When facing criminal charges in Indiana, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney from a law firm who understands the complexities of the criminal justice system. At Zentz Law, our criminal defense lawyer in Brownsburg Indiana provides dedicated legal representation to clients throughout Hendricks County and beyond. Our criminal defense team has handled numerous jury trials and maintains a deep understanding of Indiana criminal law, ensuring our criminal defense and family law clients receive high-quality legal representation during their most challenging times.
Our Indiana criminal defense lawyer brings years of experience defending clients against various criminal offenses, including domestic violence.. He understands that criminal charges can have significant consequences on your future, and he is an attorney deeply committed to protecting your rights and will fight aggressively for the best possible outcome. Our premium criminal lawyer provides compassionate criminal defense representation tailored to each client’s unique situation, including comprehensive legal services that extend beyond courtroom advocacy to post-conviction relief when necessary.
Contact Zentz Law today for your free consultation. Our skilled criminal lawyer is available to discuss your case and provide appropriate legal advice. Our law firm believes in making quality legal representation accessible, which is why we offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and explain your options. Call us at 317-220-6056 or visit our office for a free consultation with a premium criminal lawyer who performs legal services, including family law, with the highest level of professionalism and dedication.
Areas of Criminal Defense Law We Handle
Our criminal defense attorney at Zentz Law handles a comprehensive range of criminal law matters throughout Hendricks County and Hamilton County. While these are some of his primary practice areas, please note that these aren’t the only areas of criminal law we handle. Our criminal law legal services extend to virtually any type of criminal case. Our criminal lawyer team maintains active memberships in professional organizations, including the Indiana State Bar Association, to ensure we stay current with evolving criminal law standards in the legal system, and reflect current legal developments through professional attorney-client relationships.
Battery Charges
Battery charges represent serious criminal offenses that can result in lasting damage to your criminal record and future opportunities. In Indiana, battery ranges from Class B misdemeanor charges (up to 180 days in jail and $1,000 fine) for simple unwanted touching to Level 5 felonies (1-6 years imprisonment) for serious bodily injury or use of deadly weapons, with enhanced penalties for battery against protected victims like law enforcement officers, children under 14, or individuals with disabilities.
Our criminal defense attorney has extensive experience defending clients against battery accusations in Indiana courts and understands the various strategies available, including self-defense, lack of intent, and parental discipline rights. Since any felony battery conviction results in permanent loss of firearm rights under federal law, developing an effective criminal defense strategy to be executed in court hearings tailored to your specific situation is crucial for protecting both your freedom and future opportunities.
Drug Crimes
Drug possession and other drug-related criminal cases require immediate attention from an experienced Indiana criminal defense attorney, as these charges range from Class B misdemeanors (up to 180 days jail and $1,000 fine) for simple marijuana possession to Level 3 felonies (up to 9 years prison) for possession of 28+ grams of methamphetamine, cocaine, or narcotics. Indiana imposes enhanced penalties for prior drug convictions, possession near schools, or amounts that suggest intent to distribute, with cocaine and methamphetamine possession starting as Level 6 felonies even for amounts under 5 grams.
Our criminal law attorney has successfully defended clients against all types of drug charges and understands how to challenge evidence obtained through searches and seizures, as drug possession charges can significantly impact employment opportunities, housing applications, and federal student aid eligibility. Indiana does offer conditional discharge programs for first-time marijuana offenders without a criminal record, where successful completion of post-charge supervision can result in charge dismissal, making experienced legal representation crucial for protecting your future opportunities.
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct charges may seem minor, but under Indiana Code § 35-45-1-3, these charges are Class B misdemeanors punishable by up to 180 days in jail and $1,000 in fines, and can escalate to Level 6 felonies (up to 2.5 years in prison and $10,000 fine) when committed at airports or within 500 feet of funeral proceedings. Indiana defines the offense as recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally engaging in fighting or tumultuous conduct, making unreasonable noise after being asked to stop, or disrupting a lawful assembly, and these charges apply to both public and private disturbances.
