Being Accused of a Violent Crime Could Cost You Everything Without the Right Defense

An accusation of a violent crime alone can upend your entire life. In Indiana, being charged with a violent crime can lead to jail time, permanent restrictions on your rights, and the loss of your job, home, or ability to see your children. The situation can be overwhelming, especially when you know you’re not guilty of what you’ve been accused of. If you’re searching for answers after an arrest or after finding out you’re being investigated, you need to understand what’s at stake and what you can do about it.

 

Examples of Violent Crimes in Indiana

Indiana criminal law defines violent crimes as those that involve force, threats, or harm to another person. Common violent offenses defined under Indiana Code § 11-12-3.7-6 include domestic violence , robbery , and sexual assault. Even a situation that starts as an argument or a misunderstanding can lead to serious criminal charges if someone claims they were hurt or threatened.

Aggravated assault and battery charges come up often in fights, disputes with weapons, or any scenario where someone claims they were seriously injured. If a weapon is involved or if the alleged victim is a protected person, like a police officer, prosecutors often seek even harsher penalties.

 

The most serious violent crime in Indiana is homicide. Charges include murder, voluntary manslaughter, and involuntary manslaughter. Whether the death was intentional or accidental, prosecutors often file charges quickly and rely on early police reports that may not reflect the full story. These cases carry the most severe penalties, including the possibility of life in prison.

 

Consequences of Accusations of Violent Crimes

Once someone accuses you of a violent act, the fallout begins immediately, even before a conviction. You may be taken into custody, lose your right to own a firearm, or be ordered to stay away from your home and family. Employers and landlords may act on the accusation alone, especially if your arrest shows up on a background check.

 

Public perception can also shift quickly. Friends, co-workers, or even relatives might distance themselves from you. Judges may issue no-contact orders or restrict your movements while your case is pending. The weight of all this pressure often leads people to accept bad plea deals just to make it stop.

 

The risk of long-term damage grows if you’ve been accused before or if the alleged victim is someone close to you. Prosecutors often pursue more aggressive strategies in repeat or domestic cases, and judges may be less lenient even during the early stages of the case.

 

Consequences of Convictions

If convicted of a violent crime, you face years or even decades behind bars. You could lose your right to own a firearm, vote, or hold certain jobs. Custody arrangements and visitation rights could be changed or revoked. The record of that conviction will follow you for the rest of your life.

 

Reliable Legal Defense to Tell Your Side of the Story

You have the right to defend yourself, and you deserve a legal team that will actually listen. At Blankenship Law, we know that good people sometimes get caught in bad situations. We take time to investigate the facts, challenge shaky evidence, and build a defense that reflects your side of the story. If you're facing a violent crime charge in the greater Indianapolis area, contact our offices in Carmel or Valparaiso for help telling your side of the story and protecting your future.