Indiana Criminal Defense Lawyer Overview

An Indiana Criminal Defense lawyer represent persons accused of crimes providing them with the legal representation needed to defend themselves against the accusations. Criminal law is the body of law that relates to "public wrongs." Criminal law is not concerned with disputes between individuals, but rather relates to offenses against the public order. The federal government, along with cities and states, prosecute people who commit crimes that range from minor traffic violations, to serious, violent offenses, like rape or murder.

Have you been charged with allegedly commiting an offense and need an Indiana criminal defense lawyer? Contact the Indiana criminal defense lawyer Tony Zirkle today!

People who are charged with a crime are called the defendants, and they are represented by criminal defense attorneys, like Tony Zirkle. The governmental body that pursues the charges against the defendant is represented by a lawyer called a prosecutor. If you are charged with a crime, you need the legal counsel of an experienced criminal defense attorney, to protect your to the fullest extent.

The United States Constitution prohibits taking a person's life, liberty, or property without the due process of law. In order to meet this standard, a criminal statute must clearly set out the conduct that will be considered criminal. The statute must be more than a vague description that leaves a person without notice of exactly what conduct is prohibited. A criminal statute must set out the state of mind of a guilty person, called the mens rea, as well as the unlawful action, or actus reus. If you accidentally step on someone's toes when you enter a crowded elevator, it is not a crime because there was no guilty mind. Fantasizing about stomping on your boss's toes is not a crime because there is no guilty act. Crimes of attempt, like attempted murder, are not an exception to this rule. Attempt crimes require doing something toward the execution of a crime. A criminal defense attorney will be able to explain these terms to you, and to take away some of the mystery of an unfamiliar situation.

Have you been charged with allegedly commiting an offense and need an Indiana criminal defense lawyer? Contact the Indiana criminal defense lawyer Tony Zirkle today!