Our dedicated criminal defense attorney has extensive experience defending clients against disorderly conduct accusations and understands the constitutional protections that apply to freedom of speech and assembly, recognizing that a conviction will remain on your record for life unless expunged. Our criminal lawyer works to protect your rights while building a strong defense that may include challenging the reasonableness of alleged noise, mistaken identity, or constitutional free expression protections.
How Indiana Defines “Battery”
Battery is defined as knowingly or intentionally touching another person in a rude, insolent, or angry manner, including acts of domestic violence. The Indiana Supreme Court and various trial courts have established precedents that our criminal defense attorney uses to protect clients facing these charges. Understanding this definition is crucial for anyone facing battery accusations, as the legal elements must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt for a conviction. Our criminal law expertise includes thorough knowledge of Supreme Court decisions that shape how these cases are prosecuted and defended. Additionally, we stay current with Supreme Court rulings that may impact defense strategies and case outcomes.
Our criminal lawyer recognizes that battery cases often involve complex factual situations where the circumstances leading to the alleged offense are disputed. The prosecution must prove specific intent and that the touching occurred in the manner defined by law. Our skilled attorney examines all evidence, witness statements, and police reports to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop effective defense strategies for our clients.
When Battery Becomes a Level 6 Felony
Battery charges can be elevated to Level 6 felony status under specific circumstances. These enhanced charges carry more severe penalties and can result in significant consequences for your future. Our criminal defense attorney understands when battery becomes a felony and works aggressively to challenge these enhanced charges.
Battery becomes a Level 6 felony when committed against law enforcement officers, emergency personnel, school employees, or judicial officers acting in their official capacity. Additionally, battery against a person under 14 years old by someone 18 or older, battery with a deadly weapon, or battery resulting in serious bodily injury can result in felony charges. Our criminal defense attorney has experience defending against felony battery charges and understands the serious nature of these accusations.
Commonly Used Battery Defenses
Our criminal defense attorney employs various strategies when representing clients facing battery charges. These defenses require careful analysis of the facts and thorough preparation to present effectively in court.
Self-Defense: Self-defense is a fundamental right, allowing individuals to protect themselves from imminent harm. Our defense attorney has successfully used self-defense arguments in numerous jury trials, demonstrating that our clients acted reasonably to protect themselves. Indiana follows the “stand your ground” doctrine, which means individuals have no duty to retreat when facing threats in places where they have a legal right to be.
Consent: In certain situations, the alleged victim may have consented to the contact that forms the basis of battery charges. Our criminal lawyer carefully examines the circumstances to determine whether consent was given and whether it applies to the specific conduct alleged. Consent can be particularly relevant in cases involving sporting events, medical procedures, or other situations where physical contact is expected.
Property Defense: Property owners have the right to use reasonable force to protect their property from unlawful interference. Our skilled attorney understands the limitations of property defense and knows how to present these arguments effectively. The force used must be proportional to the threat, and property owners must generally provide warnings when practical before using force.
Parental/Teacher Privilege: Indiana recognizes limited privileges for parents and teachers to use reasonable physical force in disciplining children. Our criminal defense attorneys understand the scope and limitations of these privileges and can determine when they apply to battery charges involving disciplinary actions.
What Counts as a Drug Crime in Indiana
Drug crimes encompass a wide range of criminal offenses related to controlled substances. Under Indiana Code Title 35, drug offenses include possession, dealing, manufacturing, and trafficking of illegal substances, with penalties varying based on the type and amount of substance involved. These charges can range from misdemeanor possession to serious felony offenses carrying lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. Our Indiana criminal defense attorney has extensive experience defending clients against all types of drug charges and stays current with legal developments that may affect our clients’ cases.
The criminal justice system treats drug offenses seriously, and the consequences extend far beyond immediate criminal penalties, often affecting family law matters, including custody arrangements and divorce proceedings.
