At Hessler Law, PC we protect you & preserve everything you’ve worked for.
Indiana Criminal Justice Process
Charged with a misdemeanor or felony in Marion County, Indiana? Call attorney Sean Hessler. He will explore every option and fight for the best possible result.
OWI/DUI Charges in Indiana
Don’t let a an OWI define your life. Let a Hessler DUI lawyer review the evidence, negotiate for you, and protect your license. Our goal is find an outcome that lets you move on.
Get Help From an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Near You
As the founder of Hessler Law, PC, Sean Hessler is committed to giving people in Indianapolis and across Marion County the criminal defense representation they deserve.
As a former prosecutor, Sean knows the government aggressively pursues criminal cases and applies unnecessary pressure on decent, hard-working people. With his inside perspective, Sean can anticipate how the prosecutor will approach your case and how to present your case in the best possible light.
Attorney Sean Hessler has what it takes to challenge the evidence case against you.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
(317) 886-8800Criminal Cases We Handle
Hessler Law, PC has passionately and successfully represented clients facing various criminal charges in Indianapolis and throughout Indiana.
Attorney Hessler gives every case his complete attention, making sure each client is kept informed and comfortable. Whether you need an Indianapolis DUI lawyer, or a lawyer for a CHINS case, he will always give your case the personal attention and service it deserves.
Drug Offenses
Drug convictions can have significant and lingering effects. We know how to effectively and quickly address Indianapolis drug crimes from possession to dealing and everything in between.
DUI & OWI
What happens after a OWI in Indiana? Will you go to jail? What was your BAC or did you refuse a breathalyzer? Ultimately, a lot depends on your unique situation, but an Indianapolis defense lawyer can help you stay out of jail and keep your license.
Sex Crimes
Allegations and criminal charges relating to sexual misconduct are aggressively pursued and the sentencing guidelines are harsh. We can help you confront these claims and avoid the harshest outcomes, like sex offender registration.
Firearms
Firearm and weapon offenses have serious criminal consequences, even if you were unaware it was illegal. You could lose your gun rights or even spend time in custody.
Juvenile Crimes
Young people often make errors in judgment. While many young people avoid run-ins with the law, others aren’t so fortunate. At Hessler Law, we want to help your son or daughter preserve a clean criminal record by protecting them now.
Assault & Domestic Violence
Heated exchanges can easily escalate and false allegations happen a lot. With our extensive experience and record of success in criminal court, we know how to deal with these cases the right way.
Major Felonies
Felonies are the most serious crimes in Indiana and may result in a permanent felony conviction on your record, state prison time, and even the death penalty for grievous offenses. Felony charges require the most aggressive defense available and at Hessler Law, PC we are here to provide it.
Traffic Violations
Indiana traffic tickets may seem like a simple nuisance, but they have long-lasting effects. Avoid possible suspensions and sky-rocketing insurance premiums by consulting your own defense lawyer.
Fraud Charges
Fraud in Indiana describes the use of misrepresentation or deceit for financial gain. Specific crimes are embezzlement, identity theft, forgery, or check and credit card fraud, but they all lead to severe penalties.
Public Nuisance
Public nuisance charges are among the most common criminal charges in Indianapolis. When compared to other crimes, they are relatively minor, but you should discuss the long-term impact with a dedicated criminal defense lawyer.
Theft Crimes
From simple theft to grand larceny, theft in Indiana is serious. In addition to jail, convictions have severe repercussions to your immigration status, education, and employment prospects.
Child in Need of Services
Sometimes good parents find themselves unfairly targeted by child protective services (CPS). Abuse and negelect claims should never be taken lightly. That’s why you should defend yourself and your parental rights by speaking with a defense lawyer.
A History of Success in Indianapolis Criminal Defense Cases
As a client, you will receive our full commitment. Read some of our recent case results to the right or click below for all our case results to see how Hessler Law made the difference for our clients.
Indiana Criminal Defense Overview
Misdemeanor Charges in Indiana
Misdemeanors in Indiana are less severe than felonies and could include marijuana possession, public intoxication, and driving under the influence. Misdemeanors are broken up into classes in Indiana, with Class C misdemeanors being the least severe and Class A misdemeanors being the most severe.
Felony Charges in Indiana
But felony charges are much worse. Some examples of felony crimes in the state include:
- Aggravated battery
- Aggravated rape
- Arson
- Involuntary manslaughter
- Murder
- Vehicle theft
- Voluntary manslaughter
Under Indiana law, felonies are broken up into different levels. Murder is an unclassified felony. Level 1 felonies are the most severe, and Level 6 felonies are the least severe.
Consequences for Misdemeanor and Felony Convictions in Indiana
Whether you’re charged with a felony or misdemeanor offense in Indianapolis, the penalties and consequences could be heavy. For example, even a Class A misdemeanor can result in one year in jail and fines up to $5,000.
These penalties only worsen for more severe crimes like Level 1 felonies, which result in 20 to 40 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. As you can see, a conviction produces life-altering consequences. Further, your conviction leaves a mark on your record and can hinder job opportunities, housing options, and much more.
A private criminal defense attorney can benefit you in many ways.
Know Your Rights & Call a Criminal Lawyer in Indianapolis
Contact us today for a free consultation.
With a private criminal defense attorney, you can rest assured that your case will receive the time and dedication it deserves. You may decide to go with a public defender; however, you may not achieve the best outcome for your case.
Public defenders are overworked and lack the resources that can help reduce your sentence and safeguard your future.
A private criminal defense attorney can benefit you in many ways, including:
- Providing in-depth knowledge of Indiana law to protect your rights
- Fighting to have unlawfully obtained evidence dismissed
- Giving you options to reduce charges, such as drug & alcohol treatment programs
- Providing trial experience to defend you in court
- Recruiting expert witnesses to strengthen your case
From the very first phone call to the very last email your company has been nothing but professional.
I have never been back to Indianapolis since my initial hearing before hiring Mr. Hessler. Mr Hessler if you are reading this I could write this review using just one word. PROFESSIONALISM! From the very first phone call to the very last email your company has been nothing but professional. Your staff was always friendly and eager to help.
~ Roger
Criminal Court Process in Indianapolis, IN
The Indianapolis criminal court process can be complex. But with Hessler Law by your side, you can get a strong understanding of what to expect from your case.
The court process for Indiana criminal convictions can be broken up into five simple steps:
Step 1: The Initial Hearing
Your first appearance in court is your initial hearing. Here, you will have the opportunity to enter your preliminary plea of “not guilty.”
Step 2: Discovery and Investigation
Discovery is when your lawyer is entitled to copies of the prosecution’s evidence against you. Your lawyer may also begin an investigation which will help uncover evidence to support your case in court.
Step 3: Motions and Plea Agreements
Your lawyer may need to file various pretrial motions, such as a motion to suppress specific evidence before trial. This is also the time in which you might begin negotiating any plea agreements with the state’s prosecutor.
Step 4: The Trial
Your trial is where the state will present evidence attempting to convict you, and your criminal defense lawyer will work to show the judge or jury reasonable doubt so you can avoid a conviction.
Step 5: Criminal Conviction Sentencing
If you are found guilty, your sentencing is the next step in the criminal process. This is where you will learn what criminal penalties you will deal with. You can then work with your lawyer to appeal your conviction, depending on the details of your case.
