For assistance with criminal law cases, contact the lawyers at Gerling Law in Evansville and Indianapolis for a free review of your case.
Gerling Law
Injury Attorneys
519 Main Street
Evansville, Indiana 47708
(812) 423-5251
10401 N. Meridian Street, Suite 300
Indianapolis, Indiana 46290
(317) 616-3646
Fenley Office Suites
4965 U.S. Highway 42, Suite 1000
Louisville, KY 40222
(502) 587-8888
(888) GERLING
(812) 423-9928 (fax)
Criminal Law Information from Our Lawyers in Evansville
Criminal law cases involve the prosecution of a person, brought by the government, for a crime, including felonies, such as burglary, OWI, DWI, fraud, and theft, and misdemeanors such as battery and public intoxication. Being accused of a crime can be stressful and confusing due to the complex steps involved in criminal cases and the uncertainty about the future. However, defendants in criminal cases have the right to have an attorney on their side to advise them throughout the criminal defense process.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for a felony or misdemeanor, or if you need assistance with any area of criminal law, including sentence modifications or appeals, the criminal defense lawyer at our Evansville office can help you. We will explain your rights, advise you on the best action to take regarding your case, and support you throughout your defense.
Defendant’s Rights in Criminal Cases
Because criminal law cases can often be complicated and specific rules and procedures must be followed to ensure a fair trial, the criminal justice system is best dealt with by experienced criminal defense lawyers. For your best interest, a lawyer should be involved in your case from the very beginning, before the initial interrogation if possible. When arrested, you have the right to consult an attorney before you say anything. From this point on, one of the most important things the criminal defense lawyer at our law offices in Evansville can do for you is to uphold the legal rights you have as a defendant.
As a defendant in a criminal case, you have the following rights:
Right to Remain Silent
You have the right to not incriminate yourself by choosing whether or not to testify on your own behalf.
Right to a Speedy, Public Jury Trial
Defendants in felony or serious misdemeanor cases have the right to a speedy, public jury trial, while defendants of other misdemeanor cases have the right to a trial with a judge. At this trial, the defendant is presumed innocent and can only be convicted of the crime if the prosecutor can convince the jurors that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. It is the job of the defendant, and his or her criminal defense lawyer, to show that the prosecutor cannot prove guilt.
Right to Confront Witnesses
The defendant and the defendant’s criminal defense lawyers have the right to have witnesses testify in court on the defendant’s behalf. In addition, defendants have the right to cross-examine witnesses who testify against them. Cases may be dismissed if any witnesses fail to appear in court.
Right to Produce Evidence
Defendants have the right to present evidence in court and have the court issue subpoenas to bring witnesses and evidence into court.
Right to Not Be Tried Twice for the Same Offense (Placed in Double Jeopardy)
Defendants are protected from being put on trial more than once for the same offense. However, defendants can be charged for the same crime in both state and federal courts if some aspect of the conduct violates both federal and state laws.
Right to Adequate Representation by Criminal Defense Lawyers
Defendants have the right to be represented by an attorney, and if the defendant cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed by a judge. However, if the defendant is poorly represented by his or her attorney, the resulting verdict may be thrown out. The criminal defense lawyer at Gerling Law in Evansville will ensure that you receive the best representation possible for your case.
How Our Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You
The criminal defense lawyer at our law offices in Evansville can assist you throughout the criminal defense process and help you understand your rights as a criminal defendant. If you are convicted, you could face time in jail or prison, probation, fines, restitution, or other punishment. Our lawyer can help you defend your rights and make decisions and negotiations that will benefit the outcome of your case and lead to the least severe punishment possible.
Our criminal defense lawyer represents clients charged with any level of offense in state and federal courts in Evansville and southern Indiana. Additionally, we handle petitions to revoke probation or parole, and sentence modifications, appeals, and other criminal law issues.
Plea Agreements
In criminal law cases, our lawyers in Evansville are often able to have criminal charges dropped by negotiating with the prosecutor. In some cases, the prosecutor may agree to drop the more serious criminal charges if the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge. If a deal cannot be reached, our lawyers will create an aggressive defense in court to convince the jury that the prosecutor cannot prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
For Advice on Criminal Law Issues, Contact Our Lawyers
If you have been charged with a felony or serious crime, or need assistance in any other area of criminal law, contact the lawyers at our law offices in Evansville and Indianapolis for a free telephone evaluation.