Indiana Criminal Defense Lawyer

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Indiana

In the event you are arrested for a criminal act in Indiana, you will likely feel overwhelmed and uncertain about where to turn next and who you can trust. Whether you have been arrested on drug charges in Valparaiso or domestic violence accusations in Carmel, it is important that you exercise your constitutional right to legal representation and speak with an Indiana criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. At Blankenship Law, LLC, we are here to serve you. 

Blankenship Law, LLC—Former Prosecutors Now on Your Side

Anywhere in Indiana, criminal court is both challenging and intimidating. With over 25 years of experience, the team at Blankenship Law, LLC is here to offer legal counsel and high-stakes trial advocacy. As former prosecutors, we know how the state builds criminal cases and can use this knowledge to your advantage. While we are aggressive in a courtroom, we are here to meet our clients wherever they’re at and offer the compassion and dedication they deserve at this time.

More often than not, individuals who find themselves on the wrong side of the law in Indiana are not career criminals. They are simply people who have made a mistake or who have found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. The prosecutors assigned to your case will argue the law, but we are here to argue on your behalf. You deserve a legal ally who can take the time to listen to your side of the story and understand where you’re coming from. 

We have dedicated our legal careers to protecting the rights of others. Your defense is our mission, and we are here to help whenever you need us. Criminal cases can be scary, but your legal representation doesn’t have to be. 

Common Criminal Cases We Handle in Indiana

In Indiana in 2024, for every 100,000 members of the state population, the property crime rate was 1,379, and the violent crime rate was 313. Our attorneys are here to provide representation to individuals who face an overwhelming range of criminal charges. It is crucial that you connect with an attorney as soon as possible. The quicker you call an attorney, the quicker we can protect your rights and help seek a favorable outcome.

Over the years, our attorneys have handled the following criminal charges on behalf of our clients:

• Domestic violence: These cases are often sensitive in nature as family units are typically involved. Domestic violence is considered a serious offense in Indiana, and there are a number of severe penalties you could face upon conviction. It is essential that you have an attorney on your side who understands the nuances and complexities of domestic violence cases in Indiana.
  
• Drug crimes: Whether you have been charged with simple possession or more serious accusations of trafficking, distribution, or manufacturing, drug crimes are extensive and can be charged as a felony, depending on the type and amount of drug allegedly involved. During these cases, it is essential that you have a strong legal advocate on your side who can help you stand against these charges.
  
• Firearms defense: If you have been charged with any kind of gun crime in Indiana, it is crucial that you do not try to face these charges alone. Being convicted of any kind of gun crime can result in life-altering consequences. Thankfully, your attorney is here to do what they can to get the charges dismissed or reduced.
  
• DUI and OWI offenses: In 2022, 29% of all traffic fatalities were related to drivers who had a blood alcohol content level, or BAC, of 0.08%-015%. Operating while intoxicated or driving under the influence, OWI and DUI, respectively, are some of the most common criminal charges faced by individuals in Indiana. You may lose your driver’s license if you fail a chemical test, and you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
  
• Sex crimes: Even an accusation of an alleged sex crime can do extensive damage to both your personal and professional reputation. Crimes like rape, date rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and battery, prostitution and solicitation, internet sex crimes, and sex crimes involving children are all heavily prosecuted in the state, and it is essential that you hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as allegations are brought against you.
  
• Violent crimes: There are a number of violent crime charges we work to protect our clients from. These charges can include homicide, strangulation, battery, domestic battery, and robbery. The consequences of a violent crime conviction are high, and you could find yourself facing life in prison for the most severe of charges. It is important, in these scenarios, that you reach out to an attorney as soon as possible.
  
• White-collar crimes: These crimes tend to be non-violent in nature and focus on illegal acts for personal financial gain. Common white-collar crime acts include money laundering; identity theft; tax evasion; loan or mortgage fraud; healthcare fraud; bribery or extortion; forgery; embezzlement; bank, mail, wire, or securities fraud; and counterfeiting. 

If you or a loved one has been charged with any of these crimes, it is crucial that you contact the team at Blankenship Law, LLC. You do not want to leave your defense up to chance, and you do not want to waste any more time. Contact our offices as soon as you can following an arrest. 

The Role of Your Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you find yourself charged with a criminal act anywhere in Indiana, having an attorney on your side who can explain to you both your rights and the applicable Indiana criminal defense laws is crucial. We are here to advise you through every step of the criminal defense process. We can take on a number of tasks in your case, including:

• Minimizing possible consequences: The experienced attorneys at our firm are knowledgeable in both Indiana criminal law and the involved court procedures. We are here to help you navigate your case toward a successful resolution and can help you enter the right plea. Doing so can help your chances of minimizing legal penalties and securing a favorable outcome.
  
• Protecting your rights: When you find yourself facing criminal charges, we are here to protect your rights against any illegal or predatory behavior shown by the police. Additionally, we can help you keep yourself from saying anything that might be incriminating.
  
• Seeking the most favorable outcome: Facing a criminal charge is not a time to try to handle your defense on your own, as this will likely only cause you to face a devastating outcome. Instead, an attorney is here to examine your case, protect you, and bring you forward into a brighter and better future. 

FAQs

Is It Worth It to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Yes, when facing criminal charges, it is absolutely worth it to hire a criminal defense lawyer. Your lawyer is here to evaluate the charges being brought against you and devise criminal defense strategies that can protect both your rights and your future. They understand the challenges often faced in criminal cases and can use this understanding to the advantage of your case. 

What Are the Common Penalties for a Crime in Indiana?

If you are arrested and subsequently convicted of a crime in Indiana, there are various penalties you can face, based on the nature and severity of the crime itself. Outside of the legal penalties, like jail or prison time, fines, and probation or parole, you could also face personal consequences, such as difficulty securing housing or employment. Individuals with a criminal record face a 30% unemployment rate in the U.S. 

What Should I Do Following a DUI Arrest in Indiana?

Following a DUI arrest in Indiana, it is important that you stay calm and allow yourself to be taken into custody. The police will likely bring you to the nearest jail for your initial booking. It is important that you exercise your right to remain silent and provide law enforcement with no information outside of your basic identifying details. It is also crucial that you call your lawyer as soon as possible. 

What Does It Cost to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

The costs involved when hiring a criminal defense lawyer can vary from case to case and lawyer to lawyer. It is important to know that there are also a number of factors that can impact the final cost analysis of your case. These factors can include the skill level, experience, and education of your lawyer, and also the duration and complexity of your case.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Indiana, you need to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. State prosecutors will take your charges extremely seriously, and you need an Indiana criminal defense attorney who can treat your defense with a matching level of gravitas. At Blankenship Law, LLC, we are here to serve you and are proud to offer free phone consultations. Contact us today to learn more about how we can protect your future.