Drug investigations often involve complex constitutional issues related to searches, seizures, and surveillance. Our criminal defense attorneys have successfully challenged evidence obtained through illegal searches and have secured favorable outcomes for clients through effective plea negotiations. We understand how drug cases are investigated and prosecuted, allowing us to identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Types of Drug Crimes
Our criminal defense attorneys handle various types of drug crimes, each presenting unique challenges. While these represent common categories, they aren’t the only drug crimes we defend against.
Possession
Drug possession charges range from simple possession for personal use to possession of large quantities that may support dealing allegations. Our criminal lawyer understands the elements required for possession charges and knows how to challenge cases involving constructive possession where multiple individuals had access to the alleged contraband. We examine the circumstances of arrest and evidence collection to identify potential constitutional violations, providing comprehensive legal services that include a detailed analysis of all court records related to the arrest and investigation.
Dealing or Intent To Distribute
Dealing charges and possession with intent to distribute are serious felony offenses carrying substantial penalties. Our defense attorney has experience challenging the evidence used to support intent allegations, including the presence of scales, packaging materials, and cash. We understand that large quantities alone don’t necessarily prove intent to distribute and work to present alternative explanations for the evidence.
Manufacturing or Cultivation
Manufacturing and cultivation charges involve the production of controlled substances and carry severe penalties under Indiana law. These cases often involve complex investigations and technical evidence requiring careful analysis. Our criminal defense attorneys have experience defending against manufacturing charges and understand the constitutional issues that frequently arise in these cases.
Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking charges are among the most serious drug offenses prosecuted in both state and federal courts. These cases often involve multiple defendants and complex conspiracy allegations. Our criminal defense attorneys have the experience and resources necessary to handle complex trafficking cases effectively, including cases involving interstate commerce and federal jurisdiction.
The Five Schedules of Drugs in Indiana
The Indiana legal system follows the federal classification system for controlled substances, dividing drugs into five schedules based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use. Our Indiana criminal defense lawyer understands how these classifications affect potential penalties and can help you understand the specific charges you may be facing.
Schedule I Substances: These drugs have the highest potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Schedule I substances carry the most severe penalties. Examples include heroin, LSD, ecstasy (MDMA), marijuana (under most circumstances), peyote, and synthetic drugs like K2 or Spice. Possession, manufacturing, or distribution of Schedule I substances typically results in felony charges with significant prison time and substantial fines.
Schedule II Substances: These drugs have a high potential for abuse but have accepted medical uses with severe restrictions. They may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Examples include cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, Adderall, and Ritalin. While these substances have legitimate medical applications, their illegal possession or distribution carries severe criminal penalties, often including mandatory minimum sentences.
Schedule III Substances: These drugs have a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence compared to Schedule I and II substances. They have accepted medical uses and include anabolic steroids, ketamine, testosterone, some barbiturates, and certain codeine preparations. Criminal charges for Schedule III substances typically result in lower penalties than Schedule I or II, but convictions can still result in significant fines and imprisonment.
Schedule IV Substances: These drugs have a low potential for abuse relative to Schedule III substances and have accepted medical uses. Examples include Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), Ambien (zolpidem), and tramadol. While penalties for Schedule IV substances are generally less severe, illegal possession or distribution can still result in criminal charges, fines, and potential jail time.
Schedule V Substances: These drugs have the lowest potential for abuse and consist primarily of preparations containing limited quantities of certain controlled substances. Examples include certain cough preparations containing codeine, anti-diarrheal medications containing small amounts of opium, and some prescription medications with very low doses of controlled substances. Although these carry the lightest penalties, criminal charges can still impact your record and future opportunities.
What Constitutes Disorderly Conduct in Indiana
Disorderly conduct under Indiana law includes engaging in fighting or tumultuous conduct, making unreasonable noise, or disrupting a lawful assembly. Our skilled attorney understands that these charges are often used broadly by law enforcement and may not always be appropriate. We examine the specific circumstances of each case to determine whether the alleged conduct meets the legal definition of disorderly conduct, ensuring that our criminal law expertise guides every aspect of case preparation.
