When facing criminal charges in Plainfield or the surrounding Indianapolis area, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands the complexities of Indiana criminal law and can provide aggressive representation tailored to your particular situation. At Zentz Law, our criminal defense lawyer in Plainfield, Indianapolis, and throughout Indiana has extensive experience defending clients against a wide range of criminal cases throughout Marion County and Hendricks County, Indiana. Our team is committed to providing compassionate criminal defense representation while protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome under Indiana criminal law.
Our team includes an experienced attorney professional who practices criminal law across multiple jurisdictions in Hendricks County, Indiana. Our Indiana criminal defense attorney team has successfully handled hundreds of criminal cases.. We maintain strong attorney-client relationships while working tirelessly to protect our clients’ rights throughout the legal system. Our practice areas include jury trials, appeals, and post-conviction relief, and our attorney works to reflect current legal developments in our defense strategies.
If you’re looking for a criminal attorney who will fight for your rights and provide appropriate criminal law advice, contact Zentz Law today for a free consultation. Call us at 317-220-6056 or visit our office in Plainfield to discuss your case with an attorney licensed to perform legal services in Indiana. Our team responds quickly to clients’ needs and understands the human impact of criminal charges on defendants and their families. This connection allows us to provide both aggressive legal representation and the support our clients need during difficult times.
Areas of Criminal Defense Law Our Attorney Handles
Our experienced criminal defense attorney in Marion County, Indiana, handles a comprehensive range of criminal law matters throughout the Indianapolis area and surrounding counties. While the following represent some of his primary practice areas, these are not the only areas of criminal defense law our team handles. We encourage you to contact us for a free consultation in Plainfield to discuss your specific criminal charges.
DUI Charges
DUI crime charges in Indiana carry serious consequences that can impact your driving privileges, employment, and criminal record, requiring immediate attention from experienced legal counsel. Our experienced criminal defense attorney team understands Indiana’s complex impaired driving laws and works aggressively to challenge evidence, examining every aspect of your case throughout investigations. We know how to identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that could lead to reduced charges or dismissal. Our criminal law attorney practices DUI criminal law throughout Hendricks County, Indiana, and handles appeals in court when necessary.
Failure To Pay Child Support
Failure to pay child support in Indiana can result in serious civil and criminal consequences, including contempt of court charges and potential jail time. Indiana courts prosecute these cases aggressively. Our criminal defense attorney understands that circumstances beyond your control can make it difficult to meet support obligations and works to protect your rights in criminal proceedings. He knows how to present mitigating circumstances to the court and negotiate alternatives to incarceration when appropriate. Our experienced attorney practices criminal law in courts throughout Hendricks County, Indiana, and handles appellate matters when necessary.
Theft Charges
Theft charges in Indiana courts range from misdemeanor crimes to serious felonies, depending on the property value and circumstances, with convictions having lasting consequences on your criminal record and employment prospects. Our criminal defense lawyer has extensive experience defending clients against all levels of theft charges, from shoplifting to grand theft allegations, using tailored defense strategies for each criminal law case. We thoroughly investigate evidence, challenge witness testimony when appropriate, and work to achieve the best possible outcome for each client. Our criminal law attorney practices theft defense throughout Hendricks County, Indiana.
How a Vehicle Operator Is Defined in DUI Charges
Understanding how Indiana law defines a “vehicle operator” is crucial in DUI cases, as this definition can significantly impact your defense strategy. Under Indiana criminal law, a person can be charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated even if they are not actively driving at the time of arrest. The Indiana Supreme Court has established that physical control of a vehicle while intoxicated can constitute “operating” under the statute, and these decisions from the Supreme Court continue to shape how these cases are handled.
Indiana’s definition of operating a vehicle includes situations where a person has physical control of the vehicle, even if the engine is not running or the vehicle is not in motion. Someone sitting in the driver’s seat of a parked car with the keys in their possession could potentially face DUI charges if they are found to be intoxicated. The court considers factors including the location of the vehicle, whether the engine was running, whether the keys were accessible, the person’s intent, and their capability to move the vehicle.
Our criminal defense attorney understands these nuances and uses this knowledge to build strong defenses for our clients. He examines the specific circumstances of each arrest to determine whether the prosecution can prove that our client was actually “operating” the vehicle as defined by Indiana law. Call us today for a free consultation about your Hendricks County court case with our attorney: 317-220-6056.
