support whenever you need it.