Hamilton County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney in Hamilton County, IN

Staring down a criminal accusation can be terrifying, and you may be unsure what action needs to be taken next. Whatever the nature of your criminal charge, whether you’ve been accused of rape in Carmel or assault in Noblesville, it is crucial that you speak with an experienced Hamilton County criminal defense lawyer. Criminal defense is one of the most difficult areas of law, but with the right attorney on your side, you can gain clarity and confidence moving forward.

Blankenship Law, LLC—Trust Former Prosecutors Who Now Serve You

With over 25 years of legal experience, our team is ready to take on your Hamilton County criminal case. We know this is a frightening time for you and your loved ones and want to do whatever is in our power to meet you where you’re at and offer you the counsel, representation, and guidance you deserve. As former prosecutors, we know how the Hamilton County court system works and can use this knowledge to the advantage of your criminal case. 

Many wonder why they should work with Blankenship Law, LLC. We are here to represent you in all state criminal cases, and with our extensive experience, personalized approach, and strong track record of success, we can protect your rights and pursue the most favorable outcome possible. Our work starts the moment you walk through our office doors and does not stop until we have exhausted every possible option to seek the case resolution you most desire.

No matter the charge, the stakes are high in criminal cases, and you deserve an attorney who recognizes this. At our firm, your case becomes our number one priority, and we are committed to helping you through every stage and challenge of the legal process. When you work with our Hamilton County criminal defense attorneys, we review your case and determine the optimal criminal defense strategies to meet your charges head-on.

Common Crimes We Defend in Carmel, Fishers, and Noblesville

In a typical year, the annual crime rate of Hamilton County, Indiana, is 15.84 per 1,000 residents. No matter the nature of the crime charge you’re facing or whether the accusations are completely false, you need to protect your future by armoring yourself with the fierce and aggressive advocacy of an attorney from our criminal defense law firm. We are familiar with all applicable criminal defense laws and can represent clients in the following cases:

• Gun crimes: In 2024 alone, the rate of gun death was 17.5 per 100,000 people in Indiana, putting the state rate 34.4% above the national average. Whether you have been accused of owning an illegal weapon, possessing a weapon as a felon, bringing a gun onto a property like a school, airport, or government building, or using a firearm while committing another crime, you need to hire an attorney who can protect you.
  
• Sex crimes: Being accused of a sex crime is frightening and confusing, and you could face prison time, mandatory sex offender registration, and damage to your reputation. Even false accusations can devastate your future. Common sex crimes can include rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and/or battery, molestation, possessing child pornography, and prostitution or solicitation.
  
• Drug crimes: Indiana takes drug crimes extremely seriously. Whether you are facing charges of possession, trafficking, manufacturing, or distribution, you need a strong defense. We are also here to defend those accused of prescription drug fraud and drug possession near schools. The stakes are high in these cases, and you need an attorney who recognizes this and can launch an adequate defense.
  
• Domestic violence: False accusations most often arise in cases of domestic violence. Whether the false accusations are simply due to a misunderstanding or your accuser has malicious intentions, you still need to hire an attorney to defend you. We know that there are two sides to every story, and we are here to review your case, challenge the alleged evidence against you, and defend your rights.
  
• Violent crimes: Violent crime convictions can see you facing lengthy prison sentences, large fines, and a permanent criminal record. Common violent crimes we defend clients against include assault and battery charges, kidnapping charges, homicide charges, and robbery. Should you find yourself accused of a violent crime in Hamilton County, you need to reach out to our offices as soon as you possibly can.
  
• White-collar crimes: When a crime is non-violent in nature, but rather is committed for personal financial gain, it is likely a white-collar crime. Typical white-collar crimes include employment theft, identity theft, embezzlement, forgery, bribery, extortion, wire, mail, or bank fraud, money laundering, counterfeiting, and tax evasion.
  
• DUI & OWI cases: In Hamilton County and throughout Indiana, it is illegal to drive or operate a vehicle while under the influence or impaired by drugs or alcohol. If you are arrested for a DUI, driving under the influence, or OWI, operating while intoxicated, it is essential that you reach out to an attorney as soon as possible who can review the record of your arrest and begin building a stalwart defense.

At Blankenship Law, LLC, we know how to protect individuals who have been accused of a crime. Over the years, we have mastered the art of trial advocacy and have the ability to handle any complex legal and criminal matter thrown our way. Whatever you are facing, we are here to protect you and help you seek the bright future you deserve. 

Mistakes to Avoid in Your Hamilton County Criminal Case

When you come face to face with a criminal charge in Hamilton County, there are a number of mistakes that you need to avoid making. These common pitfalls include the following:

• Speaking to the police without an attorney: One of the biggest mistakes you can make is speaking to police officers without having your defense attorney present. Even the most innocent of comments can be twisted and used against you. Do not speak or answer any questions until you have spoken with an attorney.
  
• Missing court dates and hearings: If you do not show up to court on necessary dates and hearings, it can trigger warrants and bail revocation, signaling to the judges that you are unreliable. Not attending court dates and hearings can also escalate simple misdemeanor cases into more complex felonies.
  
• Posting to social media: Under no circumstances should you post anything about your criminal case to social media. Even if you are simply using it as a way to garner sympathy or keep loved ones apprised of the situation, it can significantly harm your case. Instead, switch all your accounts and profiles to private and refrain from posting while your case is ongoing. 

FAQs

Can My Criminal Case Be Dismissed in Hamilton County?

In Hamilton County, yes, it is possible that your criminal case could get dismissed. There are several common reasons why this might occur, including a lack of evidence, proof of the defendant’s innocence, errors made during the initial investigation or prosecution, or violations by law enforcement of your constitutional rights. 

What Should I Do if I Have Been Falsely Accused?

If you have been falsely accused of a crime in Indiana, the most important thing to do is to cooperate with the police and not try to argue your way out of an arrest or flee from the police. Both of these actions are likely to only further harm your case. Instead, even if the accusations against you are completely false, let yourself be taken into custody and hire an attorney as soon as you can. 

How Long Can My Criminal Case Take?

The length of a criminal case depends on a number of factors involved in the case itself. First, the complexity and nature of the charges can affect timelines. For example, a more straightforward DUI case can be resolved relatively quickly, whereas accusations of rape or domestic violence can take longer, as there will be more evidence to uncover and a more robust defense strategy may be required. 

What Are the Personal Consequences of a Criminal Conviction?

There are a number of personal consequences of a criminal conviction that can affect your life outside of the legal penalties you are likely to face if convicted. For example, depending on the nature of the charge, you could find it difficult to secure housing, as many landlords may be hesitant to sign leases with someone who has a criminal record. Additionally, those with criminal records can face a 30% unemployment rate in the U.S.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

When you or someone you love is arrested for a crime in Hamilton County, it is essential that you hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can. A criminal conviction can lead to extreme penalties, and you deserve the assistance of a skilled and reputable criminal defense team. At Blankenship Law, LLC, we are proud to offer free phone consultations for those facing criminal charges. Contact us today and place your trust in the capable hands of our lawyers.