Potential Penalties for a First-Time DUI Offender
First-time DUI offenders in Indiana face significant penalties that can impact multiple aspects of their lives. Criminal penalties typically include fines ranging from $500 to $5,000, depending on the circumstances and blood alcohol concentration. Jail time for a DUI crime is possible, with first-time offenders potentially facing up to one year in jail, though actual sentences depend on factors such as BAC level and cooperation with law enforcement.
Beyond criminal penalties, first-time DUI offenders face license suspension through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The suspension period can range from 90 days to two years, depending on their BAC level and whether the person submitted to chemical testing. Additional consequences may include mandatory alcohol education programs, ignition interlock device installation, community service, and probation supervision.
The criminal law court system treats each crime seriously. Every criminal defense lawyer knows that appeals may be necessary. Each attorney reviews evidence, and when a judge review occurs, proper criminal law representation in court is essential. Contact our attorney for a comprehensive case review. Our criminal defense attorney works diligently to help first-time offenders avoid conviction when possible or minimize penalties when conviction cannot be avoided.
Our criminal defense attorney understands how these cases affect defendants and their criminal history, and he works to protect our clients from long-term consequences. Each person charged with a DUI crime deserves experienced representation, and our criminal lawyer works closely with clients to develop the most effective defense strategy for their particular situation. When you call for your free consultation, a Plainfield criminal law attorney will guide you in your next steps.
Penalties for Failing To Pay Child Support in Indiana
Indiana law takes child support obligations seriously, and failure to pay can result in both civil and criminal penalties.
Monetary
Monetary penalties for failing to pay child support in Indiana can be substantial. Interest charges accrue on unpaid child support at approximately 18% annually. Income withholding allows the state to garnish wages, bank accounts, tax refunds, and other income sources. Asset seizure is possible, including seizure and sale of real estate and vehicles to satisfy child support debts. The state can place liens on property, and professional licenses can be suspended or revoked for non-payment.
Non-Monetary
Non-monetary penalties include contempt of court charges that can result in jail time for willful non-payment. Credit reporting of unpaid child support can severely damage credit scores and the ability to obtain loans or housing. Passport restrictions may prevent non-paying parents from obtaining or renewing passports.
Our criminal defense attorney understands both civil and criminal aspects of child support enforcement and works to protect clients from harsh penalties while helping them comply with their legal obligations. We maintain the highest standards for our attorney-client relationships while providing the legal services needed to resolve these complex situations. During your free consultation, a Plainfield criminal law attorney will answer all of your questions.
What Indiana Considers “Grand Theft”
According to Indiana Supreme Court decisions, theft becomes a felony crime when the value of the property taken exceeds $750, making the offense a Level 6 felony. The classification can be enhanced to higher-level felonies based on additional factors such as the type of property stolen, the location of the theft, or the defendant’s criminal history.
Certain types of property automatically make theft a felony crime regardless of value, including firearms, vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, and items taken from someone’s person. Theft from a dwelling is also typically charged as a felony even if the property value is less than $750.
The value of stolen property is determined by its fair market value at the time of the theft. Prior convictions can elevate theft charges to higher felony levels. Our criminal defense attorney carefully examines how the prosecution calculates property values and will challenge inflated valuations when appropriate. Call today for your free consultation with our attorney today: 317-220-6056.
Difference Between Theft and Conversion
Understanding the legal distinction between theft crime and conversion in Hendricks County and the surrounding areas is important in Indiana criminal law. Theft requires the intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property, while conversion occurs when someone unlawfully uses or controls another person’s property without permission, even if they initially obtained the property lawfully. A criminal defense lawyer understands the difference.
Common examples of conversion include keeping borrowed property beyond the agreed period or using someone’s vehicle without permission after being allowed to borrow it initially. The penalties can be similar, but the different legal elements mean defense strategies may vary significantly. Our criminal defense attorney carefully analyzes the specific facts of each case to determine the most effective defense approach. Our criminal lawyer starts with a free consultation to better understand your needs and offer appropriate legal advice.
