Services
04. Criminal Law
Criminal Defense
In Your Corner
The attorneys at Smith Law Office are seasoned veterans in Indiana criminal law and can not only defend clients against misdemeanor and felony charges at trial, but also regularly appeal convictions and decisions from trial courts. David and Patrick Smith have spent the vast majority of their nearly fifty combined years of legal practice working in the field of criminal law. David began his career in Bedford, Indiana as Chief Deputy Prosecutor in 1985 and transitioned this experience with criminal law into private practice in 1989. Patrick has been a passionate advocate for his clients as a Public Defender since 2011.
Whether we’re defending a client on a speeding ticket or arguing a case before the Indiana Supreme Court, we give each client the same level of personalized attention. The Smith Law Team is confident in our ability to provide excellence in counsel and care to our clients.
Criminal Charges We Defend
We represent clients on all types of felony and misdemeanor charges throughout Southern Indiana, including, but not limited to the following:
-
Battery
-
Theft
-
Burglary
-
Robbery
-
Drug Possession and Dealing
-
Operating While Intoxicated
-
Juvenile Offenses
-
Domestic Violence
-
Sex Crimes
-
Traffic Tickets
-
Violations of Probation
-
Weapons Charges
-
Murder and Manslaughter
If you or your loved one is charged with a crime, it can change your life forever. It’s critical to choose a seasoned criminal defense attorney to handle your case. When you reach out to Smith Law Office, you will consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney who offers personalized, straightforward, and cost-effective service.
Other Criminal Law Services We Provide
Our attorneys have routinely represented clients in all stages of criminal litigation, including jury trials, bench trials, suppression hearings, interlocutory appeals, and oral argument. Moreover, David and Patrick are completely familiarized with proceedings following conviction for their clients, which can include:
-
Appeals
-
Specialized Driving Privileges
-
Expungements & Sealing of Records
-
Post-Sentence Modifications
Appeals
So, what, you may ask, is an appeal?
An appeal can be briefed and filed with the Indiana Court of Appeals after a litigant has lost in a trial court by the decision of a judge or a jury. This litigant filing for an appeal of said decision, known as the "appellant," will have their appellate attorney gather all of the components of the record from the trial (which consists of the transcript of testimony at trial and all of the exhibits used by all parties at trial) and write a brief to the Court of Appeals that explains the error(s) the appellant claims were made at trial. This brief can be up to thirty (30) pages long. In the Appellant's brief, the appellate attorney explains, or attempts to explain, how the facts or the law do not support the court's judgment.
Appeals to the Indiana Court of Appeals for reconsideration of trial court decisions can be made for both civil and criminal matters. Every appeal is different. Every appeal requires a careful consideration of the facts, the law, and the specific manner in which the trial proceeded. Often, it is necessary it is not only necessary to consult with the client regarding an appeal, but also the lawyer who handled the trial.
The attorneys at Smith Law Office have represented numerous clients seeking to appeal both civil and criminal trial court decisions or defending appeals and have extensive experience with all phases of appellate practice, from the notice of appeal to motions practice to briefing. Please contact us today to see how we can put our experience to work for you throughout this process.
Disclaimer:
This website is an advertisement. No portion of this website or its content is offered as legal advice. Accessing the information on this website does not create an attorney-client relationship and is not an agreement that our firm will represent you in legal matters.
