Being arrested even for a minor criminal offense can have long-term consequences for the rest of your life. But by hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney in Crown Point, you may be able to defend the charges successfully or, at the very least, minimize the consequences that a guilty verdict will have on your life (and consequently on the lives of others who count on you).
Finding a criminal defense lawyer in Crown Point who specializes in the charges you are facing is key to obtaining the best result, such as a Crown Point DUI/OWI defense lawyer or a Crown Point drug crimes defense lawyer.
If you are involved in a criminal matter in the Crown Point area, you should contact us at The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC immediately. We offer a free case evaluation to review your case and discuss how we can help
Criminal Cases We Handle
Attorney Joseph M. Roberts represents individuals in Crown Point and throughout Northwest Indiana, and he is experienced in defending clients in a wide range of criminal matters, including:
- Major Felonies: Such as murder, and voluntary manslaughter
- Misdemeanors: Such as battery, possession of marijuana, and harassment
- Sex Crimes: Such as rape, sexual assault, and child molesting
- Drug Crimes: manufacturing or dealing narcotics, and possession of a controlled substance
- Marijuana Charges: Such as possession of marijuana, and possession and distribution of marijuana concentrates
- Battery Defenses: battery resulting in moderate bodily injury and aggravated battery
- Weapons Crimes: Such as unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, and illegal discharge of a firearm
- DUI/OWI: operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) and operating a vehicle with a BAC of at least 0.08
Why Choose The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC
At The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC, we understand that it is essential to get a criminal defense attorney involved in your criminal case as early as possible.
If you have questions about the law, how it applies to you or a family member, and need legal advice that is tailored to your particular situation, Crown Point criminal defense attorney Joseph M. Roberts is here to answer your questions and assist you in the best way that he can.
Here is what Attorney Roberts will bring to your case:
Knowledge
A criminal charge can have a profound effect on your life and your life options. Be it for assault, theft, DUI, or a suspended license, once you enter the criminal justice system, your life will never be the same.
As an experienced criminal defense attorney, Joseph M. Roberts can leverage his knowledge of the law to keep your record free of even a minor criminal offense and can assist you by getting the charges dismissed and even erasing any record that you were ever arrested.
Experience
There are often issues that only an experienced attorney would recognize as advantageous to your defense. Without an attorney who is experienced in the area of your particular legal concern, you could be overlooking opportunities to win your case and preserve your freedom.
Direction
Most criminal defense clients have the same fundamental concerns. First, they are concerned for their families and, secondly for their liberty and the effect the charges may have on their public, private, and professional lives. It is your criminal defense attorney’s job to help alleviate your concerns and pursue a strategy that is best for you and your family and that ultimately protects your liberty and future.
At The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC, we believe that every potential client deserves to have their case thoroughly examined. Once we understand all the aspects of your case, we will not only be able to help defend you but to help choose which possible courses of action to pursue and which to avoid based on what is in your overall best interest.
Advocacy
The criminal justice process is not easy, and it is not always fair. So, you need a criminal defense attorney to advocate on your behalf to ensure that your story is heard and that you are treated fairly.
Moreover, how your case is received will largely depend on how it is presented to the court. When you need to express to the court that you are a good father, husband, friend, and law-abiding citizen, having someone else to advocate on your behalf can determine whether the court believes you or not.
As a skilled criminal defense attorney, Joseph M. Roberts not only possesses an in-depth understanding of Indiana criminal laws and procedures, but he also understands how important it is to advocate on your behalf to protect your rights and convince others of your innocence.
Trust
You need an attorney who not only knows the system inside out but who is empathetic and can put himself into your shoes, especially when you are dealing with matters that will ultimately affect your family and loved ones as well.
So, it is not enough that you have an experienced attorney or a clever attorney. You need the right attorney. Someone with whom you are comfortable and can put your trust.
A good criminal defense attorney not only defends and protects his client’s rights, but he also has compassion for his clients and can support them throughout the criminal justice process.
Attorney Joseph M. Roberts understands that he represents real people with real problems, which enables him to represent his clients in the same manner in which he would want to be represented.
What are the Steps Involved in a Criminal Case in Indiana?
The criminal justice process in Indiana consists of several important steps, each of which can play a critical role in the outcome of your case.
1. Arrest and Booking
The process begins with your arrest, during which law enforcement may take you into custody based on probable cause or a warrant. After the arrest, you will be booked, meaning your personal information and charges will be documented. You may also be fingerprinted and photographed. This stage often includes the initial opportunity to consult with your criminal defense attorney.
2. Initial Hearing
The initial hearing is your first court appearance, where the charges against you will be formally presented. At this stage, you will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The court may also determine bail and any conditions for your release.
3. Pre-Trial Proceedings
Pre-trial proceedings include discovery, during which both the defense and prosecution exchange evidence. Motions may be filed to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or resolve other legal matters before trial.
4. Trial or Plea Agreement
If your case proceeds to trial, both sides will present evidence, question witnesses, and make arguments before a judge or jury. Alternatively, we may be able to negotiate a plea agreement to resolve the case without a trial. Plea agreements often result in reduced charges or lighter sentencing, depending on the circumstances of your case.
What’s the Difference Between State and Federal Criminal Charges in Indiana?
Criminal charges in Indiana can be prosecuted at the state or federal level, depending on the nature of the offense. Here are some of the key differences between state and federal criminal charges:
State Criminal Charges
State charges involve violations of Indiana state laws, such as DUI, theft, assault, or drug possession. These cases are prosecuted in state courts and are governed by Indiana’s criminal statutes. Sentencing is typically determined by state guidelines and may include jail time, fines, probation, or community service.
Federal Criminal Charges
Federal charges involve violations of federal laws, such as drug trafficking, tax evasion, or crimes committed on federal property. These cases are prosecuted in federal courts and are governed by U.S. federal laws and sentencing guidelines. Federal cases often involve higher stakes, including harsher penalties and more complex legal proceedings.
How Do Crown Point Criminal Defense Lawyers Approach Plea Deals?
Plea deals are a common resolution in criminal cases and involve negotiating an agreement with the prosecution to resolve charges without a trial. Here is more about how our Crown Point criminal defense attorneys approach plea deals to protect our clients’ futures:
Evaluating the Evidence
We will thoroughly review the evidence against you to determine the strength of the prosecutor’s case. This evaluation includes identifying potential weaknesses, such as unreliable witness testimony or improperly obtained evidence.
Negotiating with the Prosecution
Our criminal defense lawyers often negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or secure alternative sentencing options. For example, a felony charge may be reduced to a misdemeanor, or jail time could be replaced with probation. Successful negotiation depends on presenting mitigating factors, such as a lack of prior offenses or a commitment to rehabilitation.
Considering Your Options
Next, we will explain the terms of the plea deal, including its potential advantages and disadvantages. This way, you can be sure that you understand the impact of accepting the deal, including how it may affect your criminal record or future opportunities. Ultimately, the decision to accept or reject a plea deal is yours, and yours alone.
Schedule a Consultation with a Crown Point Criminal Defense Attorney Today
A criminal charge can have a domino effect on your life, and in the rush of it all, your future (and the future of your loved ones) can change in an instant. Therefore, when charged with a criminal offense in Crown Point, you need a knowledgeable Crown Point criminal defense attorney whom you can trust to advocate on your behalf, who can direct your defense in a manner that effectively defends your rights, and protects your liberty.
If you have been charged with a crime in the Crown Point area, call The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC anytime from 8 am – 5 pm at (219) 779-9187, or click here to leave us a message online 24/7. Call us now! Your freedom, your future, and the future of those you care about may depend on it.