ProtectingYour Rights

Legal Support For Charges Of Violent Crimes

Few criminal charges carry more social stigma than those alleging violence (a category that includes sex crimes). Because these cases tend to elicit a strong emotional reaction from jurors and the general public, it can be especially difficult for defendants to receive a fair trial.

At DeVries Law Office, we understand these challenges and are ready to help our clients work through them. From the beginning, we are there to ensure that your rights are not violated and that bias is not allowed to unduly influence the outcome of your case. Our firm has helped countless defendants in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas, and we know we can help you too.

Common Criminal Charges

We are prepared to defend against a wide array of criminal charges, including:

  • Battery, attempted battery and aggravated battery
  • Domestic violence and related offenses
  • Assault
  • Voluntary and involuntary manslaughter
  • Murder

No matter what you face, our firm is prepared to build the strongest possible defense.

Violent Crime Terminology In Indiana

Although most people know the following terms, they may not know them in the specific context of Indiana law:

  • Voluntary manslaughter: The defendant intended to kill the victim or victims, but the crime was not premeditated. Instead, it was committed in the heat of passion.
  • Involuntary manslaughter: The defendant did not intend to kill anyone, but victims died due to the defendant’s reckless behavior or during the defendant’s commission of a different crime. Fatal drunk driving crashes often result in charges of involuntary manslaughter.
  • Murder: Unlike other states, Indiana does not have different degrees of murder (these are essentially covered in manslaughter charges). Instead, there is only one murder statute, which presumes both premeditation and intent to kill. If convicted, penalties are based on factors such as how the crime was committed and the ages of both the victim and the defendant.
  • Battery: This refers to the touching of another person, without his or her consent, in a manner that is harmful or offensive.
  • Assault: Threatening or attempting to commit battery. This term is commonly misused as a substitute for attempted battery, likely because defendants often face charges for both crimes.

Call Our Firm Today To Discuss Your Case For Free

Defense lawyer Scott A. DeVries served as a clerk on the Indiana Court of Appeals, a Marion County deputy prosecutor and a master commissioner in Marion County criminal courts before going into practice as a criminal defense attorney. He knows how to examine each case from all sides to give you the strongest possible defense.

To schedule an appointment, call DeVries Law Office at 317-972-9799. You can also contact us via email. We’re here to answer your questions and address your concerns. Initial consultations in the area of criminal defense are always free.