Context is crucial in disorderly conduct cases, as behavior that might be disruptive in one setting could be appropriate in another. Our criminal defense attorneys understand the constitutional protections that apply to speech and assembly, particularly in cases involving protests or other forms of political expression.
Types of Disorderly Conduct
Tumultuous Conduct: Tumultuous conduct involves fighting or violent behavior that disturbs public peace. Our defense attorney has experience defending against these charges and understands that not all physical altercations constitute criminal tumultuous conduct. Self-defense and other justifications may apply depending on the circumstances.
Making Unreasonable Noise: Unreasonable noise charges require that the noise disturb public peace and go beyond normal activities. Our premium criminal lawyer understands the difference between noise that’s merely annoying and conduct that rises to criminal levels. Constitutional protections for free speech may apply in cases involving political protests or religious activities.
Disrupting a Lawful Assembly: Disrupting lawful assemblies involves interfering with legitimate gatherings such as government meetings or religious services. Our criminal defense attorney understands that citizens have First Amendment rights to express disagreement, even in formal settings, and he works to protect these constitutional rights.
FAQs
Is a public protest “disorderly conduct?”
Public protests are generally protected by the First Amendment and don’t constitute disorderly conduct simply by occurring. However, specific conduct during protests may cross into criminal behavior. Our criminal defense attorney has experience defending clients whose protest activities led to charges, and he understands the balance between free speech rights and public safety concerns. The key factors include whether the protest was peaceful, complied with permits, and whether individuals engaged in violent or threatening behavior.
What counts as drug paraphernalia?
Drug paraphernalia includes equipment primarily intended for manufacturing, preparing, or consuming controlled substances. Indiana law defines this broadly to include pipes, scales, syringes, and other drug-related items. However, many items have legitimate uses, and our defense attorney has experience challenging paraphernalia charges by demonstrating legitimate purposes or insufficient evidence of drug-related intent. These charges often accompany drug possession but can be filed independently.
What is a “pill mill?”
A “pill mill” refers to medical facilities that inappropriately prescribe or distribute controlled substances, particularly prescription pain medications. These operations often involve doctors prescribing large quantities without legitimate medical justification. Pill mill cases are aggressively prosecuted and can result in serious charges, including illegal distribution, healthcare fraud, and conspiracy. Our criminal defense attorney has experience in complex healthcare fraud cases involving controlled substances.
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney: Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
When facing criminal charges in Brownsburg, Indiana, you need experienced legal representation from an attorney who understands the criminal justice process and will fight for your rights. Criminal defense lawyers in Brownsburg, Indianapolis, and elsewhere in Indiana provide aggressive legal representation while maintaining the attorney-client relationship built on trust and communication. Our criminal defense team has handled cases throughout the Indiana criminal defense system and maintains membership in professional organizations, including the Indiana State Bar Association, ensuring our criminal law practice stays current with the latest developments and best practices.
Whether you’re facing charges related to domestic violence, drug crimes, battery, disorderly conduct, traffic offenses, including habitual traffic offender violations, or serious felony accusations, our attorney who is licensed to practice in Indiana will provide a strategic defense tailored to your situation. We understand that a criminal conviction can affect family law issues, employment opportunities, and other aspects of your life, which is why we work diligently to protect your future, offering comprehensive legal services that may include post-conviction relief when appropriate. Our commitment to continuing education ensures that we reflect current legal developments and provide the most effective criminal defense representation possible.
Don’t face the legal system alone. Contact Zentz Law today for your free consultation with a dedicated criminal defense attorney who will provide appropriate legal advice and fight for your rights. We serve clients throughout Hendricks County, Hamilton County, and surrounding areas, and our free consultation allows us to evaluate your case thoroughly and explain how our criminal defense legal services can protect your rights and future. Call 317-220-6056 to schedule your free consultation today.