“My dedication to client service and results-driven performance is the backbone of my firm.” – Attorney David C. Frangos

An Indianapolis Firm Offering Experienced And Aggressive Criminal Defense

Whether it is a traffic ticket, a felony criminal charge, or a false accusation, nearly anyone can have a run-in with the law. The criminal justice system is fraught with mistakes, inaccuracies and unfair treatment. Even the smallest criminal offense can quickly spin out of control.

To ensure that your rights are protected, you should never face the criminal justice system alone. Good legal representation is a healthy mix of experience, knowledge and negotiating skills supported by strong relationships within the legal system. These are the qualities you’ll find in attorney David Frangos at Frangos Legal, LLC. Our firm offers skillful criminal defense representation to clients in Indianapolis and surrounding areas of Indiana.

Ready To Defend You Against Nearly Any Felony Or Misdemeanor Charge

Our firm offers highly skilled representation against both misdemeanor and felony charges. The major difference between the two is the alleged severity of the crime. A felony conviction typically results in more jail or prison time, higher fines and other consequences. Some crimes are always charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, while others can vary depending on factors the details of the crime and any previous convictions the defendant has.

Why You Need To Treat Misdemeanor Charges Seriously

Misdemeanors may be considered less serious than felonies, but they are still criminal offenses that can lead to significant consequences. Whether you have been accused of public intoxication, drug possession, DUI, domestic battery or any other misdemeanor offense, having a skilled misdemeanor defense lawyer on your side can make all the difference.

Assessing The Penalties For Misdemeanor Convictions

In Indiana, the punishment for a misdemeanor conviction is unique to each case. Maximum penalties for these offenses include one year in a local jail and a fine of up to $5,000.

Misdemeanors and their penalties are categorized into three main levels: 

Class A: The most serious class of misdemeanor in the state. Includes fines of up to $5,000 and a maximum jail sentence of one year. In Indiana, possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana, check fraud, theft, and domestic battery are examples of Class A misdemeanors.

Class B: Fines of up to $1,000 and a maximum jail sentence of 180 days. Public intoxication is an example of a Class B misdemeanor.

Class C: These are the least serious misdemeanors in Indiana and feature fines of up to $500 and a maximum jail sentence of 60 days. Class C misdemeanors include disorderly conduct, loitering, and simple assault cases.

Other possible penalties that a judge could assign in addition to or in place of the punishments mentioned above include:

  • Community service
  • House arrest
  • Mandatory participation in a counseling or treatment program
  • Probation
  • Revocation of driving privileges and/or licenses

A conviction for any crime, including a misdemeanor, will become a part of your criminal record. Typically, such criminal records are in place for the remainder of your life and can potentially affect your job prospects, future housing, financial aid, and more. This is one reason why it is so important to work with a skilled attorney like David Frangos.

Understanding Drunk Driving Charges In Indiana

The charge goes by many names, including driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI) and operating while intoxicated (OWI). The official term in Indiana is OWI, but whatever you call it, drunk driving charges are serious and require the help of a skilled defense attorney.

You can be charged with OWI after operating any type of motor vehicle with an unlawful amount of alcohol (.08% blood alcohol content or higher). You can also be charged for driving under the influence of drugs and other substances. When a law enforcement official pulls someone over under suspicion of OWI, they must be able to prove that they believed the driver’s mental or physical abilities were impaired due to drug or alcohol use.

Penalties For OWI Convictions

The penalties you may face for OWI vary depending on the circumstances of the crime and whether it was a first OWI offense. While anyone arrested with a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher can be charged, there are other factors that may be considered. If there was an accident or any injuries involved in the crime, you could face increased punishments.

The penalties for DWI/OWI charges in the state of Indiana may include:

  • First offense: Your first OWI arrest will likely be charged as a Class A or Class C misdemeanor. This means you could be punished with up to a year in jail, a license suspension of up to one year, and fines of $500-$5,000.
  • Second offense: A second OWI arrest may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances. If convicted, you could face up to two and a half years in prison, two and a half years of mandatory license revocation, and up to 240 hours of community service.
  • Third offense: If you are arrested for a third time, you will face additional charges due to your multiple convictionsSuch offenses are serious and can be punished with multiple jail sentences, license revocation, and community service.

While being pulled over and arrested can make you say just about anything to avoid further consequences, it is imperative that you do not speak to law enforcement before having representation present. Our attorney investigates the circumstances of our clients’ arrests and works to find problems with the cases against them, such as improper testing methods or illegal traffic stops. We will do whatever it takes to have your sentence reduced as much as possible.

Charged With Assault And Battery? We Can Help.

In Indiana, violent crimes are serious matters and prosecutors can be aggressive when pursuing convictions. With charges like assault and battery, it’s important that the entire story is told so that you have a chance to share your perspective with the court. In many cases, just hearing the term “assault and battery” is enough to turn opinion against the defendant. But these situations are not as straightforward as they appear, and a skilled attorney like David Frangos can help you paint a clearer picture of what really happened.

Defenses For Assault And Battery Accusations

If your case makes it all the way to trial, the prosecution will do whatever is in their power to secure a conviction. All the jury knows is that you have been accused of attacking someone, so they are likely to make assumptions based on your arrest alone.

Of course, as anyone who has been involved in such situations understands, there is always more to every story. You may have been arrested for assault and battery when you were merely acting in self-defense or protecting someone else. At Frangos Legal, LLC, we will fight to ensure your voice is heard, and we will work tirelessly to either secure an acquittal or have your charges reduced as much as possible.

While our defensive strategies are tailored to each unique case, possible defenses for assault and battery accusations include:

  • The authorities lack sufficient evidence to convict.
  • The injured individual consented to the act that caused them harm.
  • You acted in defense of someone else’s safety.
  • You acted in defense of your property.
  • You acted in self-defense.
  • You were unaware your actions would cause physical harm to another person.

It can be tempting to think you’ll be able to explain your situation in court without the help of an attorney or with a public defender. Unfortunately, explaining events in a legal context can be difficult without courtroom experience. Remember, the prosecution knows how to appeal to a jury and cast doubt on your side of things. You need an attorney who knows how to use the law to your advantage and ensure you are fairly represented.

Clearing Your Criminal Record Through Expungement

As mentioned above, a criminal record can haunt you long after your legal troubles are resolved. Thankfully, the procedure known as expungement can provide a “clean slate” of sorts, hiding parts of your criminal record from public view as though they never happened. There are numerous requirements to qualify for expungement, and not everyone will be eligible. Still, it is worth exploring with the help of an attorney. When you contact us, we can help you determine whether expungement could provide you with the fresh start you are looking for.

Protect Your Rights And Explore Your Legal Options – Contact Us Today

A criminal charge isn’t going to go away on its own. Don’t wait, contact Frangos Legal, LLC, right away to start seeking the results you need and deserve! To schedule an initial consultation about your legal challenge, call us at 317-643-1345 or fill out our online contact form.