Westfield Criminal Defense Attorney
Why Hire Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Westfield?
Have you been arrested for a crime in Westfield? Do you face a misdemeanor or felony charge? If so, contact The Criminal Defense Team right now. We can review the circumstances of the alleged offense and determine how to defend you in your case.
Indiana law punishes various crimes harshly. After an arrest, you can face a range of consequences legally and personally. You could lose your job, and your reputation within the community could be ruined. Even if you pay your debt to society, you can encounter obstacles while seeking employment or a place to live. It’s an overwhelming and stressful experience for anyone to deal with.
At The Criminal Defense Team, we know the uphill battle ahead of you to fight against the criminal charges. Our legal team is ready to provide the representation and guidance necessary to navigate the complex process. We can investigate your case thoroughly and create a defense strategy to get the charges dropped or reduced. We will protect your rights and try to reach your desired outcome.
Do not hesitate to contact The Criminal Defense Team at (317) 687-8326 to learn more about what we can do for you. One of our criminal defense lawyers in Westfield, IN, can meet with you during a free consultation and advise your legal options.
Indiana Crimes We Defend
Since 2007, The Criminal Defense Team has taken on criminal cases involving various types of offenses, including:
- Arson
- Battery
- Murder
- Intimidation/harassment
- Neglect of dependent
- DUI
- Theft crimes
- Public intoxication
- Disorderly conduct
- Manslaughter
- Possession of alcohol by a minor
- Drug crimes
- White-collar crimes
- Identity theft
- Domestic violence
- Sex crimes
We can also represent you in cases like these:
- Appeals
- Probation and community corrections violation
- Special driving privileges
You should immediately reach out to The Criminal Defense Team whether you face a misdemeanor or felony charge. You need a dependable and trusted legal team by your side to be your advocate and fight for you.
Indiana Sentencing Guidelines For Criminal Convictions
Criminal offenses can fall under a misdemeanor or felony charge. Harassment, public intoxication, and DUI are a few examples of misdemeanor crimes. Felonies are more serious than misdemeanors. They include things like rape and murder.
In Indiana, the courts use sentencing guidelines to determine the appropriate penalty for a conviction. The judge can also consider other factors, such as the severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and the victim’s age, to reduce or increase the prison term they choose.
Sentencing guidelines for misdemeanor offenses are below.
Class C misdemeanor
- No more than 60 days imprisonment
- Up to a $500 fine
Class B misdemeanor
- Imprisonment for a maximum of 180 days
- No more than a $1,000 fine
Class A misdemeanor
- Up to one-year imprisonment
- Maximum of a $5,000 fine
Felony sentencing guidelines are below.
Class D or Level 6 felony
Class D felonies involve offenses committed before July 1, 2014. Sentencing includes:
- Six months to three years imprisonment
- No more than a $10,000 fine
Certain crimes committed after June 30, 2014, are considered Level 6 felonies and can result in these penalties:
- Up to a $10,000 fine
- Between six months and two and a half years in prison
Class C or Level 5 felony
A crime committed before July 1, 2014, can lead to a Class C felony charge and sentences to include:
- No more than a $10,000 fine
- Prison term between two and eight years
Level 5 felonies are offenses committed after June 30, 2014. This type of conviction is punishable by:
- Between one a six years in prison
- Up to a $10,000 fine
Level 4 felony
- A maximum of a $10,000 fine
- Between two and twelve years in prison
Class B or Level 3 felony
Class B felonies involve offenses committed before July 1, 2014. They can result in sentencing of:
- 6 to 20 years in prison
- No more than a $10,000 fine
A crime committed after June 30, 2014, is considered a Level 3 felony with these penalties:
- Between 3 and 16 years in prison
- A maximum of a $10,000 fine
Level 2 felony
- Prison term of 10 to 30 years
- No more than a $10,000 fine
Class A or Level 1 felony
Class A felonies include offenses committed before July 1, 2014, and are punishable by:
- Up to a $10,000 fine
- Between 20 and 50 years in prison
Crimes committed after June 30, 2014, are Level 1 felonies. Sentencing can include:
- Prison term of 20 to 40 years
- No more than a $10,000 fine
Imprisonment isn’t always the chosen punishment. Some judges are more lenient and will order alternative sentencing to first-time and non-violent offenders.
Probation is a common penalty for defendants who could be rehabilitated and would benefit more from serving their sentence within the community instead of inside a jail cell.
Successful completion of probation means meeting all conditions set by the court, such as:
- Attend counseling, therapy, or another treatment program
- Random home visits by the probation officer
- Avoid possessing or using a firearm
- Maintain adequate employment
- Stay away from certain locations and the victim of the crime
- Submit to random drug and alcohol testing
- Complete community service hours
- Check in with a probation officer regularly
Community corrections is another alternative sentence to imprisonment. The judge might order a work release program or home detention for eligible offenders.
Common Defenses For Crimes In Westfield
At The Criminal Defense Team, our Westfield criminal defense lawyers know state laws and the most effective defense strategies for misdemeanor and felony offenses. When you hire us, we will determine how to defend you to the best of our ability to get the charge reduced or your entire case dismissed.
The most common defenses include:
- Innocence
- Entrapment
- Mistake of fact
- Alibi
- Duress or coercion
- Affirmative defenses
- Mental defect or disease
- Violation of a Constitutional right
This isn’t a complete list of every possible defense we could use in your case. The options available for you will depend on the charges and the circumstances of the crime.