Violent crimes carry some of the most severe penalties. Even a relatively minor accusation can lead to life-changing consequences. Various crimes and circumstances fall into the violent crime category, all of which are felonies that are punishable by extensive prison time, hefty fines, and even death.

As you face violent crime charges, your career, reputation, and future are at stake. If you face accusations of a violent crime, it is crucial to seek legal advice from a seasoned Indiana criminal defense lawyer to help you protect your rights.

Violent crimes are the most aggressively penalized offenses in Indiana. Just because you have been arrested for a violent crime does not mean you’re automatically found guilty. Stand up and fight for your freedom with the help of a credible Elkhart violent crimes lawyer.

At Wilson & Kinsman LLC, we have been helping numerous clients who have been charged with violent crimes. Our legal team will vigorously fight to discredit the allegations made against you to avoid a criminal conviction. We will build your defense, examine the evidence, and interview witnesses to ensure all of your rights are protected. We are committed to providing quality legal representation in Elkhart, Michiana, South Bend, Goshen, and neighboring counties in Indiana. Contact our law office now and schedule an initial consultation.

 A violent crime involves using force against a victim, which may include weapons or threats of force. For a crime to be considered a violent crime, a victim should be either injured or killed resulting from the criminal act. Violent crimes are sometimes referred to as “offenses against the person” because they involve physical harm to someone else.

Violent crimes involve physical injury to another person, which ranges from assault to murder. Such crimes can have devastating impacts on the lives of all the people involved. Not only the victim and the accused are deeply affected, but so are their families. If you have been accused of any violent crime, our reliable Elkhart violent crimes attorney can help you understand the legal definition of the crime you are charged with and develop the best defense strategy for your case.

Violent crimes come in many forms. The seriousness of a violent crime is generally determined by the degree of physical harm caused to the victim. A knowledgeable Elkhart violent crimes lawyer can help you understand the nature of these criminal charges. Violent crimes may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Assault and Battery

Assault and battery are two distinct crimes under Indiana law, though people often refer to them together. Assault is an intentional act that causes another person to be in fear of imminent bodily harm. The battery is similar to assault, but it requires that actual physical contact or harm has occurred. Assault may also become “aggravated assault” where the threat of harm is particularly offensive, such as when the violent act is committed using a deadly weapon.

Arson

Arson is the crime of intentionally starting a fire or explosion with the intent to damage property. It is considered a violent crime and is treated as a felony in most states. Since arson is such a fatal crime, it is punished harshly under criminal laws.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence refers to abusive behavior in any relationship used by one partner to gain or maintain control over another intimate partner. It is a crime of abuse, violence, or threatening behavior committed within a family structure.

Kidnapping

You can be charged with kidnapping if you knowingly or intentionally remove another individual from a place through fraud, enticement, force, or threats of force. Kidnapping is a very pressing charge with severe consequences. Most states categorize kidnapping as a felony offense, though states have different degrees of felonies that have different sentences. 

Murder or Manslaughter

Murder is an intentional and unlawful killing committed with malice aforethought. Charges for murder or manslaughter are among the most serious crimes a person can be charged with. The severity of the charges may vary depending on the degree of the crime committed.

Robbery

Robbery involves taking something of value from another person by using or threatening to use force or violence. Depending on the jurisdiction, robbery – particularly armed robbery – can result in harsh penalties. Robbery penalties often depend on the potential for harm.

What are the Consequences of Violent Crime Charges in Indiana?

Indiana takes violent crime charges very seriously. Therefore, offenders can be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Punishments for violent crimes are also much more severe than other non-violent crimes. Violent crimes may include offenses that range from a misdemeanor to felony levels.

If you have been convicted of a violent crime charge in Indiana, you can expect significant penalties including hefty fines, lengthy prison sentences, terms of probation, and a permanent criminal record. The severity of the penalties depends on various factors, including your criminal history, the nature of the charges, or whether the alleged offender inflicted serious bodily injury on the alleged victim. A skilled violent crimes lawyer in Elkhart County can help you avoid these harsh consequences.

• Murder: Between 45 and 65 years in prison, life imprisonment without parole, or death
• Level 1 felony: Between 20 and 50 years of incarceration and fines up to $10,000
• Level 2 felony: Between 10 and 30 years of imprisonment and maximum fines of $10,000
• Level 3 felony: Between 3 and 16 years in prison and fines up to $10,000
• Level 4 felony: Between 2 and 12 years in jail and fines reaching $10,000
• Level 5 felony: Between 1 and 6 years in prison and fines up to $10,000
• Level 6 felony: Between 6 months and 2.5 years in jail and fines up to $10,000
• Class A misdemeanor: Maximum of 1 year in jail and fines up to $5,000
• Class B misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in prison and fines reaching $1,000
• Class C misdemeanor: Maximum of 60 days in jail and fines up to $500

Facing allegations of a violent crime can be extremely stressful and devastating. The potential consequences of a conviction are profound. Indiana court takes a strict stance on violent crime convictions, often imposing drastic penalties. From incarceration to years of probation, your life will never be the same.

When facing charges related to violent crimes, you need an experienced Elkhart violent crimes attorney at Wilson & Kinsman LLC. They can help you understand the criminal justice system, know your rights throughout your proceedings, and explain your legal options. Our criminal defense law firm stands ready to defend you. We are passionate about pursuing the most favorable resolution possible for your case. Contact us now and schedule an initial consultation.