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Are you asking yourself, "Who is the best criminal defense attorney near me in Terre Haute?" Well, look no further. Our experienced defense lawyers are dedicated to providing top-notch defense strategies tailored to your unique case. With a reputation for excellence and a track record of success, our seasoned lawyers are committed to protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome. When facing criminal charges, trust our us to deliver the exceptional representation you deserve.

TERRE HAUTE DUI/DRUNK DRIVING LAWYERS

Assisting People Arrested for Drunk Driving

The criminal defense lawyers at our Firm represent persons charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OVWI). A conviction for drunk driving, also referred to as DUI or OWI, can result in penalties and even significant jail time, including a suspension of your license. The consequences of a conviction for drunk driving can be significant, and because the penalties increase sharply for a second offense, even a charge for a first offense DUI should be taken seriously.

Indiana Drunk Driving Statutes

As in most states, a person that is pulled over by law enforcement under suspicion of drunk driving you can be required a test of your blood content (BAC), and a level of .08% is enough to be arrested for DUI. Even if your blood alcohol is less than .08%, you may still be charged if there is evidence you were driving while intoxicated, such as if you were seen moving in and out of traffic, driving past the center line and failed sobriety tests.

If convicted of OVWI on a first offense, you can be fined anywhere from $0 to $5,000 and even sentenced to jail from 60 days up to one year. Your driver’s license can also be suspended for up to two years. If you have a previous conviction within 7 years, you can be fined up to $10,000 and sentenced for a period of 6 months up to 2 ½ years.

There Are Ways to Fight OVWI Charges

An experienced Indiana OVWI attorney will look at your case determine what defenses are available. There may be reasons to have the case get thrown out because of the stop or the testing procedures. It is possible in many instances to have the case dismissed, reduced to reckless driving or otherwise reduced. If working out a plea agreement is best for you, our criminal lawyers may be able to work out a suspended sentence and a minimal license suspension.

HIRE A LAWYER WITH PROVEN DUI EXPERIENCE

A DUI conviction can impact your life in a variety of ways, your employment, professional licenses, insurability and CDL license may be impacted. Do not make any statements to law enforcement or plead guilty in court until you speak with experienced DUI lawyer at our Firm

TERRE HAUTE DOMESTIC BATTERY LAWYER-BATTERY LAWYER

Have you been charged with domestic violence or assault and battery in Indiana? A battery conviction can have serious penalties. If you are convicted, you can be sentenced from zero days in jail up to 2 ½ years in jail. Our Firm has the experience that you need to successfully defend your case. These cases are difficult and require an exhaustive and thorough investigation. Prior to the filing of the charges by the prosecutor, it is common that no one has asked to hear your side of the story. We will make sure that your voice is heard and considered prior to coming to a resolution to your case. We are aware of the serious nature your charges. Being accused of battery or domestic violence can be life changing. Rowdy has over 23 years of experience representing clients how have been accused of serious crimes. We represent people from all walks of life, different age groups, employment groups and backgrounds - and realizes that we all deserve a second chance. We are well-versed in the numerous state and federal laws governing battery and domestic battery charges in Indiana.

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR A BATTERY?

The sentence for a battery is dependent on a variety of factors. The charge can be a Class B misdemeanor up to a Level 3 felony. The range of penalties for said charges are as follows:

Class B Misdemeanor-0 days up to 180 days
Class A Misdemeanor-0 days up to 1 year
Level 6 Felony-6 months up to 2 ½ years
Level 5 Felony-1 year up to 6 years
Level 4 Felony-2 years up to 12 years
Level 3 Felony-3 years up to 16 years
Level 2 Felony-10 years up to 30 years

No two criminal cases are the exactly the same. When representing our clients, we meticulously investigate the case to ensure that law enforcement followed all the required procedures. We will provide the aggressive legal representation that your case deserves. We love going to trial and we hate to lose. If your case is not handled correctly, it may have life-changing ramifications. It is important to present a strong defense. We have an astute understanding of the criminal system in and want to help you in your moment of need. You have important rights. We will fight for you.

TERRE HAUTE DRUG LAWYER

If you are facing criminal prosecution for a drug crime in Terre Haute or the surrounding counties, your first step must be to speak with an enacted laws to regulate. Rowdy completely understands your rights and legal choices at this time. He will investigate the facts and challenge the prosecutor at every turn to ensure the best possible re

WHY CHOOSE ROWDY TO REPRESENT YOU?

