Westfield Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer
When facing charges in Westfield, Indianapolis, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands Indiana criminal law and will fight aggressively to protect your legal rights. At Zentz Law, our criminal defense team provides compassionate criminal defense representation to clients throughout Indianapolis, including Westfield. We offer quality criminal defense protecting your future opportunities and freedom. Our Westfield criminal lawyer team specializes in criminal law and offers a free consultation to discuss your case.
Whether you’re dealing with simple misdemeanors or felony charges, our experienced criminal defense attorney will develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your case. He understands criminal law, and has successfully handled felony cases ranging from drug charges to traffic tickets. Our criminal defense law firm offers a free consultation to all potential clients. Contact us at 317-220-6056.
Areas of Criminal Defense Law We Handle
At Zentz Law, we represent those facing criminal charges throughout Indiana. Our criminal attorney has extensive experience handling criminal cases and understands the justice system. While the areas below represent our most common practice areas, these aren’t the only areas of criminal defense law we handle. Our attorney understands both Indiana law and federal law. As an experienced attorney, he knows the most common defenses used in court and develops strategies accordingly.
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct charges are among the most common criminal charges in Indiana, often arising from public disturbances or altercations. These charges can result from fighting in public, using offensive language, or creating unreasonable noise. Our criminal defense lawyer understands that disorderly conduct charges are frequently the result of misunderstandings or situations that escalated. Our attorney works diligently to challenge the evidence and protect you from unnecessary criminal convictions.
Drug Crimes
Drug offenses in
Indiana carry serious penalties, including potential jail time, fines, and long-term consequences. Whether you’re facing charges for possession of a controlled substance, drug trafficking, or manufacturing illegal drugs, our experienced criminal defense attorney will examine every aspect of your case to identify potential defenses.
Our attorney understands drug crimes, including illegal searches and seizures, and we’ll fight to ensure your legal rights are protected throughout the justice system. Our Westfield criminal defense lawyer knows that even minor drug crimes can result in a prison term, which is why we work aggressively to protect you.
DUI Charges
Being caught driving under the influence can result in serious consequences, including license suspension, jail time, and significant fines. Our criminal defense team understands the science behind breathalyzer tests and field sobriety tests, and we know how to challenge the evidence in drunk driving cases. DUI charges can affect your driver’s license, employment, and reputation.
We work aggressively to protect your rights and explore all possible defenses. Our attorneys understand that traffic tickets can escalate into serious criminal charges, so we handle everything from simple traffic tickets to complex felony cases. We know the common defenses used in Indiana court systems and provide aggressive legal representation to challenge them, starting with a free consultation.
Types of Class A Misdemeanors
In Indiana, criminal charges are classified into different categories based on severity. Class A misdemeanors represent the most serious type of misdemeanor offense under Indiana law. Common Class A misdemeanors include:
- Domestic violence
- Theft of property valued between $750 and $50,000
- Possession of marijuana
- Certain types of assault
Our Indiana attorney has extensive experience defending clients against all types of misdemeanor charges and understands how to navigate the criminal justice system effectively. Our criminal law attorney handles everything from traffic tickets to serious felony charges, and understands that any crime, not just felonies, can have serious consequences under Indiana law.
Penalties
Class A misdemeanors in Indiana carry significant penalties that can have lasting effects on your life. The maximum penalty for a Class A misdemeanor includes up to one year in jail and fines of up to $5,000. Felony charges carry even more severe penalties, including potential prison term sentences. Beyond the immediate penalties of jail time and fines, Class A misdemeanor convictions can result in:
- A permanent criminal record that appears on background checks
- Difficulty finding employment or housing
- Loss of professional licenses or certifications
- Impact on family law matters, including child custody cases
- Restrictions on gun ownership rights
Our criminal defense attorney understands that facing these potential consequences can be frightening. He works diligently to help our clients avoid these harsh penalties through aggressive representation and strategic defense planning. Our experienced attorney knows criminal law thoroughly and understands how to present cases effectively in court. We’ve successfully represented clients in felony cases, misdemeanor cases, and various criminal law matters throughout Indiana. In less severe cases, our attorney may even be able to get the charges dropped.
