Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney
At Hessler Law, PC we protect you & preserve everything you’ve worked for.
Indiana Criminal Justice Process
Learn more about the Indiana criminal justice process, available defenses, and the issues that can arise in misdemeanor and felony cases.
OWI/DUI Charges in Indiana
Indiana OWI and DUI cases can involve license consequences, chemical testing, criminal penalties, and other issues that depend on the circumstances of the case.
Indianapolis Criminal Defense
Attorney Sean Hessler is the founder of Hessler Law, PC, an Indianapolis criminal defense law firm serving Marion County.
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Criminal Defense Practice Areas in Indianapolis
Hessler Law, PC focuses on criminal defense matters in Indianapolis and Marion County. The site includes information about a range of Indiana criminal charges and court-related issues.
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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. The consequences depend on the facts of the case, the alleged BAC or chemical-test results, prior history, and other circumstances.
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. Juvenile cases can have consequences affecting education, court supervision, and the juvenile’s record.
Assault & Domestic Violence
Heated exchanges can easily escalate and false allegations happen a lot. These cases can involve disputed facts, conflicting accounts, protective orders, and significant criminal consequences.
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.
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.
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.
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 neglect allegations can affect parental rights and should be taken seriously.
A History of Success in Indianapolis Criminal Defense Cases
Selected case results from Hessler Law are available below.
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 & 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, local criminal defense attorney in Indiana can benefit you in many ways.
Know Your Rights in the Indiana Criminal Justice System
Private criminal defense representation can provide individualized review of the evidence, legal issues, available options, and trial strategy:
- 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. The following overview describes several common stages of an Indiana criminal 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.
