Hiring a Criminal Attorney for a Misdemeanor in Allen County
If you’ve been arrested for a misdemeanor in Allen County, you’re not alone. The Allen County Prosecutor’s Office has one of the highest caseloads in the state, prosecuting 10,000 misdemeanors per year. In fact, there are so many cases in Fort Wayne that the misdemeanor courts are in a separate building, called the Charles “Bud” Meeks Justice Center. Common misdemeanor charges include operating while intoxicated, theft, possession of marijuana, battery, minor consumption, and driving while suspended. What Happens at an Initial Hearing in Allen County? When you were arrested, you should have received a date and time to appear in Court for your Initial Hearing. Typically, initial hearings start between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. When you first arrive at the Justice Center, you will go through security and see a large group of defendants looking at three screens in between courtrooms 1 and 2. The screens display which Courtroom you are in and the time your case begins. Once your name pops up, you will check in at the kiosk and enter the Courtroom you are assigned to. Defendants are also required to watch an advice of rights film. After the prosecutor reads the charges against you, you will be asked important questions. You will be asked if you want to plead guilty or not guilty, as well as whether you want to hire an attorney or proceed without one. The judge will also set deadlines for filing notice of certain defenses.
Don’t Go It Alone: Call Gibson Law Office When you are one of 10,000, it’s easy to feel like your case is just a number in the system. Retaining an experienced, Fort Wayne criminal defense attorney can make a significant difference, both for your case and peace of mind. A few ways the attorneys at Gibson Law Office can help is by:
Filing notice of certain defenses. Some criminal defenses require filing a notice with the court. If you fail to do so, you could be prevented from introducing certain evidence at trial.
Identifying any defenses or evidence suppression issues. If your rights were violated, we will aggressively challenge the evidence in your case by filing a motion to suppress.
Negotiating for the best possible diversion or plea agreement. We will work to obtain the best possible agreement to resolve your case, based on your priorities.
Ensuring all documentation meets the court’s deadlines. Local rules state that all plea agreements must be finalized with a plea entered no later than 1:30 p.m. of the last business day prior to the jury trial date.
Appearing at every hearing. Gibson Law Office will always be by your side at every court date.
Hiring Gibson Law Office for your Allen County case means you won’t have to feel the effects of representing yourself in a large county. Call our experienced criminal defense attorneys today at (260) 739-5425 to schedule a free initial consultation either over the phone or at our office in Fort Wayne.
