When you are arrested in Indiana, it is important to have a criminal defense attorney to represent you in court. A good attorney will be able to help get your charges reduced or dropped and may even be able to help you avoid jail time. Although finding the right criminal defense attorney can be difficult, it is worth the effort. Once you find a certified criminal lawyer, it is important to know how to work with them in order to obtain the best possible results in court.
Continue below to learn the top three questions to ask your Indiana criminal defense lawyer.
Ask Your Criminal Defense Attorney These 3 Questions
1. What Should I Do If I’m Arrested for a Crime I Didn’t Commit?
If you are arrested for a crime that you did not commit, the first thing you should do is remain calm and silent. Do not answer any questions from the police until you have spoken with an attorney. You may also want to ask to see the warrant for your arrest, and ask what you are being accused of. If you are able to, try to get evidence of your innocence, such as witness statements or video footage. If you are unable to post bail, try to stay positive and hopeful that you will be exonerated.
It is important to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can work on your behalf to protect your legal rights and build a strong case for your innocence. A lawyer will help you understand the charges against you, explain any defenses that may be available to you, and advise you of any plea options or sentence negotiations.
Your lawyer will also work to secure the best outcome for your case, whether that is a dismissal of all charges or a not guilty verdict. He or she may be able to negotiate an agreement with prosecutors in order to minimize any penalties or fines you might face. Your attorney will also be responsible for gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses on your behalf.
No matter the outcome of your case, always remember that you have rights and resources available to you. If you are wrongfully accused of a crime, it is important that you remain calm and seek legal counsel as soon as possible. With the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney, you can fight for justice and a fair result.
2. How Can You Help Me Fight the Charges Against Me?
There are various strategies that a crime lawyer may use to try to get criminal charges dismissed or reduced for their client. One strategy is to argue that the person was acting in self-defense. The lawyer may also try to show that the person did not actually commit the crime, or that there is not enough evidence to support the charges. If the case goes to trial, the lawyer may argue that the prosecution has not met its burden of proof.
Another strategy is to get certain evidence excluded from the case. This can include illegally obtained evidence, or evidence that was gathered without proper procedures being followed. The lawyer may also argue that statements made by the defendant were obtained through coercion or other improper means. The lawyer may try to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor. This means that the defendant may plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence. This can be beneficial in cases where the prosecutor has strong evidence and there is a risk of conviction at trial.
Finally, the lawyer may focus on mitigating circumstances to try to reduce their client’s punishment after they have been found guilty. They may try to demonstrate that the client is remorseful for their actions, or that they are starting to take steps toward rehabilitation. This can be an effective way of reducing a sentence from what it otherwise might have been. These are just some of the strategies that a lawyer may use when fighting criminal charges.
3. What are the Possible Consequences of Being Convicted of This Crime?
If you are convicted of a crime in Indiana, there are a number of possible consequences that could follow. You could be incarcerated, fined, or ordered to perform community service. Your criminal record could also follow you for the rest of your life, making it difficult to find a job or rent an apartment. In addition, you may be ineligible for certain government benefits, such as student loans or food stamps.
In some cases, you may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim of a crime. This could involve making payments for medical costs, replacing stolen items, or providing other forms of financial assistance for their losses. In addition, you may lose your right to vote or own firearms if convicted of certain felonies.
It is important to understand the potential consequences of a criminal conviction in Indiana before making any decisions. For this reason, it is strongly encouraged to work with a qualified criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis who can help you better understand your rights and options. Ultimately, it is wise to remember that being convicted of a crime can have serious and life-altering consequences.
It is also important to remember that you may have legal options to minimize or avoid consequences. Depending on the charge, a plea bargain or other agreement could be possible. For example, if charged with a felony, you may be able to plead guilty to a misdemeanor and receive probation instead of incarceration. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you understand your rights and options in these cases.
Conclusion
No matter the situation, it is important to remember that being convicted of a crime in Indiana can have serious consequences. Taking the time to properly understand the potential consequences of a conviction can save you from long-term repercussions down the road.
It is important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your rights and legal options after an arrest. Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm will get you the best possible outcome to your criminal case!
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