Misdemeanor Lawyer in Elkhart, IN

Are you dealing with a misdemeanor in Elkhart County, Indiana? Or did you get into trouble for a misdemeanor-related crime or traffic violation? No one enjoys the hassle of bail, court appearances, and possible fines, but most worry about the consequences the arrest might have on their loved ones and professional life.

An Elkhart misdemeanor attorney at Wilson & Kinsman LLC can help put your mind at ease and deal with the penalties you face for your misdemeanor offense. Contact our experienced misdemeanor attorney today to discuss your case. You don’t have to go through this alone, as a misdemeanor charge will cost you time and money.

Why Do I Need a Misdemeanor Attorney in Elkhart, IN?

Although misdemeanor crimes are typically less grave than felonies, they have their own set of consequences. In addition to fines and even imprisonment, a conviction for a misdemeanor may be used to disqualify you from certain government benefits and employment opportunities, including professional licenses. It may also impact your child custody or visitation rights.

The most important thing is to get a criminal defense lawyer before you talk to the police-the earlier you can meet with one, the better. A misdemeanor attorney in Elkhart, Indiana, will help you deal with the legal ramifications of your charges but don’t wait until after you’ve been arrested to contact them.

What Makes A Good Misdemeanor Attorney in Elkhart, IN?

There are many things to consider when looking for the suitable legal representation in your misdemeanor case. While the requirements and qualities may vary depending on your needs, there are some factors that you should consider.

Think about things such as the attorney’s:

    • Knowledge and experience in criminal law,
    • Their personality and communication skills, and
    • Their previous track record of success with cases similar to yours.

At Wilson & Kinsman LLC law firm, we have all these qualities. We know how to work with clients, help them stay on track, and get the best results for their cases.

When you talk to us, you’ll find that we’re friendly people who always look out for you and are invested in your defense. Our attorneys are experienced in handling all kinds of misdemeanor cases. They have also handled other types of cases like yours before. So if you need a criminal defense attorney, call us today!

Who Will Be The Best Fit For Your Case?

You’ve been charged with a crime, and you’re wondering whom to hire as your criminal defense lawyer. Many attorneys are eager to offer their services, but the question is: Who will be the best fit for your case?

The process can seem overwhelming, but the truth is that it’s not all that hard to pick the right lawyer if you know what you’re looking for. There are many factors to consider, so pay attention to these details when making your choice:

  • Experience is critical. You want an experienced criminal defense attorney with a long record of success in criminal charges like yours. This will give you confidence that they can handle your case and know the ins and outs of the law in this area.
  • Organization and efficiency: An excellent lawyer will be easy to communicate with, return phone calls quickly, and keep up with e-mails. They should also be able to organize all their papers in a way that makes sense so that if you need something quickly, it’s easy to find when it’s needed most.
  • Personality: Above all else, make sure the lawyers like they’ll be easy to work with. You’ll be spending plenty of time together-you want someone who won’t make your life harder by being demanding or difficult to work with.

Trying to find someone with all of these qualities is a challenging task. We offer all this and more at our Elkhart criminal defense law firm. Not only do we pride ourselves on our knowledge of the law, but we’re also incredibly organized and efficient when working out strategies for each case.

We’re proud of our disposition as well–when we take on a criminal case, we know that it’s essential to everyone involved, so we make sure to treat each one with the same respect and care as in any personal situation. When you come to us for legal advice, you’ll know you’re in good hands.

Contact The Law Office Wilson & Kinsman LLC immediately if you are charged with a felony.

What is Misdemeanor?

Compared to violations, misdemeanors are more severe. A misdemeanor is a criminal crime that carries a potential jail sentence of less than one year under federal law and in most states. According to some states, a misdemeanor is a crime that is not a felony or an infraction.

Misdemeanors are classified in the same way that infractions are. According to the federal sentencing guidelines, the classes are separated based on the maximum prison sentence allowed for the crime.

What Separates a Misdemeanor From a Felony?

