Merrillville Criminal Lawyer

Getting arrested is always a stressful experience, and the uncertainty of what might happen can be terrifying. When Indiana authorities arrest you and charge you with a crime, law enforcement officers and prosecutors may try to convince you that a conviction is inevitable and you have no real defense options. This is false, of course, as every criminal defendant has the right to defend against their charges, and there are often many defense strategies available. This is why your first call should always be to an experienced Merrillville criminal lawyer.

You should never plead guilty to any criminal offense – even if it seems minor – before speaking with a Merrillville criminal lawyer at the Law Offices of Shane O’Donnell. Doing so can result in unnecessary convictions and penalties. Instead, contact our legal team for help right away.

Handling All Types of Criminal Matters in Northwest Indiana

Indiana law sets out many different criminal offenses for which you might be arrested and charged. Each offense has its own elements the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt in order to secure a conviction. This also means that defense tactics will be quite different from case to case, based on the specific charges and circumstances involved. 

Our Merrillville criminal lawyer knows how to defend against all types of criminal charges, and we regularly handle the following matters, among others:

• Drug Crimes
• Motor Vehicle Offenses / Traffic Violations
• Drunk Driving (DUI)
• Theft Offenses
• Juvenile Offenses
• Gun Crimes
• Property Seizures
• Sex Crimes
• White Collar Crimes / Embezzlement
• Murder/Homicide
• All Misdemeanor Offenses
• All Felony Offenses

No offense is too minor or too severe to discuss with our legal team. 

Working to Prevent Harsh Criminal Penalties

If you are convicted of a criminal offense, the court will order penalties that will depend on your charges and the details of your case. Even many misdemeanor charges in Indiana can result in jail time. Never mistake a misdemeanor charge as too minor to call for legal help.

Some possible penalties for offenses in Indiana include:

• Time in jail or state prison
• Costly fines
• Probation
• Restitution
• Driver’s license suspension

Having a criminal record will also result in lasting consequences, so you want to avoid a conviction whenever you can.

Criminal Defense Representation You Can Trust

The criminal justice system does not favor defendants. Even though defendants have numerous constitutional rights during the criminal process, the prosecution will not necessarily ensure you understand your rights or options. Instead, their focus is to build a case against you to obtain a conviction. You cannot trust the prosecutor or police officers to have your best interests in mind when you are accused of a crime. Instead, you need a trusted Merrillville criminal lawyer advising you of your options and protecting your rights.

Discuss Your Criminal Case with a Criminal Defense Lawyer By You

Being charged with a crime can leave you feeling hopeless, but you do have options. The Law Offices of Shane O’Donnell represent criminal defendants in many kinds of cases in and around Northwest Indiana. Contact us today to discuss your charges with a Merrillville criminal lawyer.