Should I Get a Lawyer To Handle a Misdemeanor in Indiana?

Although misdemeanor crimes carry penalties less severe than felony charges, that does not mean you should ignore your charges.

When you are facing Indiana misdemeanor charges, your entire life could be affected if you are convicted. For that reason, you must get an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer to help you obtain an acquittal.

Common Types of Indiana Misdemeanor Crimes

You could be charged with many types of misdemeanor crimes in the state of Indiana, including:

• Battery with bodily injury
• Carrying a handgun without a license
• Check fraud
• Dealing marijuana
• Domestic battery
• Intimidation
• Medicaid fraud
• Operating a vehicle while intoxicated
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Patronizing a prostitute
• Possession of marijuana
• Prostitution
• Public intoxication
• Resisting law enforcement
• Theft

These are only a handful of possible misdemeanor crimes you could be charged with in Indiana. These charges should not be taken lightly, and they can result in heavy penalties.

Consequences of a Misdemeanor Conviction in Indiana

In Indiana, misdemeanors are broken up into classes. Class A misdemeanors are the most severe type of misdemeanor, while class C misdemeanors are considered the least severe.

But that does not mean that class C misdemeanors are minor offenses.

Criminal Penalties You Face for Misdemeanors

If convicted of a class A misdemeanor, you could spend up to one year in jail. You may also be ordered to pay fines as high as $5,000. Additionally, you could face one or more of the following consequences:

• Completion of a drug or alcohol treatment program
• Completion of a driver retraining program
• License suspension or revocation
• Community service
• Probation restrictions

Misdemeanor criminal convictions can haunt you. But criminal penalties are not the only consequences you will face if you are found guilty of a misdemeanor. For some, the collateral fallout may be much worse.

Collateral Fallout of Indiana Misdemeanor Convictions

One of the most important reasons to get an Indiana misdemeanor lawyer advocating for your liberties is because of the collateral consequences you will face.

People who are convicted of misdemeanors deal with far worse penalties than the criminal justice system imposes. Your life could be affected in many ways, including:

• Trouble with child custody and visitation cases
• Loss of firearm rights
• Issues with citizenship or immigration
• Suspension of professional licenses
• Difficulty finding a good job
• Difficulty finding affordable and safe housing
• Damage to your personal and professional relationships

As you can see, you can’t simply pay a fine or spend a couple of days in jail and move on with your life. You will deal with the impacts of your charges for years to come if you don’t retain the help of a skilled Indiana misdemeanor attorney.

Contact a Misdemeanor Lawyer in Indiana

Have you been arrested and charged with a misdemeanor crime? If so, you must take action to defend yourself. Do not let a misdemeanor conviction ruin your life.

Get a reputable Indiana misdemeanor lawyer at Hessler Law PC to help you clear your name of the charges against you. Schedule your initial consultation when you complete our contact form or call our office at (317) 886-8800.