Depending on the gravity of the offense, a crime might be either a misdemeanor or a felony. Penalties for misdemeanors are less severe than those for felonies. Typical punishments for such offenses include probation, community service, fines, and/or less than a year in jail. Contrarily, committing a felony entails a minimum of one year in jail and, in extreme cases, even a lifetime.

Additionally, the legal processes for felonies and misdemeanors are different. You will go before the court in a misdemeanor case, but there won’t be a jury. If you are charged with a felony, you may be required to appear at an indictment or preliminary trial before a jury.

Indiana’s Misdemeanor Classifications and Penalties

Class A is the most serious, while Class C is the least serious of Indiana’s three misdemeanor grades.

Class A Misdemeanors

Maximum penalties for Class A misdemeanors include a year in prison and a $5,000 fine. Battery resulting in physical harm, petty theft, public obscenity, and rioting are examples of Class A misdemeanors.

Class B Misdemeanors

Class B misdemeanors have a maximum penalty of $1,000 in fines and 180 days in prison. Class B misdemeanors include public drunkenness, criminal trespass to property, misbehavior, and harassment.

Class C Misdemeanors

A Class C misdemeanor conviction carries a maximum penalty of $500 in fines and up to 60 days in prison. Possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless driving without an accident, and using a fake ID are a few examples of Class C misdemeanors.

Elevating Misdemeanors To Felonies

For some repeat misdemeanor offenses and misdemeanors committed against protected individuals, the law levies felony charges. Domestic violence charges, selling drug paraphernalia, obstruction, and financial exploitation are a few examples of repeated misdemeanors that could be upgraded to felonies.

If committed against a protected individual, such as an endangered adult or public safety professional, a misdemeanor may also become a felony. Examples include fraud and violence.

How Does Misdemeanor Sentencing Work In Indiana?

A misdemeanor conviction may not always result in jail time. When it comes to punishment for misdemeanors, judges frequently exercise considerable discretion. A defendant may be sentenced to probation, be assigned to a problem-solving court, or face alternative penalties like community service or victim compensation. And in rare circumstances, a person could even use a diversion program to avoid criminal court and a record.

The circumstances of the offense, any harm done to the defendant’s criminal record, and the defendant’s level of regret (or lack thereof) for the crime are all elements that judges consider when deciding what sentence to impose.

What Are a Few Common Misdemeanors?

These are some of the common misdemeanors:

  • Minor drug charges, such as possession
  • Impaired driving
  • Petty theft, such as shoplifting
  • Minor or simple assault or domestic battery
  • Trespassing
  • Vandalism
  • Minor sex offenses, such as prostitution, soliciting, and indecent exposure
  • Resisting arrest
  • Several online crimes, such as stalking and bullying

Call our Elkhart Misdemeanor Lawyer Now!

An experienced Elkhart misdemeanor lawyer can help you manage these impending legal issues and work with the prosecution to reach a favorable outcome. As you have read, many factors come into play in determining the result of a court case. The best way to avoid the pitfalls that lead to convictions is to have an experienced criminal defense attorney representing your interests, one that you can trust will do everything in their power to protect you while providing personal attention.

With the best lawyers on your side, you can win your case. Contact Wilson and Kinsman LLC in Elkhart, Indiana, to find out more about misdemeanor defense. Call us today for help on any related legal matter.

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Testimonials

Read what our former clients have to say:

A man of utmost integrity

Tom is very kind and personable. He is a great attorney to work for and work with. He is a man of the utmost integrity and is forthright in his practice. I would confidently recommend his legal services to any person I cared about.

Kayla Christofeno

Honest and professional

I was charged with an OWI in Elkhart County and Eric was my first call. He was very helpful and personable throughout the entire process. I certainly appreciated his honesty and professionalism. Eric is definitely well experienced in handling these matters. Thanks to his help and guidance, we were able to have all of our necessary steps done before going to court that helped to retain driving privileges. The judge even remarked at how well the case had been managed during the hearing. With Eric’s help, I was able to obtain specialized driving privileges very promptly. I am still able to tend to my life’s responsibilities and my work. I would highly recommend Eric to anyone else needing help with OWI/DUI charges.

anonymous