Former Deputy Prosecutor who successfully prosecuted drugs cases for the State of Indiana. He will use the knowledge and experience he gained as a Deputy Prosecutor to defend you in your drug case. He was trained as a deputy prosecutor and knows their strategies.
Reputable criminal lawyer attorney who is respected by his peers and adversaries
Every client is treated with the utmost respect.

CHOOSE A lawyer THAT KNOWS HOW TO DEFEND drug cases

Contacting an experienced Terre Haute drug crime lawyer immediately following an arrest is of the upmost importance. If you are to maximize the chances for a positive case result and avoiding severe consequences for the drug crime you are charged with, you must call now.

Indiana has harsh penalties for drug crime convictions, and it will take dedicated attorney that will implement aggressive defense strategies to achieve the goals of your case. Prosecutors will try get a conviction and make attempt to make a statement to the community about how tough they are on drugs. With an aggressive defense in place, you avoid an unjust sentence.

Our Firm handles a number of specific criminal drug offenses. These offenses include:

Dealing Marijuana
Possession of Marijuana
Dealing Methamphetamine
Possession of Methamphetamine
Dealing Cocaine
Possession of Cocaine
Dealing Heroin
Dealing Prescription Drugs
Maintaining a Common Nuisance
Visiting a Common Nuisance

RANGES OF PENALTIES

Most drug-related crimes are felonies. A felony is a serious crime under the laws of Indiana. A felony is defined as a crime punishable by more than one year of incarceration in a prison or jail. A felony can result in a sentence up to life in prison. Indiana law provides ranges for felony sentences.

The following are the range of sentences for a felony:

Level 1 Felony-20 to 40 years
Level 2 Felony-10 to 30 years
Level 3 Felony-3 to 16 years
Level 4 Felony-2 to 12 years
Level 5 Felony-1 to 6 years
Level 6 Felony-Six months to 2 ½ years

By virtue of the severe ramifications of a felony conviction, including a possible long prison sentences, problems in obtaining employment, possessing a firearm and other life-long issues, t is vital to mount an aggressive defense of you. We will test the State’s evidence and aggressively represent your interests. Rowdy loves going to trial and he hates to lose. He has a stellar reputation amongst the judges and other attorneys in the Wabash Valley. He will use his experience as a former deputy prosecutor to get the best plea agreement possible or take your case to trial.

If you have been accused of a crime that is a felony, it is in your best interest to contact a Terre Haute felony defense lawyers as soon as possible. Again, a felony conviction can come with serious, life-long consequences, from significant fines and lengthy prison sentences to the reality of having difficulty obtaining employment in the future. There is also the stigma of a felony record lasts long after a sentence is served. To protect your rights and future it is imperative that you retain an aggressive criminal lawyer who will fight for you. Call Rowdy today.

DO NOT GO INTO BATTLE WITHOUT AN AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE STRATEGY

The penalties which may be administered for a drug crime conviction will depend on certain factors including, but not limited to, the defendant’s prior criminal history, character, whether or not the defendant was on probation or parole, the nature and circumstances of the alleged offense and the type and weight of drugs involved. Although the facts of a drug crime case and the possible charges and sentence that a person will face will vary, one constant will remain; Involving an experienced Terre Haute drug crime lawyer such as Rowdy is essential. Rowdy will be your advocate and treat your case as if it was the case of close friend or family member of his. He will fight for you and provide the aggressive legal representation that your case deserves. Whether this is your offense charge or you have a significant criminal history, you need Rowdy on your side. Make the smart decision and call Rowdy today.

TERRE HAUTE GUN CRIME LAWYER

Police and prosecutors in Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley aggressively enforce Indiana’s gun laws. Rowdy has represented and defended his clients in a variety of weapons charges.

If you have been charged with a gun charge your freedom and future may be at risk. Rowdy is a former deputy prosecutors for both Clay and Vigo Counties. He is aware of the ramifications of a conviction on any gun charge and is ready to build a strong defense that protects your freedom.

