Indiana Criminal Law Attorneys Deliver Strong Legal Support

Indiana lawyers protect the rights of the criminally accused 

At the Law Office of Weiss, Schmidgall and Hires, P.C., our Indiana criminal law attorneys stand up vigorously for the rights of the accused. If you were arrested in Indiana for a drug crime, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, or another serious offense, you can rely on us to build the strongest possible defense to your charges. Our firm provides effective legal support throughout Northwest Indiana.  

Criminal defense representation in Indiana 

If you are being prosecuted for a crime, engaging a defense attorney with knowledge of the local justice system can make a difference in the outcome of your case. Our established Merrillville, Indiana law firm is familiar with local county prosecutors, judges and courtroom procedures. On every case we handle, we put this strong experience to work to achieve the most advantageous result for the particular circumstances. 

Defense strategies for criminal cases 

Building the most beneficial defense strategy requires a close analysis of the details of the arrest, the entirety of evidence and the credibility of witnesses to discover any issues that could weaken the prosecution’s case. Some common defenses are mistaken identity, entrapment by police and unlawful attainment of evidence. If evidence was illegally obtained, we can ask for it to be suppressed, potentially leading to a reduction or dismissal of charges. 

Drug crimes and controlled substance offenses

Penalties for drug crimes in Indiana are severe. If convicted, even for a misdemeanor possession charge, you could face up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine. For the felony offenses of distributing or manufacturing controlled substances, a person can spend years in prison. Specific penalties depend on the type of drug, its amount and any enhancing circumstances. Illegally possessing a prescription drug is also a serious offense that can potentially land a person in jail. If you are being charged, our attorneys will develop a defense intended to get you the best outcome. 

DUI and traffic-related criminal offenses

Indiana uses the term “operating while intoxicated” (OWI) for DUI offenses. You can be arrested for OWI for driving a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or more or for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Penalties include probation or possible jail time, hefty fines and license suspension. We have years of experience achieving positive results for individuals charged with driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license and other traffic-related offenses. You can trust us to stand up for your rights when you are being charged. 

Protecting your future after a criminal charge 

A criminal record can follow you throughout your life, hampering employment, housing, financial and educational opportunities. You may be eligible to have your records expunged or sealed depending on the specific offense and circumstances, minimizing the long-term consequences of a criminal offense. An expungement removes criminal convictions from public view and, once the crime is expunged, restores civil rights. Arrest record seals hide arrests that didn’t result in convictions from public view. If you have questions about expunging or sealing your arrest record, our law firm can assist you in determining if you are eligible and advise you on your next steps.  

Contact a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Indiana for help

At the Law Office of Weiss, Schmidgall and Hires, P.C. in Merrillville, we are committed to safeguarding the rights and interests of people accused of crimes in Indiana. To arrange a consultation, call 219-293-8988 or contact us online.