Bloomington Criminal Defense Lawyers

Central Indiana Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Indianapolis and Beyond

If you were recently arrested for a criminal offense in Bloomington, you are likely still in a daze. Maybe you can still see the police cruiser lights flashing or hear the sirens wailing. And now you’re left with a bunch of questions and wondering what to do. 

What will happen to your family? What will happen to your job? Will you go to jail? Will you have to pay fines? Will you have a permanent record? Who can you trust? 

If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, you need immediate legal representation. Facing a criminal charge of any kind is difficult without legal guidance. You are entitled to several rights and you deserve a representative who will advocate on your behalf. 

Turn to Eskew Law’s Bloomington criminal defense lawyers for compassionate and thoughtful legal guidance. We can handle any criminal case—from misdemeanors to felonies. Eskew Law’s criminal defense attorneys fight tirelessly for you. We have years of experience navigating the courts to defend our clients.

Contact us today for a free consultation, and to learn how we can help you with your criminal case.

Do I Need an Attorney?

You need an experienced attorney to help defend you because, unfortunately, this country has a complicated legal process with many rules and technicalities. 

At first, it might seem like defending yourself in court is a good idea. You think to yourself, “Maybe it would save some money,” or “I know my story better than anyone else.” But there are many rules to follow and legal nuances to understand. You could end up serving time in jail or paying high fines simply because you didn’t know how the process works. 

Additionally, without knowing all the rules, you could unintentionally incriminate yourself. Any charge is a serious charge, and you should have legal guidance.

Additionally, prosecutors (the ones pursuing the charges against you) are going to be focused on punishing you for the crime you’ve been charged with. They won’t be listening to your story. An attorney on your side will defend you against the prosecutor and focus on winning your case.

Finally, having an experienced attorney will give you a calm and collected voice in court. Being accused of a crime is an emotional and traumatizing experience. It is hard to stay calm and deliver your side of the facts when you are feeling anxious, nervous, uncertain, and scared. An attorney will provide you with zealous advocacy and an intelligent strategy to navigate this difficult situation. We will get the facts from you, analyze the evidence, and tell your story. We will weave the facts together in a way that is well-suited for the court and a jury. Our attorneys have handled hundreds of criminal cases and are prepared to defend you.

Crimes Eskew Law Can Help Defend Against

If you’re in Bloomington and need a defense lawyer, Eskew Law has experience defending clients against numerous different charges, including:

• Driving under the influence (DUI),
• Drug crimes,
• Gun and firearm possession,
• Crimes against a person, 
• Murder,
• Property crimes,
• Probation violations, and
• Traffic violations.

Our criminal defense law firm has defended nearly every type of criminal matter. We can handle cases from the more simple to the most complex. And we give the same amount of attention and zealous advocacy to each client regardless of the crime.

Understanding Misdemeanors and Felonies

In Indiana, misdemeanor offenses are less serious than felonies and involve lesser punishments. Felonies typically are more serious than misdemeanors and carry greater punishments. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you and what the potential sentence or punishment might be.

Misdemeanors

Some examples of misdemeanor offenses include driving under the influence, possession of marijuana, and disorderly conduct. Indiana misdemeanors are typically punishable by up to one year in prison and fines of up to $5,000. Indiana has three classes of misdemeanors: Class A, B, and C. Class A misdemeanors are the most serious. The possible sentences for the classes are:

• Class C—up to 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500;

• Class B—up to 180 days in jail and fines of up to $1,000; and

• Class A—up to one year in jail and fines of up to $5,000.  

Misdemeanors, though less serious than felonies, can still seriously impact your life. Having a misdemeanor conviction on your record can make it more difficult for you to obtain employment, secure loans, or even keep your housing.

