1. Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 75+ years combined experience and 24/7 availability
Practice Areas: Assault, domestic violence, theft, sex crimes, drug crimes, federal crimes, DUI/OWI
Background: The Fort Wayne criminal defense attorneys at Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C. have over 75 years of combined legal experience and a great reputation in the community. Clients can be confident in the firm’s ability to develop a defense strategy to help them. The trusted legal team is very involved in the community, as all of the Fort Wayne criminal attorneys lived in Indiana long before they became lawyers. The firm understands that facing criminal charges can be a daunting experience. With local law enforcement and the Allen County court system closely monitoring the community, it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable ally by your side. The firm has built a great reputation due to a proven track record of success in complex cases.
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana (serves Allen County)
Contact: (888) 912-7220 | https://www.fortwaynedefense.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available 24/7
2. Eskew Law LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with personalized defense and comprehensive representation across Allen County
Practice Areas: DUI/OWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, sex crimes, violent crimes, property crimes, traffic offenses, expungement
Background: The Fort Wayne criminal defense lawyers at Eskew Law LLC are dedicated to providing personalized and effective defense to individuals throughout Allen County, ensuring their rights are protected at every step. The firm provides comprehensive legal representation across a spectrum of practice areas to protect rights and achieve positive outcomes. If recently charged with a crime, the dedicated Fort Wayne criminal defense attorneys at Eskew Law are ready to help. The lawyers are passionate about fighting for clients’ rights and holding the prosecution to its high burden. The firm takes great pride in helping good people defend their names, their freedom and their futures, and knows what it takes to secure positive results in even the toughest cases.
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana (serves Allen County)
Contact: (317) 974-0177 | https://www.eskewlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. The Law Offices of Ryan E. Lackey
Focus Area: Criminal defense with focus on OWI/DUI and traffic violations since 2008
Practice Areas: OWI/DUI, drug crimes, assault, battery, theft, traffic violations
Background: The Law Offices of Ryan E. Lackey, founded in 2008, are Fort Wayne criminal defense lawyers who offer successful representation in several areas of law. The firm focuses on criminal defense, including charges of Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) and other traffic violations. The law office serves Allen County and surrounding areas from offices in Fort Wayne. When you find yourself in legal trouble and are unsure what to do, Indiana criminal defense lawyer Ryan E. Lackey is your defense. The firm provides strong representation in all matters related to drunk driving and other traffic violations. Mr. Lackey has developed solid and long-lasting relationships with many other defense attorneys in the Fort Wayne area because of his regular presence in the courts.
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana (serves Allen County and surrounding areas)
Contact: (260) 222-7364 | https://www.ryanlackeylaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. The Law Offices of Robert W. Gevers II P.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 30+ years experience serving Fort Wayne since 2006
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, domestic violence, internet crimes, white collar crimes
Background: At The Law Offices of Robert W. Gevers II P.C., the attorneys advocate for clients in Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI and Drug Crimes cases. Based in Fort Wayne, the firm is familiar with the courts throughout all of Indiana, drawing on skill and experience to help resolve legal problems. Criminal Defense: Getting arrested or being suspected of a crime is an overwhelming and stressful experience. If you or a loved one has been charged with or faces charges for a crime, hire a dedicated criminal defense attorney to stand by your side. The firm has over 30 years experience defending people who face criminal charges. The legal team is resolved to defend clients during the federal or state criminal law process.
Location: Lincoln Tower, 116 E. Berry Street, Suite 1000, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802
Contact: (260) 407-7071 | https://www.geverslaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
5. Gibson Law Office
Focus Area: Criminal defense with location directly across from Allen County Courthouse
Practice Areas: Drug crimes, theft, assault, violent crimes, sex crimes, federal crimes
Background: If charged with a crime in Allen County or anywhere in North East Indiana, you need a strategic criminal defense attorney who will work diligently to defend your case. Gibson Law Office has a team of defense lawyers in Fort Wayne, Indiana who provide aggressive representation. The firm is located directly across from the Allen County Courthouse in the historic Journal Gazette Building, on the Southeast corner of Clinton and Main Streets in Fort Wayne. The attorneys have significant experience defending a wide range of serious felony criminal charges in the Fort Wayne area. The firm also serves the Lafayette, Bloomington, and Muncie areas.
Location: Gibson Law Office, 701 S. Clinton St., Suite 300, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Contact: Available through website | https://www.bbgibson.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in Indiana
Felony Classifications
Indiana classifies felonies into six levels (Level 1 being most serious):
Murder: Not classified by level. Penalty is 45-65 years imprisonment, with possible death penalty for certain aggravated circumstances.
Level 1 Felony: Includes aggravated rape and child molesting with serious bodily injury. Penalty is 20-40 years imprisonment with advisory sentence of 30 years.
Level 2 Felony: Includes voluntary manslaughter, robbery resulting in serious bodily injury. Penalty is 10-30 years imprisonment with advisory sentence of 17.5 years.
Level 3 Felony: Includes aggravated battery and certain drug dealing offenses. Penalty is 3-16 years imprisonment with advisory sentence of 9 years.
