Based in Franklin, Indiana, Dillon Legal Group offers criminal defense services for clients across southern Indiana, including Johnson, Morgan, and surrounding counties. We have experience defending clients facing a wide range of legal challenges, from drug possession, DUI, and theft to murder. In addition to our extensive experience defending private clients, Dillon Legal Group brings unique insights gained while serving as a public defender in Morgan County. From discovery and plea negotiations to full jury trials, appeals, and post conviction relief, we want to help you understand your constitutional rights and be your advocate.
Whether you believe you are wrongly accused, a victim of mistaken identity, or if you are seeking rehabilitation after making a bad decision, we can advise you as you navigate the criminal justice system. In addition to representing adult clients, Dillon Legal Group also represents juveniles through the adjudication process. If you need a criminal defense attorney to represent you in Southern or South Central Indiana, contact us today to set up a consultation.
You have the right to represent yourself; however, it is not recommended. When you are facing the possibility of jail time and a permanent criminal record, it is often in your best interest to seek representation from a criminal defense attorney. A lawyer with experience in defending clients in criminal cases can help you navigate the often confusing process of proceeding from your initial arrest to trial. Even after resolution of your initial case, a defense attorney can advise you and advocate for the best possible resolution if you are facing a probation violation. Dillon Legal Group has experience handling clients with a wide range of needs, from simple infractions to Level 1 felonies.
While serving as your criminal defense attorney, we will help you understand the nature of the charges you're facing as well as fight on your behalf. Though the severity and potential consequences of individual criminal charges may vary, there are three broad levels of crimes in Indiana: Infractions, Misdemeanors, and Felonies. Infractions and Misdemeanors include less serious criminal offenses than felonies. Dillon Legal Group has defended clients against charges in each of these categories.
Infractions include citations for offenses like speeding and failure to yield. Infractions are violations of an ordinance or statute that does not subject an individual to a criminal conviction or jail time.
Misdemeanors on the other hand subject an individual to the possibility of jail time and a criminal conviction. Many low-level drug offenses and petty crimes are charged as misdemeanors. In Indiana, misdemeanors are divided into three types: A, B, and C. Level C misdemeanors are the lowest of these, and carry with them a penalty of up to 60 days in jail and a fine up to $500.00. An example of a Class C misdemeanor is a first offense of possession of drug paraphernalia. By comparison, a Level A misdemeanor carries the possibility of a penalty of up to one (1) year in jail and up to $5,000 in fines. An example of a Class A Misdemeanor is certain types of dealing in marijuana.
Felonies include far more serious crimes in Indiana are punishable by terms in the state prison system and hefty fines. Indiana law recognizes several classes of felonies, ranging from Murder, to level 6 felonies, which include offenses like theft with a prior conviction or certain drug possession charges.
Whether you're facing an infraction threatening your driver's license, a misdemeanor exposing you to a possible criminal conviction or jail time, or facing a felony conviction jeopardizing your future and freedom, Dillon Legal Group has the experience and expertise to guide you through the criminal justice system while protecting your rights and advocating for your best interests. Contact us to set up an initial consultation on your case and go over your charges.
Penalties for driving under the influence have been steadily increasing in severity, and the consequences of a conviction can involve far more than jail time. A DUI can jeopardize your driving privileges and even employment. If you are in need of a DUI attorney, Dillon Legal Group can help you understand the charges you face and the options you have to protect yourself. Additionally, we can assist you in applying for Specialized Driving Privileges (formerly called "Hardship Licenses") if your license has been suspended as a result of a DUI or other crime.
If you've been charged with or convicted of a crime, you likely have record which can be checked by potential employers. Criminal background checks are an increasingly popular way for employers and landlords to screen potential employees and tenants. The consequences of a criminal record can follow you for life. This is especially true in Indiana, where many records are easily searchable by the public. Fortunately, changes to the law in 2013 and 2014 have dramatically expanded the number of Hoosiers who are eligible to have their criminal records expunged. However, you may only petition for an expungement in Indiana once in your lifetime. If the petition is denied for any reason - including improper filing - it may not be able to be re-filed. You may lose your opportunity for those records to be expunged. It is incredibly important that the petition for expungement is done correctly, and the attorneys at Dillon Legal Group are prepared to assist you.
Dillon Legal Group is a multi-service law firm that strives to strive to provide a full array of options to our clients. We offer personalized services including protective orders, hardship licenses, and criminal record expungements. If you have other legal questions or require other services, please contact us. We are happy to serve Johnson, Bartholomew, Brown, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Monroe, Morgan, and Shelby Counties in Indiana. Having the right attorney on your side can make all the difference in keeping what you've worked hard for. We look forward to meeting your legal needs.
Protective orders, sometimes known as restraining orders, are court orders that prohibit one individual from contacting, communicating with, or visiting certain party. This is intended to guard the protected party against threats of violence or harassment. If you are looking to take legal steps to protect yourself from from threats made against you by a family member or intimate partner, a protective order may be an option. To obtain a protective order, you must demonstrate credible threats of violence, or repeated harassment/stalking. Whether you are facing these threats or being accused of such actions, Dillon Legal Group is reading to advocate for your rights in protective order proceedings.
Employers and landlords are increasingly relying on criminal background checks to screen potential employees and tenants. Even if you served no jail time, the mere existence of a criminal record can be a life sentence. You face the potential for stigmatization, fewer educational opportunities, and reduced earning potential. This is especially true in Indiana, where many records are easily searchable by the public. Fortunately, changes to the law in 2013 and 2014 have dramatically expanded the number of Hoosiers who are eligible to have their criminal records expunged.
However, you may only petition for an expungement in Indiana once in your lifetime. If the petition is denied - for example, as a result of improper filing - it may not be possible to re-file it. You will lose your opportunity for those records to be expunged. It is absolutely essential that the petition for expungement is done correctly, and the attorneys at Dillon Legal Group are prepared to assist you.
Every year, thousands of Hoosiers face the potential suspension of their driver's licenses. This can happen as a result of failure to pay traffic tickets, driving under the influence, and a variety of other motor vehicle-related charges. The loss of driving privileges can threaten your livelihood, and ultimately your home or family. You shouldn't have to choose between losing your job and committing a crime by driving with a suspended license. However, you may have options.
A specialized driving permit can restore limited driving privileges if you meet certain criteria. This may allow you to drive to and from work. The attorneys at Dillon Legal Group understand will review the circumstances leading up to the suspension of your license and work with you to present a compelling argument to the court.