At the Marc Lopez Law Firm, a lot of prospective clients ask, Do I need to hire an attorney before my initial hearing? The answer, in nearly every case, is an emphatic yes. If you’ve been charged with a crime, it’s never too early to hire an experienced Indiana criminal lawyer.
Waiving the Initial Hearing
To start, an attorney might be able to save you from attending the initial hearing altogether. In some counties and for certain charges, the initial hearing can be waived.
This can be a lifesaver, potentially sparing you a day off work or the hassle of finding transportation if your license has been suspended. Imagine not having to juggle your schedule or stress about getting to court—you can leave that to your legal team.
Protecting Your License
If you’re facing a DUI charge, the State will likely try to suspend your license at the initial hearing. We can intervene and request a delay on the suspension, giving us time to file for specialized driving privileges.
If you’re ineligible for specialized driving privileges because of a chemical test refusal, there might still be a workaround. The final decision is always up to the judge, so hiring an Indiana criminal lawyer does not necessarily mean that you’ll get to keep your license. If, however, you go to court without legal representation, your license will be suspended—probably right away.
Handling No Contact Orders
The benefits of hiring an attorney aren’t limited to DUI cases. If you’re charged with something like battery or domestic battery, the State might seek a no contact order to protect the alleged victim.
An experienced Indiana criminal lawyer can contest this at the initial hearing, potentially bringing the protected person to court to argue against the order. Without immediate legal action, a no contact order can remain in place for months, complicating your life significantly.
Understanding Legal Terms and Procedures
At the initial hearing, the court will review the charges against you and explain your rights. This can be overwhelming due to the legal jargon involved. Terms like omnibus date might mean nothing to you, but they are critical to your case.
An experienced Indiana criminal lawyer can clarify these terms, ensure you understand the potential penalties, and help to expedite the process. No one wants to spend more time in court than they have to.
Meeting Deadlines and Filing Defenses
There are strict deadlines for filing certain affirmative defenses—such as self-defense or necessity—where you argue that your actions were justified under the circumstances. Missing these deadlines can be very bad for your case.
Hiring an experienced Indiana criminal lawyer early in the process can keep you from missing these deadlines. If you want the appropriate paperwork filed on time, you need to hire someone who’s familiar with how the process works.
Avoiding Public Exposure
Many clients prefer to keep their charges private and not have them read aloud in a courtroom full of people. An experienced Indiana criminal lawyer can request to waive the initial hearing and the reading of the criminal charges.
Your case is still a public record, so there’s no way to keep everything under wraps. A good defense attorney, however, can help to mitigate the exposure.
Comprehensive Case Management
From day one, having an attorney means having an advocate who will manage all aspects of your case, from the initial hearing through to the conclusion.
We’re here to prevent procedural errors, protect your rights, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Make the Right Call
The initial hearing is a crucial stage in your legal journey, setting the tone for what’s to come. Hiring an experienced Indiana criminal lawyer before this hearing isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential.
If you’re facing charges and have an initial hearing coming up, don’t wait. Call the Marc Lopez Law Firm at 463-363-0588, and remember—always plead the fifth!
