Facing the criminal justice system following an arrest in Indiana can be anxiety-inducing and overwhelming. Whether you have been arrested for drug possession in Valparaiso or for alleged kidnapping in Carmel, you need to understand Indiana felony levels and how they might affect your case. At Blankenship Law, LLC, we have over 25 years of legal experience and are here to defend clients who are facing serious felony charges. Do not wait to secure legal counsel today.
The Six Levels of Felony Charges in Indiana
When it comes to criminal offenses, the severity of the crime typically pinpoints its exact classification and the penalties you are likely to face should you be convicted. Understanding felony cases and felony penalties is imperative, and an Indiana felony attorney is here to explain the various levels and punishments involved.
In Indiana, felony charges were once categorized into different classes, but in 2014, the law changed these to levels. These levels include:
- Level 1 felonies. These are considered the most severe crimes in Indiana and can encompass a wide range of different offenses. Common Level 1 felonies can include treason, second-degree murder, and certain types of sexual assault. According to a recent study, over one million women in Indiana have been victimized by sexual violence in their lifetime. Penalties for Level 1 felonies include prison terms ranging from 20 to 40 years.
- Level 2 felonies. These crimes can include kidnapping, the manufacturing or dealing of narcotics, and burglary that results in serious physical and bodily injury. Child molestation charges and voluntary manslaughter can also be considered Level 2 felonies. Convicted individuals can face anywhere between 10 and 30 years of prison time and no more than $10,000 in fines.
- Level 3 felonies. These crimes typically include arson that results in serious bodily injury, aggravated battery, burglary of a dwelling, and various drug crimes. In the United States, one person is arrested every 40 seconds for a drug offense. Penalties can include a prison term lasting anywhere from three to 16 years, along with various fines, and an advisory sentence of 9 years for any present aggravating circumstances.
- Level 4 felonies. These crimes can include certain forms of fraud, aggravated assault, residential entry, battery that results in serious physical injury, and intimidation with a deadly weapon. Those convicted can face between 2 and 12 years in prison.
- Level 5 felonies. These crimes often include various drug offenses and property crimes. You may be charged with a Level 5 felony for the possession of cocaine, auto theft, criminal confinement, and battery with a deadly weapon. Penalties can include prison terms lasting anywhere from one to three years.
- Level 6 felonies. These are considered the least severe of all felony charges in Indiana, yet you still need to take your defense seriously. These crimes can include the possession of marijuana, criminal mischief, invasion of privacy, and in certain cases, domestic battery. Level 6 felony convictions can involve a prison sentence lasting anywhere between six months and two and a half years.
About Blankenship Law, LLC
With over 25 years of legal experience, the team at Blankenship Law, LLC is here to serve you. We have spent our careers dedicating our time and knowledge to the criminal justice system, and now we are here to turn our time and attention to you. As former prosecutors, we know how the other side of the courtroom operates, and we can use this knowledge to the advantage of your case. Trust us to protect your rights today.
FAQs
Can a Felony Be Expunged in Indiana?
In Indiana, there are certain criminal records that can be sealed, allowing convicted individuals to move on with their lives. However, it is important to know that felony expungement is only available in Indiana for eligible offenders. You only have a certain window of time to file for possible expungement, which is why it is crucial that you hire a felony lawyer as soon as you can.
What Do I Do if I Am Arrested for a Felony in Indiana?
In Indiana, if you are arrested for a felony, there are several actions you need to take to protect yourself. First, exercise your right to remain silent and do not answer any of the police officer’s questions besides offering your basic identifying information. You also need to cooperate and remain calm, but contact your attorney as soon as you can. Also, do not post to social media to attempt to reach out to the alleged victim.
How Can You Challenge a Felony Charge?
There are a number of ways you can challenge a felony charge. Your attorney is here to review your case and determine how to correctly develop a defense strategy. For felony cases, common defense strategies include proving insufficient evidence, mistaken identity, acting in self-defense or in the defense of others, violating your constitutional rights, and proving you had an alibi for the time and location of the alleged crime.
What Can an Attorney Do for Me in a Felony Case?
There are a number of actions your attorney can take for you in a felony case. First, your attorney is there to protect your rights during all police questioning. They can also review evidence for any constitutional violations, negotiate with the prosecutors for reduced charges, develop a defense strategy on your behalf, and guide you through the entire complicated process, bringing your case all the way to trial if necessary.
Hire a Felony Lawyer Serving Indiana Residents Today
If you or someone you love is facing felony charges in Indiana, you need to hire a felony lawyer as soon as you can. At Blankenship Law, LLC, we are here to serve you. Felonies are the most serious crimes in Indiana, and you do not want to leave your future up to chance. Our Indiana criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to reviewing your case, listening to your side of the story, and defending your rights. Contact us today to schedule a free phone consultation.