Level 4 Felony: Includes robbery, burglary of a dwelling, and sexual battery. Penalty is 2-12 years imprisonment with advisory sentence of 6 years.
Level 5 Felony: Includes battery resulting in serious bodily injury, criminal recklessness, and certain drug offenses. Penalty is 1-6 years imprisonment with advisory sentence of 3 years.
Level 6 Felony: Includes theft, domestic battery, and certain drug possession. Penalty is 6 months to 2.5 years imprisonment with advisory sentence of 1 year. May be reduced to misdemeanor upon successful completion of sentence.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class A Misdemeanor: Includes battery, theft under $750, and OWI (first offense). Maximum 1 year in jail and $5,000 fine.
Class B Misdemeanor: Includes disorderly conduct and public intoxication. Maximum 180 days in jail and $1,000 fine.
Class C Misdemeanor: Includes certain traffic offenses. Maximum 60 days in jail and $500 fine.
Expungement
Indiana allows expungement of certain criminal records:
Eligible Offenses: Arrests not leading to conviction (1 year wait), misdemeanors (5 years), Level 6 felonies (8 years), certain higher-level felonies (8-10 years).
Requirements: Must have completed sentence, paid all fines/fees, have no pending charges, and not been convicted of another crime during the waiting period.
Effect of Expungement: Expunged records are sealed from public view. For most purposes, the person can legally state they have not been arrested or convicted.
Ineligible Offenses: Murder, certain sex offenses, and offenses involving bodily injury to minors cannot be expunged.
OWI Laws
Indiana OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) applies to operating with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense is a Class C misdemeanor with up to 60 days jail and $500 fine. First offense with BAC of .15% or higher or with endangered person is a Class A misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail and $5,000 fine. Second offense within 7 years is a Level 6 felony. Third offense is a Level 6 felony. Indiana has implied consent; refusal results in 1-year license suspension (first refusal) or 2-year suspension (subsequent refusal).
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Fort Wayne?
Criminal cases in Fort Wayne are heard in the Allen County courts. Allen Superior Court handles felony cases, major misdemeanors, and appeals from lower courts. The Allen County Courthouse is located at 715 S. Calhoun Street in downtown Fort Wayne. Allen Circuit Court handles certain felony cases. City and Town Courts handle minor misdemeanors and infractions within their jurisdictions. Fort Wayne City Court handles misdemeanors and infractions occurring within Fort Wayne city limits. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana (Fort Wayne Division) handles federal criminal cases. Having a Fort Wayne criminal defense attorney familiar with these court systems, judges, and prosecutors provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What is a Level 6 felony reduction in Indiana?
In Indiana, a Level 6 felony (the lowest level felony) can potentially be reduced to a Class A misdemeanor upon successful completion of the sentence. This is sometimes called “alternative misdemeanor sentencing.” If the defendant completes probation and all conditions successfully, the court may reduce the felony to a misdemeanor, which significantly reduces the long-term consequences. This reduction must be requested and is at the court’s discretion. Not all Level 6 felonies are eligible for reduction, and certain offenses are excluded. A Fort Wayne criminal defense attorney can advise whether your Level 6 felony is eligible for reduction and advocate for this outcome.
What are the consequences of a felony conviction in Indiana?
A felony conviction in Indiana carries consequences beyond incarceration and fines. You lose the right to possess firearms under federal and Indiana law (may be restored through expungement for certain offenses). You lose the right to vote while incarcerated (restored upon release). You may be ineligible for certain professional licenses and may face difficulty finding employment and housing. For non-citizens, felony convictions can result in deportation and inadmissibility. Indiana allows expungement of certain felony convictions after waiting periods, but murder and certain sex offenses cannot be expunged. A Fort Wayne criminal defense attorney can evaluate strategies to avoid felony conviction or pursue expungement where eligible.
What diversion programs are available in Allen County?
Allen County offers several diversion programs that allow eligible defendants to avoid conviction. Pre-Trial Diversion is available for first-time offenders charged with certain misdemeanors and felonies and involves completing conditions like community service, restitution, and counseling. Drug Court is available for defendants with substance abuse issues and involves intensive treatment and supervision. Veterans Treatment Court is available for veterans with service-related issues. Mental Health Court is available for defendants with mental health diagnoses. Successful completion of these programs results in dismissal of charges, which can then be expunged. A Fort Wayne criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and apply for these programs.
Can I get my Indiana criminal record expunged?
Indiana allows expungement of many criminal records after waiting periods. Arrests that did not result in conviction can be expunged after 1 year. Misdemeanors can be expunged after 5 years from the date of conviction. Level 6 felonies (formerly Class D felonies) can be expunged after 8 years. Certain higher-level felonies can be expunged after 8-10 years (with some restrictions and exceptions). Requirements include completing your sentence, paying all fines and fees, having no pending charges, and not being convicted of another crime during the waiting period. However, murder, certain sex offenses, and offenses involving bodily injury to minors cannot be expunged. The petition must be filed in the court where the conviction occurred. A Fort Wayne criminal defense attorney can evaluate your eligibility and file a petition to expunge your record.