Representing Clients In All Gun Cases In Terre Haute and Surrounding Counties

A skilled trial criminal lawyer can make all of the difference if you have been charged with a gun crime. Rowdy has a strong record of success in gun cases. As a former deputy prosecutor and experienced defense attorney, He is well aware of the complexities of weapons charges and is able to recognize the successful defense strategies that will result in favorable outcomes for his clients. Gun charges require an attorney with the skill to identify search and seizure issues. These issues, if successfully litigated, may have the effect of the charges being dismissed. Whatever the facts of your case are, you can be confident that Rowdy will develop the best plan of action for your case.

Types of Gun Cases

We defend people charged with gun and weapons crimes, including the following:

Unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon
Firearm with an obliterated serial number
Possession of a handgun without a license
Pointing a firearm
Criminal recklessness
Drug crimes involving dangerous weapons

COMMON LEGAL ISSUES IN GUN CASES-SEARCH AND SEIZURE AND WEAK TESTIMONY

As a former deputy prosecutor, Rowdy is skilled at attacking police testimony and analyzing validity of search warrants issued by the court. He is adept at finding the weakness in the State’s case because he has stood in the shoes of a prosecutor. He will use his experience to aggressively fight for your rights. Rowdy loves going to trial and he hates to lose. If you want Rowdy on your side call him today.

TERRE HAUTE SEX CRIMES LAWYER

If you are charged with a sex crime, you need a criminal defense attorney to represent you who has experience winning at a jury trial. Sex crimes carry serious punishments, and plea agreements may result in lengthy prison sentences. Attorney Rowdy Williams has successfully tried sex crime cases including the charge of child molesting. If you are charged with a sex crime, it is imperative that you seek high quality legal representation immediately. Important things can occur at the beginning of a case that can affect the outcome at trial

Getting a Not-Guilty Verdict

Winning at trial in sex crime cases demand a superior strategy and solid jury trial experience. What motive does the alleged victim of rape have to lie? Did an ex-spouse tell a minor child to lie? Could there be a different perpetrator that the alleged victim is scared to tell the authorities about? Is any actual evidence that a sex act was committed (any DNA)? Are the witnesses credible? A skilled criminal lawyer can find the answers to these important questions via depositions. In Indiana, a criminal attorney can put the prosecutor’s witnesses under oath and question them the prior to a jury trial in the case. Often-times this is the first instance that the accuser has to answer tough questions and have his or her truthfulness questioned.

Examples of Sex Crime Defenses:

Consent
Mistaken identity
Accident or mistake
False accusation
Lack of intent
Mistaken belief as to age

What are the Sentences for Child Molesting and Sexual Misconduct in Indiana?

Sex crimes carry stiff sentences, which is why taking your case to a jury trial must be seriously considered. Sex crimes convictions also result in a requirement of registering on the sex offender registry.

The possible sentence for sex crimes in Indiana are as follows:

Child Molesting: Level 3 felony, but elevates to a Level 1 felony if committed by a person at least 21 years of age (3 to 16 years in prison
Sexual Misconduct with a Minor: Level 5 Felony, but elevates to a Level 4 felony if committed by a person at least 21 years of age. (2 to 12 years in prison)
Rape: Level 3 Felony, but elevates to a Level 1 Felony is committed by using or threatening deadly force (20 to 40 years in prison)

Child Exploitation: Level 5 felony (1 to 6 years in prison)
Child Pornography: Level 6 felony (Six months to 2 ½ years in jail)
Sexual Battery: Level 6 Felony (Six months to 2 ½ years in jail)

Evidence and Polygraph Examinations

Sex crimes may have scientific evidence, such as DNA or a rape kit; The evidence also may just consist of the alleged victim’s testimony. It is very common for law enforcement investigations into sex crimes to begin with an attempt convince the accuse to take a polygraph test. Polygraph examinations are very unreliable and are not admitted in court unless both the State and Defendant consent. Police will routinely attempt try to convince an unrepresented Defendant that the polygraph is in their best interest. Taking a polygraph is usually a mistake. If you are a suspect in a sex crime, you should never take a polygraph examination without the advice of an experienced criminal lawyer. Furthermore, it is almost never advisable for a Defendant that is facing a sex crime charge to give a statement to the police in the course of their investigation.

If you need a criminal defense attorney who has won jury trials in child molesting and other sex charges, call Rowdy today for a free initial consultation. At your conference, he will discuss the facts of your case and how to develop an aggressive litigation strategy to win your case.

TERRE HAUTE THEFT LAWYER-TERRE HAUTE ROBBERY LAWYER

THEFT

Theft is the crime of “knowingly or intentionally exerting unauthorized control over property of another person, with intent to deprive the other person of any part of its value or use.”

