Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers in Indianapolis
Protecting the Rights of Clients Charged with Misdemeanors
Being charged with a crime can be frightening. Even if your criminal charges are minor, having a criminal record can impact your education, social life, and future employment. However, you can get help navigating the criminal justice system when you hire Indianapolis misdemeanor defense lawyers. Your attorney can help you understand your charges and develop a strategy to protect your rights and freedom.
At the law firm of Wade Trial Lawyers, we have helped countless individuals fight misdemeanor charges. Our Indiana criminal defense team is ready to help with both misdemeanors and felony offenses. While misdemeanors are considered less severe, these crimes can still impact your life and should be handled with caution. With our defense attorneys on your side, you have much greater chances of getting your charges reduced even further or dismissed entirely.
You can trust our Indianapolis misdemeanor defense lawyers to fight for you throughout the legal process. We will apply our experience and talent to negotiate a fair deal and argue your case with confidence before a judge if necessary. Moreover, we offer a free consultation, so you don’t have any risk or obligation when you call for an initial case review. Contact us immediately at 765-563-4644 to speak with our capable, compassionate legal team today.
What Is a Misdemeanor in Indiana?
Misdemeanors are charges for crimes that are not as severe as felonies. However, Indiana law still takes misdemeanors seriously. Things become even more grave if you have repeat convictions or were using a firearm when committing the crime. Furthermore, certain misdemeanors are more serious than others, which is why these crimes are divided into three classes according to Indiana law.
Class A Misdemeanor
A class A misdemeanor is the most serious of the three categories. This means these crimes carry heftier penalties and are the most likely to be bumped up to a felony if there are enough aggravating factors.
Some examples of Class A misdemeanors include:
- Theft
- Domestic battery
- OWI/DUI and endangering another person
- OWI/DUI with a BAC of 0.15 or higher
- Carrying a handgun without a license
- Resisting arrest
- Drug dealing, marijuana
- Prostitution
- Possession of marijuana
- Medicaid fraud
Class A misdemeanors can still be reduced or dismissed, especially with the help of a skilled defense attorney. Call Wade Trial Lawyers right away to fight your criminal charges.
Class B Misdemeanor
Class B misdemeanors are less serious crimes, including the following:
- Criminal mischief
- Disorderly conduct
- Public intoxication
- Harassment
Contact our legal team for help defending your rights when facing Class B misdemeanor charges.
Class C Misdemeanor
A Class C misdemeanor is the least serious of the three misdemeanor categories and includes:
- Reckless driving
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Using a fake ID
- Loitering in prohibited places
- Minor offenses that cause little harm or damage to others
Please remember that even minor charges can be elevated if aggravating factors are present. Reach out to our Indiana misdemeanor defense team for help defeating your charges and protecting your freedom.
What Penalties Could I Face for My Misdemeanor Conviction?
Just as the charges for a misdemeanor vary depending on the classification of the crime, the penalties are also adjusted depending on the offense’s seriousness.
Penalties for Class A Misdemeanors
A conviction for a Class A misdemeanor carries a maximum of one year in jail and fines of up to $5,000. If your charges are related to DUI/OWI, you may face additional penalties such as license revocation or suspension. Individuals convicted of these misdemeanors may also lose their gun ownership rights.
Class B Misdemeanor Penalties
A Class B misdemeanor conviction carries a punishment of up to 180 days in jail. Individuals convicted of Class B misdemeanors may also be fined up to $1,000.
Class C Misdemeanor Penalties
Being the least serious criminal offense, Class C misdemeanor convictions may result in the lowest penalties. For example, these crimes carry up to 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500.
How Can Your Lawyers Help Me?
Being convicted of a misdemeanor means you’ll have a criminal history that could prevent you from studying or working where you wish. Some crimes even limit where you can live. Our law firm can help you navigate Indiana’s complex legal system while protecting your constitutional rights.
We will also help develop a defense strategy that matches your needs and goals. We represent many clients who are facing misdemeanor charges, and we know what it takes to win against Indiana prosecutors. Please don’t wait and risk your future by going it alone at this critical time. Call Wade Trial Lawyers today.
Should You Hire Our Indianapolis Misdemeanor Lawyers?
When you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, you need an attorney who understands Indiana law and will fight aggressively for you. Our team of defense lawyers is who you want on your side as you go through this challenge. We can coach you through the investigation to help you avoid accidentally incriminating yourself. This includes helping you understand when to invoke the right to remain silent.
We will stand by your side to ensure law enforcement doesn’t violate your rights. If any aspect of your arrest or investigation violated state or federal laws, we can work to get your charges lowered or dismissed. We can also identify inaccuracies during BAC and drug testing.
Don’t go it alone with so much at stake. Hire our attorneys to help you get the best results possible in the complicated Indiana legal system. We will keep in touch with you at every step so you know what to expect and can participate in the decision-making process. We offer a free consultation, so you have nothing to lose by calling. Wade Trial Lawyers today at 765-563-4644.