Pre-Trial Misdemeanor Diversion
Pre-trial diversion programs offer an alternative to traditional criminal prosecution for certain misdemeanor offenses. These programs allow eligible defendants to avoid convictions by completing specific requirements set by the court or prosecutor.
Successfully completing a diversion program typically results in charges being dismissed, helping you avoid long-term consequences of criminal convictions. Our criminal law attorney has extensive experience with diversion programs and offers a free consultation to discuss your eligibility.
Eligibility
Eligibility for pre-trial misdemeanor diversion programs varies by jurisdiction and the specific charges involved. Generally, first-time offenders facing non-violent misdemeanor charges have the best chance of being accepted into diversion programs. Factors that courts and prosecutors consider include:
- Criminal history and prior convictions
- Nature and severity of the current charges
- Likelihood of successful completion of program requirements
- Community ties and employment status
- Willingness to accept responsibility for the alleged offense
Our criminal defense lawyer will thoroughly review your case to assess your eligibility for diversion programs and present compelling arguments to prosecutors highlighting factors that support your participation. Our experienced lawyer understands Indiana criminal law and knows how to navigate the system effectively. He knows how to protect your rights throughout the entire process. Contact him today for a free consultation.
Benefits
The benefits of successfully completing a pre-trial diversion program are substantial. The primary benefit is avoiding a conviction, which means the charges will be dismissed upon successful completion. Additional benefits include:
- Avoiding jail time and the associated disruption to your life
- Maintaining eligibility for professional licenses and certifications
- Preserving your ability to honestly answer “no” when asked about convictions
- Avoiding the stigma associated with criminal convictions
- Maintaining gun ownership rights where applicable
Our law firm has successfully helped numerous clients gain admission to diversion programs, allowing them to move forward with their lives. Our attorney understands criminal law and has represented clients in various types of cases, from traffic tickets to serious felony charges.
Our lawyer offers a free consultation to discuss your case and determine the best defense strategy. We’ve handled cases involving domestic violence, theft, drug crimes, and other serious felony charges, and we understand the complexities of criminal law in Indiana.
Indiana Statute of Limitations for Criminal Prosecution
The statute of limitations establishes time limits within which prosecutors must file criminal charges. In Indiana, different types of crimes have different limitation periods. For most misdemeanor offenses, the statute of limitations is two years from the date the crime was allegedly committed. Our attorneys understand criminal law thoroughly, ensuring that we identify any statute of limitations issues in your case.
Our criminal defense lawyer carefully examines the timing of charges to ensure that prosecutors have filed them within the required timeframe. Understanding the statute of limitations is particularly important in cases involving:
- Financial crimes and theft offenses
- Drug crimes and controlled substance violations
- Assault and battery charges
- Property crimes and vandalism
- Traffic violations and drunk driving charges
Our experienced attorney understands how these time limits apply under Indiana law. He’s successfully challenged cases based on statute of limitations issues, including felony cases and other criminal law matters.
What To Do Before Meeting With a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Taking the right steps before meeting with your criminal defense lawyer can significantly impact your case outcome. First and foremost, exercise your right to remain silent. Request to speak with a lawyer immediately upon arrest, and don’t be pressured into providing statements without legal counsel present. Our criminal law attorney offers a free consultation and is available to protect your rights from the moment you’re arrested.
Gather all relevant documents and information related to your case including:
- Police reports and arrest records
- Court documents and notices
- Witness contact information
- Photos or videos related to the incident
- Medical records if injuries were involved
- Employment records and character references
Create a detailed timeline of events leading up to your arrest. Write down everything you remember about the incident, including dates, times, locations, and people involved. This information will help your lawyer understand the facts of your case and identify potential defenses. Our lawyers understand criminal law and know how to use this information effectively in court. We offer a free consultation to review your case and discuss potential defense strategies.
