Tag Archives: Felony Offenses

What to Expect if Charged with a Felony in Indiana

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If you are facing felony charges in Indiana, it is important to understand what to expect throughout the criminal justice process. Being charged with a felony can be a very intimidating and frightening experience, so having knowledge of the legal process ahead of time can help ease your anxiety and give you an idea of what lies ahead. A criminal defense lawyer will provide invaluable assistance as you navigate through this difficult situation. With their guidance and expertise, they will strive to ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some key aspects of dealing with felony charges in Indiana – from initial arrest all the way through sentencing and appeals if necessary.

Call 317-636-7514 to Speak With a Felony Criminal Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana
Call 317-636-7514 to Speak With a Felony Criminal Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana

What is a Felony?

A felony is a serious crime that can result in severe consequences for those convicted. Some examples of felonies include murder, burglary, fraud, and drug trafficking. Felonies are distinguished from misdemeanors by their severity and potential for longer prison sentences and significantly higher fines.

In addition to these legal penalties, felony convictions can have a long-lasting impact on an individual’s personal and professional life, including the loss of voting rights, limited job opportunities, and restrictions on accessing certain types of government assistance. Understanding what constitutes a felony and its implications is crucial in avoiding legal trouble and safeguarding your future.

Procedures for Felony Criminal Charges

The Arrest and Initial Charges

If you have been charged with a felony in Indiana, you will likely be arrested. During this time, it is important to stay calm and remain silent – anything you say can and will be used against you in court. After the arrest, an initial hearing will be held where the judge will determine the formal charges placed against you. At this point, your criminal defense lawyer will begin to assess your case and develop a legal strategy for defending you.

Plea Bargain or Trial

At some point during the legal process, your criminal defense attorney may present a plea bargain as an option for resolving your case outside of trial. If accepted by both parties involved, this agreement will require you to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence or lesser charges. However, if no plea bargain is reached, your case will proceed to trial. During this portion of the process, your attorney will present evidence and witnesses on your behalf to prove your innocence.

Sentencing

If found guilty or after a plea bargain has been accepted, sentencing will be determined by the judge. Depending on the severity of the crime, this could involve jail time, fines, probation restrictions or any combination thereof. Your criminal defense lawyer can help explain all these possible outcomes prior to sentencing.

Appeal

In some cases where guilt was established at trial or through a plea agreement, an appeal may be filed in an attempt to reduce the sentence or overturn the conviction altogether. Your criminal defense lawyer can advise you on what steps should be taken if such a situation arises.

Act Fast and Hire a Felony Crime Lawyer

If you have been charged with a felony in Indiana, it is important to understand the legal process that lies ahead and ensure that your rights remain protected at all times. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side will make this difficult experience much easier to navigate and provide invaluable assistance throughout the entire process.  If you find yourself facing felony charges in Indiana, contact a qualified legal professional today for more information about defending your rights and moving forward.

Are you searching for a defense lawyer who can represent you in your felony case? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a seasoned felony defense criminal lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our criminal attorneys will get you the best possible outcome to your criminal case!

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Learn More About Your Level 2 Felony Offense

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Were you recently arrested in Indiana, and now facing Level 2 felony charges? If so, your most important priority is to retain the services of a skilled and aggressive criminal defense lawyer to protect you from the maximum penalties that are handed down for such offenses. Why is this so important? Because felony offenses are more serious, far more serious than misdemeanors.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about your Indiana felony charges.

Federal Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514
Federal Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514

Felony Offenses and Penalties in Indiana

Formally known as a Class B Felony, a Level 2 felony offense is serious since it is the second highest felony a person can be charged with in Indiana. Felonies are crimes against the federal government, which is why they are also called federal offenses. Here are the current levels of punishment for felony crimes in Indiana:

Felonies are divided into 7 categories in Indiana: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Level 6, and Murder.

▶ Murder – Most Serious
▶ Level 1 Felony
▶ Level 2 Felony
▶ Level 3 Felony
▶ Level 4 Felony
▶ Level 5 Felony
▶ Level 6 Felony – Least Serious

Level 6 Felonies

Level 6 felonies are the least serious of them all. You can find current details of the laws surrounding such offenses in Indiana Code 35-50-2-7(b). Currently, Level 6 felonies are punishable by 6 months to 2 1/2 years in jail, as well as, fines up to $10,000, and court-ordered penalties like probation, community service, victim impact panels, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, house arrest, and more.

* Level 6 felony crimes are the least serious type of felony, and are commonly referred to as “wobblers” since they can most often be reduced to Class A Misdemeanors.

Level 5 Felonies

Level 5 felonies are a tad more serious, but still low on the spectrum You can find current details of the laws surrounding such offenses in Indiana Code 35-50-2-7(b). Currently, Level 5 felonies are punishable by 1 to 6 years in jail, as well as, fines up to $10,000, and court-ordered penalties like probation, community service, victim impact panels, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, house arrest, and more.

