Top Fort Wayne, IN Criminal Defense Lawyers Near You
If You Have Been Charged With A Crime We Will Fight To Protect Your Rights. Call Today For A Consultation.
Criminal Defense Lawyers | Decatur Office | Serving Fort Wayne, IN
147 South 2nd Street, P.O. Box 30, Decatur, IN 46733
Criminal Defense concerns can be addressed by DeVoss, Baker, Ainsworth & Razo, A Professional Corporation. This practice offers legal representation for clients in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area.
800 South Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
A law firm in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Leonard, Hammond, Thoma, and Terrill experienced in helping clients with Criminal Defense issues.
Criminal Defense Lawyers | Fort Wayne Office
110 West Berry Street, Suite 2400, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Criminal Defense Lawyers | Fort Wayne Office
803 S Calhoun St, Suite 110, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Criminal Defense Lawyers | Fort Wayne Office
116 E. Berry St., Suite 500, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Criminal Defense Lawyers | Auburn Office | Serving Fort Wayne, IN
128 West 7th Street, Auburn, IN 46706
Criminal Defense Lawyers | Fort Wayne Office
116 E Berry St, Suite 500, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Criminal Defense Lawyers | Fort Wayne Office
110 West Berry Street, Suite 1700, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Criminal Defense Lawyers | Fort Wayne Office
888 S Harrison St, Suite 600, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Criminal Defense Lawyers | Fort Wayne Office
116 East Berry Street, Lincoln Tower, Suite 910, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Criminal Defense Lawyers | Huntington Office | Serving Fort Wayne, IN
53 West State Street, PO Box 761, Huntington, IN 46750
Criminal Defense Lawyers | Fort Wayne Office
110 W Berry St, Suite 1100, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Fort Wayne Criminal Defense Information
Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys In Fort Wayne
Lead Counsel independently verifies Criminal Defense attorneys in Fort Wayne and checks their standing with Indiana bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.
Good Standing Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.
Annual Review Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.
Client Commitment Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
Find a Criminal Defense Attorney near Fort Wayne
Are You Facing Criminal Charges?
If you are being investigated for or have been accused of a criminal offense, now is the time to seek out the legal help you need. No matter the charge you may be facing, a person should be considered innocent until proven otherwise. Working with a Fort Wayne criminal law attorney can help to protect your legal rights.
Different Types of Criminal Charges
In the state of Indiana, criminal charges are classified in levels of severity ranging from:
- Minor infractions like traffic tickets or speeding violations,
- Misdemeanors, or
- Felony or aggravated felony charges.
Each criminal charge carries its own potential punishment, which can include fines, probation, community service, and serving time in jail. Depending on your circumstances, like any prior criminal history, these penalties can increase in severity. Reading about criminal law and your rights can help you see the importance of a solid defense.
What Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Do?
The goal of a criminal defense lawyer is to help you navigate the criminal justice system and help you obtain the most favorable outcome possible for your particular situation. A criminal defense lawyer will ensure that law enforcement respects your legal rights if they are investigating you or have arrested you. Defense attorneys can help with a number of procedural issues as well, including:
- Reducing your bail
- Challenging your arrest
- Throwing out any incriminating statements you made to the police
- Determining whether any of your rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution have been violated
- Answering any questions you might have regarding your criminal charge
- Working with the prosecutor to obtain a plea deal
Your attorney will also conduct their own investigation to look for the best strategy to defend against your charges, including representing you at trial if necessary.
Should you accept a plea deal?
Police and prosecutors count on making defendants feel like they have no other option but to accept a plea deal, such as threatening to seek harsher punishment if you take your case to trial. You should only accept a plea deal after your attorney has taken a careful look at your case and the evidence for and against you. In some cases, a plea deal may be beneficial than taking your case to trial, but this is not a decision you should make on your own. It should be with someone who knows the law.What makes a good Fort Wayne criminal defense attorney?
A good criminal defense attorney knows the law here in Chicago and does not back down when police and prosecutors do not respect your rights or try to pressure you into taking a plea deal that is not in your best interest. You should also look for an attorney who has a long track record of success in cases like yours, including trial victories in the state of Indiana.
When should you ask for an attorney?
You should ask for an attorney as soon as you learn that you are under suspicion of committing a crime. If police are investigating you and “just want to ask you a couple of questions,” you should politely refuse and ask for a lawyer’s help. Also, if you are arrested, you should ask to contact a lawyer as soon as possible before answering any other questions. An attorney can speak to police and prosecutors on your behalf and make sure they respect your rights.Should you accept a plea deal?
Police and prosecutors count on making defendants feel like they have no other option but to accept a plea deal, such as threatening to seek harsher punishment if you take your case to trial. You should only accept a plea deal after your attorney has taken a careful look at your case and the evidence for and against you. In some cases, a plea deal may be more beneficial than taking your case to trial, but this is not a decision you should make on your own. It should be with someone who knows the law of Indiana in order to ensure you are getting the best outcome possible.
When should you ask for an attorney?
No matter what your legal issue may be, it is always best to seek legal help early in the process. If you learn you are under investigation or a suspect of a criminal investigation, asking for an attorney can be critical. An attorney can help secure what is likely to be the best possible outcome for your situation and avoid both unnecessary complications or errors.
If the police are investigating you and tell you they “just want to ask you a couple of questions,” you have the right to politely refuse and ask for a lawyer’s help. An attorney can speak to police and prosecutors on your behalf and make sure they respect your rights, as well as provide you with legal counsel before you answer any other questions.
What sort of issues can I seek legal help with?
Specialized legal help is available for most legal issues. Each case is unique; seeking legal help is a smart first step toward understanding your legal situation and seeking the best path toward resolution for your case. An experienced lawyer understands the local laws surrounding your case and what your best legal options might be. More importantly, there are certain situations and circumstances – such as being charged with a crime – where you should always seek experienced legal help.
How to Prepare for Your Initial Consultation
Prepare for your consultation by writing down notes of your understanding of the case, jot down questions and concerns for the attorney, and gather your documents. Remember that you are trying to get a sense of whether the attorney has your trust and can help you address your legal issues. Questions should include how the attorney intends to resolve your issue, how many years he/she has been practicing law and specifically practicing in your area, as well as how many cases similar to yours the attorney has handled. It can also be helpful to broach the subject of fees so that you understand the likely cost and structure of your representation by a specific attorney and/or legal team.
Tips on Hiring an Experienced Lawyer with Criminal Defense Cases
The more experienced a lawyer is in legal practice, the more likely he/she will be able to bring about a successful resolution to your issue. Since experience matters, lawyers who’ve been practicing law for many years (with a successful track record) tend to be in high demand. You should look for information about a lawyer’s experience and ask questions during the initial meeting. It’s a very good idea to ask the lawyer how many years he/she has been practicing law and the expected outcome of your case.
Common legal terms explained
Pro se – This Latin term refers to representing yourself in court instead of hiring professional legal counsel. Pro se representation can occur in either criminal or civil cases.
Statute – Refers to a law created by a legislative body. For example, the laws enacted by Congress are statutes.
Subject matter jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority to hear the claim based on the specific type of issue brought to the court. For example, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court only has subject matter jurisdiction over bankruptcy filings, therefore it does not have the authority to render binding judgment over other types of cases, such as divorce.