Westfield Serious Violent Felon in Possession of Firearm Attorney
If you were arrested and charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm due to your criminal record, your freedom and future could be at immediate risk. Indiana takes a zero-tolerance stance on gun law violations, and prosecutors may pursue the harshest penalties available. A Westfield serious violent felon in possession of a firearm lawyer can evaluate the evidence and pursue the right strategy to protect your rights and safeguard your freedom.
Connect With The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C.
If you have a criminal record and are facing new charges, the steps you take at this moment can determine whether you remain free or face reincarceration. The award-winning defense attorneys at The Criminal Defense Team bring over 100 years of combined legal experience to these cases. When we accept a case, we assign two of our lead attorneys to represent that client. Our collaborative approach means that you benefit from our collective knowledge of the law.
What sets our distinguished defense firm apart from the competition is the quality, training, and experience of our lead defense lawyers. We maintain a former prosecutor and five Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists on our staff. Important decisions demand qualified professionals. Just as medicine requires proficiency, so does defending your freedom. You deserve the strongest chance of beating your charges. Our attorneys are prepared to give you that chance.
Understanding Violent Felony and Gun Possession Charges
The violent crime rate in Westfield is 1.222 per 1,000 residents in a typical year, and many offenses in those figures involve firearms. When someone with a qualifying prior conviction is found in possession of a gun, law enforcement may pursue a serious violent felon charge under Indiana law. Arrests often occur during traffic stops, domestic disturbance calls, search warrant executions, or investigations into unrelated offenses where a firearm is discovered.
These laws can result in new criminal charges for residents in neighborhoods such as Harmony, Centennial, and Chatham Hills. The discovery of a firearm could lead to the suspect’s immediate arrest and booking at Hamilton County Jail, located at 18102 Cumberland Road in nearby Noblesville. A subsequent conviction could result in imprisonment, heavy fines, and other consequences.
Effective Defense Strategies for Beating Your Gun Possession Charges
With the right defense strategy, you could avoid becoming one of the roughly 49,000 detainees currently behind bars in Indiana. One defense strategy could focus on why you were detained and whether prosecutors can prove that you knowingly possessed the firearm or even knew it was there.
With 44.8% of Indiana residents owning a firearm, there is the real possibility that someone could be falsely accused of owning a firearm that belongs to someone else. Your attorney could also explore whether your rights were violated when you were detained. If you were not detained for a valid reason or a property search was conducted without a warrant, your lawyer could file a motion to suppress evidence, which could potentially lead to dropped or reduced charges.
Why You Should Hire a Serious Violent Felon in Possession of a Firearm Lawyer
The outcome of your case could hinge on whether you hire a serious violent felon in possession of a firearm lawyer who understands the complexities of these types of cases. When you work with a Westfield serious violent felon in possession of a firearm attorney, you benefit from their years of experience and knowledge of how to protect clients from serious violent felon in possession of a firearm penalties.
Indiana’s serious violent felon in possession of a firearm laws could lead to life-altering penalties, but prosecutors must prove every element of the offense.
Your defense lawyer can play a critical role in preventing the state from meeting its burden of proof by scrutinizing the evidence and casting doubt on the prosecution’s version of events. During a challenging ordeal, your lawyer can provide you with the guidance and support you need to avoid a serious conviction.
FAQs
Q: Can Felons Possess Firearms?
A: Federal law prohibits felons from owning or possessing firearms. Indiana law specifically bars those convicted of a violent offense from possessing any type of gun. Anyone with a qualifying criminal record found with a firearm could be arrested and charged with new criminal charges. A conviction for unlawful possession of a handgun or rifle could lead to the defendant’s confinement in prison, which is why defending against the accusations up front is critical.
Q: How Do I Prove the Firearm Is Not Mine?
A: The prosecution must prove that you knowingly possessed or controlled the firearm. If the weapon is found in a shared space, vehicle, or residence, your lawyer could argue that you did not know about the gun. Demonstrating a lack of control or knowledge could cast doubt on the prosecution’s case and potentially lead to the charges being dropped.
Q: Can Unlawful Searches Help My Case?
A: Yes, any evidence that was obtained unlawfully or in violation of your constitutional rights could be suppressed. This means that the prosecution could no longer use that evidence against you. A search of your property without a valid warrant is one example of an unlawful search. If you were pulled over, the police must have a valid reason for detaining you.
Q: When Should I Hire an Attorney?
A: You should seek legal representation as soon as you learn you are under investigation or have been charged. Early involvement by a criminal defense attorney could influence the outcome of your case and potentially prevent you from being convicted of a serious offense. An attorney can also speak on your behalf so you do not say anything incriminating.
Choose a Defense Team With Proven Trial Experience
Being charged with a crime does not automatically result in a conviction. The outcome of your case depends on the strength of the evidence and the quality of your defense. When you retain The Criminal Defense Team, you work with trial-prepared attorneys who recognize what is at stake and are committed to protecting your rights at every stage of the process.
Our firm includes a former prosecutor and five Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists, each with extensive courtroom experience. Do not leave your future to chance. Our team is prepared to build a strategic defense tailored to the specific facts of your case. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation so we can evaluate your situation and develop a plan to challenge the charges you are facing.
*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.