Level 4 Felonies

Level 4 felonies are the next level. Indiana criminal law. You can find current details of the laws surrounding such offenses in Indiana Code 35-50-2-5.5. Currently, Level 4 felonies are punishable by 2 to 12 years in jail, as well as, fines up to $10,000, and court-ordered penalties like probation, community service, victim impact panels, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, house arrest, and more.

Level 3 Felonies

A Level 3 felonies are serious. You can find current details of the laws surrounding such offenses in Indiana Code 35-50-2-5(b). Currently, Level 3 felonies are punishable by 3 to 16 years in jail, as well as, fines up to $10,000, and court-ordered penalties like probation, community service, victim impact panels, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, house arrest, and more.

Level 2 Felonies

Level 2 felonies are even more serious. You can find current details of the laws surrounding such offenses in Indiana Code 35-50-2-4.5. Currently, Level 2 felonies are punishable by 12 to 30 years in jail, as well as, fines up to $10,000, and court-ordered penalties like probation, community service, victim impact panels, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, house arrest, and more.

Level 1 Felonies

A Level 1 felony comes right before the most serious crime of Murder. You can find current details of the laws surrounding such offenses in Indiana Code 35-50-2-4. Currently, Level 1 felonies are punishable by 20 to 40 years in jail, as well as, fines up to $10,000, and court-ordered penalties like probation, community service, victim impact panels, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, house arrest, and more.

Murder

Murder is the most serious felony. You can find current details of the laws surrounding such offenses in Indiana Code 35-50-2-3. Currently, Murder is punishable by 45 years to life in jail, as well as, the death penalty, fines up to $10,000, and court-ordered penalties.

How to Fight Your Indiana Felony Charge

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for aggressive criminal defense for felony crimes in Indianapolis, Indiana for your charges. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss the best strategies of defense for your case. Avoid the maximum penalties for your misdemeanor or felony criminal charges by calling David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, today!

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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The General Terms of Felony Probation

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Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Anyone who is arrested for a felony offense understands the serious nature of their legal situation. This is because felonies are the most serious offenses, and the most severely punished. In Indiana, they are divided into 7 categories, from Level 6 to Level 1, and at the top, Murder. Each level of felony is assigned a separate statute regarding penalization, and for the less serious felonies, this includes the terms of probation.

Continue reading to learn more about the general terms of probation for felony convictions, and what to do if you have been recently charged with a felony in Indiana.

Felony Offenses

A felony is any crime that is punishable by more than 1 year in jail, and up to $10,000 in fines, as well as, a long list of additional penalties, which we will discuss shortly in this blog. Level 6 felonies are the least serious of all felonies, and are colloquially referred to as “wobblers” in the legal industry since they can often times be reduced to misdemeanors with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. They are punishable by up to 3 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Level 1 and 2 felonies are the most serious of felonies, with the exception of murder, which tops the list of serious offenses. Level 1 and 2 levels are punishable by up to 30 years or more, depending on the variables of the offense.

Probation

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Probation is a legal penalty that serves in place of jail time. When a person is convicted of a felony, depending on the circumstances of their case, they may be offered probation and other legal penalties in place of serving time in jail. When the probation period is complete, it is the same as “time served” in jail. Probation is the period of time after a person is convicted of a crime in which they are supervised by the courts, and obligated to perform or complete certain court orders.

Probation is assigned for a set number of months, generally ranging from 3 to 24 months, depending on the crime. During this time, a person must comply with all court orders and refrain from committing any offenses. If they fail to do this, they can be charged with another crime: violating probation. This brings on a whole other case of legal charges and penalties. Below are some more general terms of probation. Not all terms are assigned to every case. Every case is different and every judge is different. The results of your felony case and subsequent probation will depend on the individual details of your case and charges.

General Terms Include, but are not Limited to:

• Offenders cannot leave the state.
• Offenders must submit to regular scheduled drug screening.
• Offenders must report to all scheduled probation meetings on time.
• Offenders must remain drug and alcohol-free.
• Offenders must complete all assigned community service, alcohol/drug education classes, or impact panels.
• Offenders must pay all court fines and fees in full, on time.
• Offenders must maintain employment.
• Offenders may be subject to house arrest, ignition interlock devices, or electronic ankle devices.

If you have been arrested recently, and you believe you may face felony charges, contact a licensed criminal defense attorney right away. They have the resources and knowledge to best protect your rights and preserve your freedoms.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for reputable and experienced Indianapolis criminal defense you can trust. He is an aggressive criminal lawyer that can help you navigate your case in a way that may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges. Our law firm offers free initial consultations and is happy to answer your questions about the levels of punishment in Indiana and its criminal process. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis, IN.