Charged with a Crime in Auburn, IN?

Criminal Defense Attorneys Yoder, Kraus & Jessup Can Help.

Being arrested for and charged with a crime is a harrowing experience. The entire process is designed to intimidate you—to make you feel uneasy, uncertain, and frightened of what may happen to you. No matter the seriousness of the charge, you must remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. You also have the right to remain silent. It is this right that you should think about most if you are in trouble with the law.

The Fifth Amendment protects people from self-incrimination. In other words, you do not have to turn in evidence against yourself. Although you may feel it is better to cooperate with a police investigation and answer the questions asked of you, it is in fact not a good idea. The first person you should call if arrested is a Auburn, IN criminal defense attorney. And you should say nothing until your lawyer arrives.

The Criminal Charges Handled by Auburn, IN Criminal Defense Attorneys

You must take any charges against you seriously. An Auburn, Indiana criminal defense attorney can help protect you against the following charges:

DUI

A great many people are arrested in Indiana each year for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you were arrested for a DUI, a skilled, aggressive, and insightful defense attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

You should make no assumptions about how your DUI charge will turn out. Changes and modifications to DUI law are being made all the time. Tolerance for DUI of any sort is decreasing and the penalties for it increasing. A DUI arrest and conviction may result in the automatic suspension and the revocation of your license. You must hire an attorney with deep knowledge and insight into DUI law.

Drug Possession

The war on drugs rages on throughout the country. With all the talk of reform and alternatives to incarceration, many police, prosecutors, and judges still believe that the best way to fight drug distribution and addiction is to lock people up. If you are arrested for drug possession, you should consult immediately with an attorney; otherwise, you may face thousands of dollars in fines and many years in prison.

If you are innocent of the crime, you need an attorney who will see to it that you are exonerated. If you are guilty of drug possession, you need an attorney who will ensure that you are not given an unjust and disproportionate punishment.

Homicide (Murder and Manslaughter)

Murder is the most serious offense that anyone can be charged with. A conviction can be devastating; it can throw your life into ruin or even rob you of it. In the state of Indiana, a murder conviction can lead to a sentence of 45 to 65 years in state prisons and fines of up to $10,000. In certain instances, a prosecutor may seek the death penalty or a sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

Murder cases can become sensationalized in the media; they can become high-profile and lead to intense public interest. These are the most dangerous because they put pressure on the prosecution to secure a conviction no matter the evidence and to ask for the harshest possible sentence.

You do not want to put your life in the hands of a district attorney looking to make a name for themselves. You should seek legal representation the very moment you are arrested and charged with this crime.

Battery

You never know when circumstances will put you in a bad situation. Even the most mild-mannered people can become provoked to the point of violence. This can happen with a friend or a stranger. If you have hit, shoved, or otherwise harmed someone, you can be liable for battery.

It may be the case that you did not go as far as the other person claims. In any case, you need to defend yourself. A battery conviction will affect the rest of your life. You may face a year or more in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. You will also have criminal record, which will show up whenever a background check is carried out on you. This can make it harder for you to get a job or the housing you want.

It is best to beat the charge, which can only be done by hiring a criminal defense attorney.

Domestic Violence

Couples argue all the time. If you are in a relationship, you are bound to fall out with your significant other at some point. However, there is a world of difference between a disagreement that is loud, heated, and passionate and one that involves physical violence. Some people cannot distinguish the two—especially if they merely overhear you and your partner fighting. This can lead to a serious misunderstanding, the calling of the police, and your arrest.

If you have been falsely charged with domestic violence, you should retain legal counsel immediately. Both the argument you had with your partner and your subsequent arrest may put you in a terrible mood. You must resist the temptation to say and do things that will lead to even more trouble. You should instead allow your lawyer to resolve the situation.

Sex crimes

Sex crimes are taken seriously in this state. If you have been charged with rape, molestation, or some other form of sexual assault, you need legal representation straightaway. Being convicted of a sex crime will not only lead to a long prison sentence; it could ruin the rest of your life. Even when released from prison, you will have to register as a sex offender, which can make it impossible for you to find gainful employment, decent housing, and opportunities to advance your education.

Burglary, Robbery

A robbery or burglary conviction can lead to many decades in jail, depending on the nature and particulars of the offense. Police often make arrests for robbery based on eyewitness accounts. But anyone who has ever seen a television legal drama knows that such accounts are unreliable. If you have been falsely arrested and charged for such a crime, you need an attorney who believes in you and is willing to fight to clear your name.

Public Intoxication, Resisting Arrest

Having a great night out can often lead to trouble. It is not something you were looking to get into; sometimes these things just happen. If you have been charged with public intoxication and resisting arrest, it may be possible to cut a deal with the authorities to get a reduced sentence. You should call an attorney and allow them to negotiate with prosecutors.

Auburn, IN Criminal Defense Attorneys Protecting Your Rights and Interests

Our Criminal Defense attorneys handle other types of crimes, including firearm offenses, embezzlement and fraud charges, and many others. If you are in trouble with the authorities in Auburn, IN you should hire a legal defense firm that is based in the city. They will know the police, prosecutors, and judges involved with your case. This will help level the playing field in trying to secure your release if you are innocent and getting you a reduced sentence if you are guilty.

If no deal can be reached, the same firm will build a strong and robust defense on your behalf. They will work hard to ensure you are treated fairly and impartially. If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, you need legal representation. You should call us today for a consultation.