Felonies

Felony offenses are more serious. Indiana separates felonies into seven different levels. Not all felonies are equal; some are more serious than others. The levels reflect the punishment for the severity of different crimes. Indiana felonies are punishable by more than one year in prison and fines of up to $10,000. The felony levels are:

• • Level 6. The possible sentence can be between 6 months and 2.5 years in state prison with a 1-year advisory sentence. The fines can be up to $10,000. 
  • Level 5. The possible sentence can be between 1 and 6 years in state prison with an advisory sentence of 3 years. The fines can be up to $10,000.

• Level 4. The possible sentence can be between 2 and 12 years in state prison with an advisory sentence of 6 years. The fines can be up to $10,000.

• Level 3. The possible sentence can be between 3 and 16 years in state prison with an advisory sentence of 9 years. The fines can be up to $10,000.

• Level 2. The possible sentence can be between 10 and 30 years in state prison with an advisory sentence of 17.5 years. The fines can be up to $10,000.

• Level 1. This is the most serious penalty level, with a possible sentence of between 20 and 40 years in state prison with an advisory sentence of 30 years. The fines can be up to $10,000.

Murder charges may have a sentence of between 45 to 65 years in state prison with an advisory sentence of 55 years and fines up to $10,000. The prosecutor may be able to try for a sentence of life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.

It is important to talk to an attorney to learn more about the crime you are charged with and understand if it is a misdemeanor or felony. An attorney can help you understand the potential sentence and fines that may be connected with the crime. The attorney can also help plan out a strategy to minimize damage to your life as much as possible.

Bloomington Criminal Defense Lawyer FAQs

When Do I Need to Hire an Attorney?

Hire an attorney as soon as possible. If you think criminal charges will be brought against you or if you have been arrested, it is important to immediately seek legal representation. Some reasons it’s important to get a lawyer quickly include:

• • Protect your rights. You have a Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. An attorney can speak on your behalf and protect you from potentially incriminating yourself.
  • Quick access to information. You can avoid searching the internet for answers and ask your attorney.

• Limit charges. Your attorney can review information and learn if there is some flaw in the prosecutor’s case or if some procedure wasn’t followed. In some cases, your attorney can get your case dismissed or the charges reduced.

• Build your case. The attorney can help you organize your case and build a strong defense.

The sooner you hire an attorney, the sooner you can rely on them to navigate the complex legal process on your behalf. Your attorney can be your voice and best advocate.

Do I Need an Attorney If I Plan on Pleading Guilty?

No matter how you might plead, you should always speak to an experienced attorney first. They can help protect your rights and advise you of the best possible solution given your specific circumstances. An attorney might be able to help you reduce the charges, get charges dismissed, or receive a lighter sentence.

What Is the Cost to Hire a Bloomington Criminal Defense Lawyer?

The cost of hiring an attorney to help defend you in a criminal case depends on a couple of factors. One factor is the experience level and quality of the attorney. Typically, more experienced attorneys within a firm charge higher fees than the more junior lawyers. 

Another factor is the severity of the crime you are charged with. If you are charged with a minor criminal offense, it is likely to be less expensive because it is less complicated and takes less time. Sometimes lawyers charge a flat fee for cases that are fairly straightforward and won’t need a heavy lift. More serious offenses, like felonies, are more expensive because they require greater resources, more experienced attorneys, and more time. 

Our criminal defense law firm will review your charges and initial information to determine the appropriate legal fee.

If you don’t believe you have the financial resources to pay for a private attorney, you still have the right to have one appointed to you. You can request representation from a Bloomington public defender. 

Contact Eskew Law for Your Criminal Defense

Eskew Law is prepared to help you defend against the crime you’ve been accused of. Our Bloomington criminal defense lawyers are skilled and proficient in the courtroom. 

Our team has handled hundreds of criminal matters in the courts throughout Indiana. Several attorneys in our firm have worked as public defenders and are adept at navigating the system. They have handled hundreds of criminal cases and jury trials and are intimately familiar with the court system. 

We are committed to providing individualized attention to each client. An attorney will learn the facts of your case, assess the evidence, negotiate with the prosecution if possible, build your strongest case, and provide you with zealous advocacy in court. 

Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your criminal case.