What To Avoid Doing During Your Case
While your criminal case is pending, certain actions can seriously harm your defense. Key things to avoid include:
- Discussing your case with anyone other than your lawyer
- Posting on social media about your case or related matters
- Attempting to contact witnesses, victims, or other parties involved
- Using drugs or alcohol, especially if substance abuse is related to the charges
- Missing court dates or appointments with your lawyer
Don’t attempt to contact witnesses, victims, or other parties involved in your case. Any contact could be interpreted as witness tampering or intimidation, which can result in additional charges. Your active participation in your defense is essential for achieving the best possible outcome. Our criminal law attorney understands how to navigate these challenges and will guide you through the process. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand what to expect in court.
FAQs
What is a plea bargain in a criminal case?
A plea bargain is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecutor where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to specific charges in exchange for concessions from the prosecution. These might include reduced charges, lighter sentencing guidelines, or dismissal of some charges. Our criminal defense attorney evaluates all offers to determine whether they serve your best interests and never pressure you to accept pleas. Our lawyer understands criminal law and knows when pleas are beneficial.
Do first-time offenders get the same sentences as repeat offenders?
No, first-time offenders typically receive more favorable treatment than repeat offenders. Indiana sentencing guidelines consider criminal history as a significant factor in determining penalties. First-time offenders are often eligible for alternative sentencing options such as probation, community service, or diversion programs that may not be available to repeat offenders. Our criminal law attorney understands Indiana law and knows how to present first-time offender cases effectively, beginning with a free consultation.
Is marijuana illegal in Indiana?
Yes, marijuana remains illegal in Indiana for both recreational and medical use. Possession of marijuana is typically charged as a Class C misdemeanor for small amounts, but larger quantities can result in more serious charges. Our criminal defense lawyer stays current on drug laws and understands the various defenses available in marijuana cases. Even simple marijuana possession can result in serious consequences under Indiana law, which is why having an experienced lawyer is important.
What are Schedule III drugs in Indiana?
Schedule III drugs are controlled substances with accepted medical uses but potential for abuse and dependence. Under Indiana law, Schedule III drugs include anabolic steroids, certain barbiturates, and some medications containing codeine. Our criminal attorney has extensive experience defending clients against controlled substance charges and understands the complex legal issues surrounding drug classifications. Our criminal law attorney knows how to challenge these cases effectively.
Zentz Law Is Ready To Fight for You
Facing criminal charges can be stressful, but you don’t have to face this uphill battle alone. At Zentz Law, our criminal defense attorney provides aggressive representation and protects your rights throughout the criminal justice system. We develop personalized defense strategies for every case, misdemeanor or felony, starting with a free consultation. Our super lawyer has been recognized for excellence in criminal law, and he is a former prosecutor who brings valuable insight from both sides of the courtroom.
Our law firm has successfully represented clients facing criminal charges, from traffic tickets to serious felony offenses. We handle drug offenses, DUI charges, theft cases, and many other criminal cases. Our lawyer brings insight into prosecution strategies, allowing us to develop effective countermeasures. We understand criminal law thoroughly and know how Indiana criminal courts operate.
Our Approach
Our lawyer believes everyone deserves quality criminal defense, regardless of charges faced. Our compassionate approach ensures you feel supported throughout the legal process. Whether facing misdemeanors or felony charges, convictions can have severe consequences. Our lawyer understands criminal law and knows how to protect your rights effectively.
At Zentz Law we are ready to protect your rights and fight for the best outcome. Our lawyer offers free consultations to discuss your case. Contact Zentz Law today to talk with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case and begin building your defense. Our lawyer handles felony cases, misdemeanor cases, and various crime-related charges effectively. Contact us today at 317-220-6056.