Collateral Penalties/Consequences for Theft
Theft convictions carry consequences that extend far beyond immediate criminal penalties in Hendricks County and the surrounding areas. Employment opportunities are often severely limited, as many employers conduct background checks and exclude applicants with theft-related offenses. Professional licensing can be affected, potentially preventing individuals from working in licensed professions. Educational opportunities may be impacted, and housing discrimination based on criminal history is legal in many situations.
Immigration consequences can be severe for non-citizens convicted of theft offenses, potentially resulting in removal proceedings or denial of naturalization applications. Our criminal defense attorney understands these collateral consequences and works to minimize their impact through strategic case handling. As an experienced Indiana criminal defense attorney, I explore options such as charge reduction, deferred prosecution, diversion programs, and expungement to help protect our clients’ futures.
FAQs
Is there more than one type of field sobriety test?
Yes, there are multiple types of field sobriety tests that law enforcement officers may use during DUI investigations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has standardized three specific tests: the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, the walk-and-turn test, and the one-leg stand test. Officers may also use non-standardized tests, such as reciting the alphabet or counting backwards. Field sobriety tests are subjective and can be affected by factors other than intoxication, including medical conditions, medications, fatigue, nervousness, poor weather conditions, or uneven surfaces. Our criminal defense attorney will challenge the administration and interpretation of field sobriety tests.
Can DUI charges ever be expunged?
DUI charges in Indiana courts may be eligible for expungement under certain circumstances. Generally, misdemeanor DUI crime convictions may be eligible for expungement after five years from the date of conviction, provided that the person has not been convicted of any other crimes during that period. However, felony DUI convictions face more restrictive expungement rules. The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court and attending a hearing where the judge will decide whether to grant the expungement.
Our expungement lawyer services include evaluating your eligibility and representing you throughout the process. Contact our criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana, for a free consultation to discuss whether your DUI conviction may be eligible for expungement and how this process could benefit your future. Our expungement lawyer may be able to get the court to remove DUI crime charges from your record, which could have a huge positive impact on your life.
Which parent has to pay child support?
In Hendricks County and surrounding areas of Indiana, both parents have a financial obligation to support their children, but the amount each parent pays depends on various factors outlined in the Indiana Child Support Guidelines. Typically, the non-custodial parent pays child support to the custodial parent, but the calculation considers both parents’ incomes, time spent with the child, and other expenses. The court uses a formula based on the combined income of both parents and allocates support obligations based on each parent’s proportional share. If you’re facing criminal charges related to failure to pay child support, our criminal defense attorney can help you understand your obligations and work to resolve any enforcement actions, starting with a free consultation.
What can child support payments be spent on?
Child support payments are intended to help cover basic needs and expenses associated with raising a child, and the custodial parent has broad discretion in how these funds are used. Generally, child support can be spent on housing costs, food, clothing, transportation, medical expenses, educational expenses, childcare costs, and other reasonable expenses related to the child’s care and well-being. The law does not require a detailed accounting of how child support is spent. However, child support should be used for the benefit of the child and not for unrelated personal expenses. Our criminal defense attorney in Hendricks County and the surrounding areas can help you understand your rights and obligations regarding child support while protecting you from potential criminal liability.
Contact Our Indiana Criminal Attorney Team for Your Free Consultation
Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate the criminal justice system in Indianapolis, Indiana, alone. At Zentz Law, our criminal attorney in Plainfield is committed to providing experienced, aggressive representation for clients throughout Marion County, Hendricks County, and the surrounding Indianapolis area. Our attorney understands that every criminal case is unique, and we thoroughly review the evidence, starting with a free consultation, investigate the circumstances, and develop defense strategies tailored to your particular facts.
Our Indiana criminal defense attorney team understands the Indiana criminal laws necessary to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. Whether you’re facing DUI charges, theft allegations, child support enforcement actions, or any other criminal matter, we provide compassionate criminal defense representation while aggressively advocating for your interests. We understand that criminal convictions can have lasting consequences, which is why we work to minimize these impacts whenever possible, offering appropriate post-conviction relief.
Don’t wait to seek legal representation if you’re facing criminal charges, even at the Supreme Court level. Contact Zentz Law today for a free consultation to discuss your criminal law case with an experienced criminal lawyer. Call us at 317-220-6056, contact us by completing our form, or visit our law office to speak with our attorney. Our Indianapolis, Indiana, location serves clients throughout the region, and we’re committed to providing the highest quality criminal law legal representation for all criminal cases that walk through our doors.