317-632-3642

317-632-3642

The Marc Lopez Law Firm defends clients in Shelby County, Indiana every day. This post is intended to serve as an introduction to criminal charges in Shelby County.

Your first court date is what’s known as an initial hearing. At this hearing, the judge will recite the formal charges and go over your legal rights—including the right to an attorney and a jury trial, if you so choose. If you’re facing misdemeanor charges and you’ve already hired an attorney, there’s a good chance they can file to waive the initial hearing.

After your initial hearing, you will have a series of pretrial conferences where we will check in with the prosecutor and the judge and let them know where your case stands. Typically you will need to attend these hearings.

The final court date is where you either enter into a plea agreement or actually go to trial on the charges. As your case progresses, we will communicate with you your options to get you the best outcome.

In between these scheduled dates is where the real work happens. That’s when we’re gathering evidence, looking at what the State has, and negotiating with the prosecutor toward a favorable outcome on your behalf.

The Marc Lopez Law Firm never wants its clients suffering unnecessary stress worrying about court procedure. If you have any questions about your case or your next hearing in Shelby County, give us a call at 317-632-3642 and remember—always plead the 5th!