Level 1 felonies are the highest level felonies charged in Indiana. Indiana Level 1 felonies are generally viewed as being more severe than all other felonies and misdemeanors. Accordingly, the potential penalties associated with Indiana Level 1 felonies are greater than those associated with all other felonies and misdemeanors.
Being convicted of Indiana Level 1 felonies carries significant collateral consequences and can have a major negative impact on your future employment, housing, and rights. Indiana felony defense attorney Joseph M. Roberts understands the impact a felony conviction will have on your future and makes avoiding a felony conviction a top priority.
Attorney Roberts will strive to obtain a reduction or even outright dismissal of the Level 1 felony charge(s) against you. If you are charged with Indiana Level 1 felonies, contact our office now to discuss your best defense with a Northwest Indiana felony defense lawyer.
Potential Imprisonment for Indiana Level 1 Felonies
All Indiana Level 1 felonies subject the accused to a term of imprisonment of 20 to 40 years. Although the majority of these sentences would be subject to being served in an Indiana Department of Correction prison facility, Indiana law also provides Courts with great latitude to order sentences to be served in alternative placements.
Courts have the authority to allow many of the sentences to be served in a work release program, home detention, or even to suspend all or a portion of the sentence to probation. For Level 1 felonies, the Court may only suspend the portion of the sentence in excess of 20 years.
For most people accused of committing a crime, avoiding jail is a top priority. The latitude afforded to the Courts in imposing sentences for Indiana Level 1 felonies provides Attorney Roberts with an opportunity to not only minimize the length of a sentence but also to propose a sentence structured to minimize the impact it may have on your life and daily affairs.
By working with an experienced Indiana defense attorney like Attorney Roberts, you can explore all possible alternatives to traditional imprisonment, including home detention or work release programs, to help reduce the impact on your life.
Potential Fine for Indiana Level 1 Felonies
All Level 1 felonies in Indiana subject the accused to a fine of up to $10,000.00. Although Indiana law provides Courts with the authority to impose substantial fines, it also gives the Courts a great amount of discretion when imposing fines. This discretion provides Attorney Roberts with an opportunity to minimize the consequences of your situation.
The difference between being hit with a large fine and being assessed a fine that is suspended in full or significantly minimized can more than pay for the fees associated with the zealous representation of Attorney Roberts.
By working with a knowledgeable Northwest Indiana felony defense lawyer, like Attorney Roberts, you can increase your chances of having fines reduced or suspended, significantly lessening the financial impact of a Level 1 felony conviction.
Examples of Indiana Level 1 Felonies
There are many offenses that may be charged as Level 1 felonies. Some offenses are strictly charged as Level 1 felonies, while most other offenses may be enhanced to Level 1 felonies under certain circumstances. A felony defense lawyer in Indiana can help you understand the specific charges you’re facing and how they may be enhanced under the law.
Below is just a small sample of common Level 1 felonies. The list is merely intended to give some examples of Indiana Level 1 felonies and is in no way inclusive of all Indiana Level 1 felonies.
- Attempted murder
- Child molesting
What to do if you are charged with a Level 1 Felony in Indiana
If you or a loved one has been charged with a Level 1 felony offense, you do have rights and you don’t have to do it alone. Your next call can make all the difference in protecting your rights and preserving your freedoms. Put your mind at ease and contact Northwest Indiana criminal defense lawyer Joseph M. Roberts now to schedule your FREE, informative, no-obligation case evaluation.