In other words, theft occurs when you unlawfully take property that belongs to another person with the intent to deprive them of it.

Penalties for Theft?

The penalties for a theft offense depends on the value of the property involved in the crime.

Property Valued at Less Than $750
When property is less than $750, the theft offense is classified as a Class A Misdemeanor (0 days to 1 year)
When property is valued between $750 and $49,999, the theft offense is classified as a Level 6 Felony (6 months to 2 ½ years)

ROBBERY

Robbery is not the same as Theft. Robbery is defined as using force or the threat of force; or putting the other person in fear.

The offense is a Level 5 Felony (1 year to 6 year sentence). The offense is escalated to a Level 3 Felony (3 year to 16 year sentence) if it is committed while armed with a deadly weapon; It is a Level 2 Felony (10 year to 30 year sentence) if it is committed while armed with a deadly weapon; It is a Level 1 Felony (20 year to 40 year sentence) if the crime results in serious bodily injury to the victim.

Getting charged with theft or robbery can be frightening. The State of Indiana’s criminal process is complicated and takes the advice of an experienced criminal lawyer to navigate it. The State will routinely attempt to get you to plead guilty without the advice of a lawyer.

The police will pressure you to give a statement. They will try to intimidate you into saying something that will be detrimental to a successful resolution to your case. You are not required to talk to the State or the police. The only statement that you should make is that you want to hire a lawyer and all communication will go through your lawyer.

Rowdy will conduct all of the negotiations with the prosecutor. We will analyze the case and prepare your case to win at trial. We will also scrutinize any plea agreement and advise you if it is your best interest to resolve your case by agreement. We will stand with you throughout the case and make sure you have all of the important information as we make the important decisions regarding your case. Our primary objective is to get you the best result possible. We aggressively represent you and fight for you every step of the way. We’ll carefully meticulously analyze your case and develop a case strategy for trial.

Some possible defenses may include the following:

You did not act knowingly or intentionally
You lacked the intent to deprive the owner of their property
You took the property by mistake
You are the owner of the property, or
You’ve been mistakenly identified or falsely accused of the crime.

The prosecutor will prepare their case from the moment that you are arrested. Your future is at stake. It is important that you retain a lawyer immediately as there are time-sensitive deadlines that must be adhered to. Please call us today to see if we can help you through this difficult time. We will aggressively represent you and be your fierce advo

TERRE HAUTE BURGLARY ATTORNEY

Burglar is a felony offense that is aggressively pursued by prosecutors and harsh sentences are routinely handed out. If you are charged with burglary, you are facing significant incarceration, and steep fines, and a long period of probation.

The Terre Haute criminal defense attorneys at Rowdy Williams Law Firm, P.C. have dedicated their careers their clients fight criminal charges such as burglary. We have helped over a thousand clients to understand the nature of their charges and developing case theories based on the specific facts and circumstances of their case.

Burglary occurs when someone “breaks and enters” into the building or structure of another person with the intent to commit a felony or theft which is classified as a Level 5 Felony (1 year to 6 year sentence).

Breaking and entering involves using stealth or forceful means to enter a place that you do not have permission to enter. This can be done by picking a lock, taking a key, or breaking a door or window. If you break and enter into someone’s home without intending to commit a felony or theft therein, you have committed residential entry, which is a separate felony offense punishable by half a year to two-and-a-half years in prison.

Burglary is a Level 4 felony if the building is someone’s dwelling or home, which the sentence is two years to twelve years. Burglary is a Level 3 felony if another person is injured, which the sentence is three years to 16 years. Burglary is a Level 2 felony if either you are armed with a deadly weapon or you cause serious bodily injury to someone, which the sentence is 10 years to 30 years. If the burglary involves someone’s home and results in serious bodily injury to another, it is a Level 1 felony, which the sentence is 20 years to 40 years.

Rowdy is a former deputy prosecutor. He will use the skills and strategies he acquired as a deputy prosecutor to work for you. Rowdy loves going to trial and he hates to lose. When you retain him “your” case becomes “our” case. He can provide the aggressive legal representation that your case deserves.

TERRE HAUTE EXPUNGEMENT LAWYER

A criminal conviction can cause detrimental consequences. An expungement is a court-ordered process in which the legal record of certain criminal convictions are expunged.

