The Skill To Defend You

Answers To Common Criminal Defense Questions

Here are some answers to common questions regarding criminal defense:

How Will Your Case Proceed?

If you have been accused of a crime, your case typically begins with your arrest or your summons to appear before the court. After arrest, you will be charged with a crime and then, typically, you will have to post bail in order to be released. The next stage in the process is an initial hearing, at which the court will decide on how to proceed. After that comes the discovery process, during which your lawyer and the prosecution will gather evidence. Before trial, you will have a pretrial conference, during which the court, your defense and the prosecution make sure that your case is on schedule for resolution.

Note that all of the above happens before your case goes to trial — sometimes it is long before trial, and in some cases, you will never go to trial at all. However, at any point in this process it may be crucial to have the help of a good criminal defense lawyer.

For example, in some cases, my office, Sam Shapiro Law Office, has helped clients before they are arrested to negotiate a way to surrender to authorities without the embarrassment of being arrested in front of friends, family members or co-workers.

I have also helped many clients to avoid the initial hearing. In some cases involving minor crimes, I am able to help clients avoid trial through a pretrial diversion program. In some cases, I am able to help clients even years after conviction, by sealing their records through the process of expungement.

The sooner you can get an attorney working to defend you and your constitutional rights, the better. However, I work hard to defend the rights of my clients at any and every point in their case.

Can You Drive When Your License Has Been Suspended?

If your driver’s license has been suspended because of a DUI/OWI charge, you may not legally drive. However, you may be able to work out an arrangement under which you can drive to work, to medical or legal appointments or to perform other important tasks.

Another way to make a suspension easier is to get special driving privileges. Since 2015, Indiana judges have been able to grant special driving privileges to people whose driver’s licenses have been suspended. This can be a lifesaver for many people who have lost their driving privileges and are now having trouble traveling to work or important appointments.

Not everyone is eligible for special driving privileges, and the privileges can come with requirements and responsibilities. My office can analyze your situation to see if you have a chance for special driving privileges. I have helped many clients get their driving privileges back.

Contact Me Today

To discuss your case and learn about your options in criminal defense, call Sam Shapiro Law Office today at 812-336-8192. You can also contact me by email to request a free initial consultation.

My office is in Bloomington, and I represent clients throughout Indiana.