When you or a loved one is charged with a crime in Hamilton County, Indiana, you could be left with more questions than answers. Where will your case be held? What is the exact nature of the charges you’re facing? Should I hire a skilled criminal defense lawyer? All of these answers and more can be offered in a Hamilton County criminal courts guide and explained by the criminal defense team at Blankenship Law, LLC.
Hamilton County reports an annual crime rate of around 15.84 crimes per 1,000 residents. When you are accused and arrested for a crime, your freedom, future, and reputation are on the line, and hiring an attorney can make all the difference when it comes to navigating the court system of Hamilton County successfully.
Understanding the Legal Process at Hamilton County Criminal Courts
The Hamilton County Courts are located at 1 Hamilton County Square in Noblesville, Indiana. It is important, when facing criminal charges, to have a full understanding of how this court might approach your criminal case.
All criminal cases in Hamilton County start with a police investigation into any complaint or accusation of a crime. If the accused is arrested, their case will be reported to a prosecuting attorney, who then decides whether there is enough evidence to file criminal charges.
Once criminal charges have been filed with the Hamilton County Criminal Court, the process continues through the following steps:
- Arraignment. If the judge believes there is enough probable cause and you are charged, you will face an arraignment with the judge. At this arraignment, the judge will automatically enter a plea of not guilty and advise you of your rights as an accused individual in the state of Indiana. A hearing is then set when you can appear with your lawyer.
- Appearance hearing. At this hearing, you appear with your attorney, and the judge will set a plea deadline, a record date, and a trial date. You must keep a detailed track of all set dates.
- Plea agreement. There is a significant chance your case will never reach trial. In fact, only about 2% of criminal cases (0.4% acquitted and 1.9% guilty) actually go to trial. The main reason why a case would not go to trial is that a plea deal has been reached between the defense and prosecution.
- Trial. Should a plea agreement or deal not be reached, then the case will proceed to a courtroom trial. It is typically up to the defendant whether to proceed with a jury trial or a bench trial (judge-only).
- Verdict. If an acquittal, or not-guilty charge, is the result of the trial, then the defendant is released and free to go. If the defendant is found guilty, the judge issues a sentencing date.
- Sentence hearing. Finally, at the sentencing hearing, the Hamilton County court judge reviews the facts of your case and calls for a harsher or more lenient sentence based on the details, like your criminal history. Your sentence is then presented to you by the judge.
Blankenship Law, LLC: Why Choose Local?
In 2002, founding attorney Eric Blankenship passed the bar exam and started working as a prosecutor. This helped him learn the Hamilton County criminal court system, but he soon realized that his time and talents were better suited to the other side of the courtroom. All too often, the individuals facing charges were not hardened criminals, but simply people who had made a mistake.
Now, with this experience in our back pocket and a passion for fierce and aggressive advocacy, the team at Blankenship Law, LLC is here to come alongside you and guide you through the complicated steps required in the Hamilton County criminal court system. Allow us to act as your steadfast guide today.
FAQs
How Long Can a Criminal Case Take in Hamilton County?
In Hamilton County, the time it takes to resolve a criminal case depends entirely on the factors of that unique case. Some cases only take a matter of weeks to resolve, while others can take years. Deciding factors include the nature of the charges, the complexity of the case, the availability of evidence, and the defendant’s plea.
What Are Some Possible Penalties for a Criminal Conviction in Hamilton County?
In Hamilton County, there are several possible penalties an individual can face when convicted of a crime. The severity of these penalties typically depends on the exact nature of the crime, but often includes some combination of:
- Jail or prison time
- Fines
- Restitution payments
- A permanent criminal record, which can result in a 30% unemployment rate
- Probation or community service
What Can Happen at My Initial Hearing?
At your initial hearing at a Hamilton County courthouse, several crucial things can take place, and it is important that you have your attorney by your side so that your rights are protected. First, the judge explains your rights and charges to you so that you have a full understanding of what you are facing. The judge can then set bail if they so choose. Do not go into your initial hearing alone or unprepared.
What Mistakes Should I Avoid When Charged in Hamilton County?
When you are charged with a crime in Hamilton County, there are many mistakes that you should try to avoid. First, do not, under any circumstances, speak with a police officer, prosecutor, or judge without your attorney present. Do not miss any of your scheduled court dates, and refrain from posting anything about your case on social media, as anything you post could be used against you.
Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Hamilton County Today
When you’re charged with a crime in Hamilton County, you need someone on your side who can guide you through the court system and the legal process as a whole. If you or someone you love has been arrested, the team at Blankenship Law, LLC is here to listen to your side of the story. Do not waste any more time trying to face your charges alone. Instead, call our offices today to schedule a consultation and hire a criminal defense lawyer you can trust.