What is the Indiana Second Chance Law?

In 2011, the Indiana Legislature enacted a law that allows people to seal portions of their criminal record. The legislation was in July 1, 2013. The new law is called the “Indiana Second Chance Law”.

If the court grants the expungement petition, your expunged convictions will not appear on a criminal history check by employers or other individuals. Criminal courts, prosecutors and the police will still have access to your expunged conviction.

Who is Eligible to Have a Criminal Record Sealed Under the Indiana Second Chance Law?

Expungements for Individuals Convicted of a Misdemeanor, Including Class D Felony Reduced to a Misdemeanor
This section applies only to a person convicted of a misdemeanor, including a Class D felony or Level 6 Felony reduced to a misdemeanor.
At least five years after the date of conviction (unless the prosecuting attorney consents in writing to an earlier period), the person convicted of the misdemeanor may petition the court to restrict access to records contained in a court’s files; the files of the department of correction; the files of the bureau of motor vehicles; and the files of any other person who provided treatment or services to the petitioning person under a court order; that relate to the person’s misdemeanor conviction.

The court will order conviction records to be restricted if there is convincing evidence that:

(1) the period required by this section has elapsed;

(2) no charges are pending against the person;

(3) the person does not have an existing or pending driver’s license suspension;

(4) the person has successfully completed the person’s sentence, including any term of supervised release, and satisfied all other obligations placed on the person as part of the sentence; and

(5) the person has not been convicted of a crime within the previous five (5) years

Expungements for Individuals Convicted of a Non-Violent Felony

Except as provided in subsection (b), this section applies only to a person convicted of a felony.

(b) This section DOES NOT apply to the following:

An elected official convicted of an offense while serving the official’s term or as a candidate for public office.
A sex or violent offender (as defined in IC 11-8-8-5).
A person convicted of a felony that resulted in serious bodily injury to another person.
A person convicted of an offense described in:
(A) IC 35-42-1; (B) IC 35-42-3.5; or (C) IC 35-42-4.

At least eight years after the completion of the person’s sentence (including the completion of any term of supervised release and the satisfaction of all other obligations placed on the person as part of the sentence, unless the prosecuting attorney consents in writing to an earlier period), a person may petition the court to restrict access to a court’s files; the files of the department of correction; the files of the bureau of motor vehicles; and the files of any other person who provided treatment or services to the petitioning person under a court order; that relate to the person’s felony conviction.

The court will order conviction records to be restricted if there is convincing evidence that:

the period required by this section has elapsed;
no charges are pending against the person;
the person does not have an existing or pending driver’s license suspension;
the person has successfully completed the person’s sentence, including any term of supervised release, and satisfied all other obligations placed on the person as part of the sentence; and
the person has not been convicted of a crime within the previous eight (8) years;

Expungements for Individuals Convicted of a Violent or Sexual Felony

Except as provided in subsection (b), this section applies to a person convicted of a felony, including:

an elected official convicted of an offense while serving the official’s term or as a candidate for public office; and
a person convicted of a felony that resulted in serious bodily injury to another person.

(b) This section DOES NOT apply to the following:

A sex or violent offender (as defined in IC 11-8-8-5).
A person convicted of an offense described in IC 35-42-1; IC 35-42-3.5; or IC 35-42-4.

At least ten years after the completion of the person’s sentence (including the completion of any term of supervised release and the satisfaction of all other obligations placed on the person as part of the sentence, unless the prosecuting attorney consents in writing to an earlier period), the individual may petition the court to restrict access to records contained in a court’s files; the files of any other person who provided treatment or services to the petitioning person under a court order that relate to the person’s felony conviction.

The court will order conviction records to be restricted if there is convincing evidence that:

the period required by this section has elapsed;
no charges are pending against the person;
the person does not have an existing or pending driver’s license suspension;
the person has successfully completed the person’s sentence, including any term of supervised
release, and satisfied all other obligations placed on the person as part of the sentence;
the person has not been convicted of a crime within the previous ten (10) years; and
the prosecuting attorney has consented in writing to the expungement of the person’s criminal records; the court may order the
conviction records described in subsection (c) marked as expunged in accordance with section 7 of this chapter.

If you wish to have your case analyzed by Rowdy to ascertain if your conviction qualifies for expungement, call him today. He will explain the law to you and help you achieve the goals of your case.

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