Merrillville Criminal Defense Lawyers
At Robert A. Plantz & Associates, LLC, we believe that everyone accused of a crime deserves a strong and effective defense. We aggressively defend our clients, seeking the most favorable outcome in every case. We will fight for your rights and freedom when you hire us to represent you.
Attorney Robert A. Plantz defends people accused of all types of felony and misdemeanor crimes, including:
- DUI
- Drug possession
- Domestic battery
- Invasion of privacy and violations of protective orders
- Theft and shoplifting
- Gun crimes
- Traffic tickets
- Other alleged crimes
We also represent juveniles accused of delinquency.
In any criminal case, prompt action is essential. Contact us as soon as possible for a free initial consultation* with a lawyer.
Table of Contents
What Are The Differences Between Felonies And Misdemeanors?
Here is what sets them apart:
- Misdemeanor: A type of criminal charge that is usually less serious but can still come with significant penalties such as fines and jail time. Several crimes in Indiana can be considered misdemeanors. They can include first-time DUIs, trespassing, driving on a suspended license, speeding and minor traffic violations.
- Felony: A felony criminal conviction is often much more serious than a misdemeanor. In many cases, a felony conviction can result in increased fines, lengthy prison sentences and temporary or permanent loss of certain privileges. Felony crimes in Indiana can include murder, robbery, rape, assault and battery, drug trafficking, arson, and more.
Certain charges can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on how serious they are. If you want to understand why your charge has been listed as a misdemeanor or a felony, call us at 219-561-0263. We can break everything down to help you understand it.
What Are The Long-Term Consequences Of A Criminal Conviction?
The consequences of a criminal conviction can depend on the severity of your charge. For a misdemeanor, you may face milder penalties such as a fine, a month in jail or temporary license suspension. For felony convictions, however, the penalties can be much more severe. They can include:
- A lengthy prison sentence (can last anywhere between three and 20 years)
- Loss of voting rights
- Loss of professional license
- Permanent revocation of driver’s license
- Loss of ability to own or purchase firearms
Felonies and misdemeanors can also place challenges on those who receive them that aren’t directly related to the conviction. For example, those with a criminal offense on their record may have a harder time seeking employment or housing. We understand how much a criminal conviction can affect your life, and we are here to help fight it for you. Whether you are looking to reduce or drop your charges entirely, we are here to aggressively pursue the outcomes you want out of your case. You can rest easy knowing you are getting legal advice and legal representation from a trusted team of criminal defense lawyers.
A Comprehensive Defense Effort
Attorney Robert A. Plantz will undertake a comprehensive effort to protect your rights and preserve your freedom.
Robert A. Plantz & Associates, LLC, will examine all aspects of the events leading to your arrest, paying particular attention to factual or legal issues that could result in a dismissal of charges or reduction to a lesser offense. As an experienced trial lawyer, Robert A. Plantz has represented numerous clients in jury and bench trials. If your case goes to trial, he will vigorously defend you at every stage of the legal process.
Avoiding Conviction And A Criminal Record
Many people facing criminal charges in northwest Indiana can avoid conviction, a criminal record and jail time through an alternative disposition. Depending on the circumstances of the case and the prior record of the accused, outcomes such as pretrial diversion, pretrial adjudication and drug court can enable the accused to avoid the worst consequences of a criminal act. Robert A. Plantz has helped many clients in this way, and if the circumstances of your case allow it, he can seek an alternative outcome for you.
Get Legal Help Today
Contact us today for a free initial consultation* with an experienced Merrillville criminal defense attorney. You can also call us at 219-561-0263.