Criminal Law Attorneys in Tippecanoe and Montgomery Counties

Being charged with a crime is one of the most stressful experiences a person can face. Whether you’re dealing with an OWI, drug offense, theft charge, or allegations of battery, the uncertainty about what comes next — and how it might affect your job, your education, or your future — can be overwhelming.

At BB&C, our criminal law attorneys help people in Lafayette and Crawfordsville navigate criminal charges with strategy and care. We understand what’s at stake, and we’re here to protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome for your situation.

When to Get a Criminal Law Attorney's Help

Criminal charges carry serious consequences that extend far beyond fines and jail time. A conviction can affect your employment, professional licenses, housing, education, immigration status, and more. The decisions you make early in the process matter, and having experienced legal counsel from the start gives you the best chance at a favorable outcome.

You Should Contact a Criminal Law Attorney If:

Arrested or Charged

You’ve been arrested or formally charged with a crime and need representation

Under Investigation

Law enforcement has contacted you or you believe you’re being investigated

OWI/DUI

You’ve been charged with operating while intoxicated or driving under the influence

License Issues

Your driver’s license has been suspended and you need specialized driving privileges

Prior Conviction

You have a criminal record you want expunged or sealed

Student or Visa Holder

You’re facing criminal charges that could affect your education or immigration status

Even if you’re not sure how serious your situation is, call us. Early legal guidance can make a difference in protecting your future.

Send us a message or call us at 765-742-9066 to speak with a ciminal law attorney today.

What Does a Criminal Law Attorney Do?

Criminal law attorneys defend individuals accused of crimes, working to protect their constitutional rights and minimize the impact of criminal charges on their lives. Our attorneys evaluate the prosecution’s case, identify weaknesses in the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent clients in court when necessary.

We Handle a Wide Range of Criminal Matters, Including:

Driving Offenses

Post-Conviction Relief

  • Expungement and record sealing
  • Restoration of rights
  • Probation violations
  • Appeals

Offenses Against Persons or Property

  • Battery and Assault
  • Harassment and stalking
  • Theft and Shoplifting
  • Vandalism

Drug Offenses

  • Possession of controlled substances
  • Drug paraphernalia charges

We Fight For You

Our goal is to analyze the state’s case against you, identify all available defenses, and pursue the strategy that best protects your rights and your future.

Elder Law ATTORNEYS

Kyle E. Cray

Attorney

Aaron Spolarich

Attorney

Common Questions About Criminal Law

After an arrest, you’ll typically be taken to jail for booking, where you’re fingerprinted and photographed. Within a set timeframe, you’ll appear before a judge for an initial hearing where charges are read and bail is set. You’ll have the opportunity to enter a plea at your arraignment.

The criminal process involves multiple stages, including discovery (where evidence is exchanged), pretrial hearings, and potentially trial. Having an attorney from the beginning ensures your rights are protected at every stage and that you understand your options.

Indiana law allows certain criminal convictions and arrests to be expunged, meaning they’re sealed from public view. Eligibility depends on the type of offense, how much time has passed since the conviction or arrest, and whether you’ve completed all terms of your sentence.

Expungement can remove significant barriers to employment, housing, and education. Our attorneys help qualified clients navigate the expungement process and restore their records. Learn more about expungement

Operating while intoxicated (OWI) charges in Indiana carry serious penalties including license suspension, fines, jail time, required alcohol education programs, and potential installation of an ignition interlock device. Consequences increase significantly for repeat offenses or if there was injury involved.

Beyond legal penalties, an OWI conviction affects insurance rates, employment opportunities, and your ability to drive. Our attorneys work to minimize these consequences through effective defense strategies and, when appropriate, negotiated plea agreements. Learn more about the consequences of OWI in Indiana and Indiana OWI laws.

Yes, Indiana allows individuals with suspended licenses to petition for specialized driving privileges. This may include driving for essential purposes such as work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs.

Eligibility and restrictions vary based on why your license was suspended. Our attorneys help clients navigate the application process and advocate for driving privileges that allow you to maintain employment and meet your obligations. Read more about suspended licenses and driving privileges.

Criminal defense costs vary based on the complexity of your case, the charges involved, and whether the matter is resolved through negotiation or goes to trial. Misdemeanor cases are typically less expensive than felony cases. 

What’s harder to calculate is the cost of not having an attorney. A conviction can affect your ability to work, obtain professional licenses, secure housing, and maintain custody of your children. The long-term consequences of an inadequately defended case often far exceed the cost of proper legal representation.

This decision depends entirely on your specific circumstances, the strength of the prosecution’s case, and your goals. Plea agreements can offer certainty and often result in reduced charges or lighter sentences. Trials carry more risk but also the possibility of complete acquittal.

Our attorneys thoroughly analyze the evidence, assess the likelihood of various outcomes, and help you make an informed decision. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial while remaining open to favorably negotiated resolutions.

Many employers conduct background checks, and criminal convictions can limit job opportunities, particularly in fields requiring professional licenses or security clearances. However, Indiana law prohibits employers from asking about arrests that didn’t lead to conviction or convictions that have been expunged.

The impact depends on the type of conviction, your field of work, and how much time has passed. Expungement, when available, is often the most effective way to minimize long-term employment consequences.

Why Choose BB&C for Your Criminal Defense?

When you’re facing criminal charges, the attorney you choose can make all the difference in the outcome of your case and the impact on your future. Here’s what sets our criminal defense practice apart:

  • Experienced Trial Attorneys. Our lawyers are seasoned trial attorneys who know Indiana criminal courts, procedures, and local prosecutors. We’ve successfully defended clients against charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.
  • Thorough Case Analysis. We carefully examine every aspect of the state’s case, looking for constitutional violations, procedural errors, and weaknesses in the evidence that can be used in your defense.
  • Strategic Advocacy. We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Every case receives individualized attention and a tailored strategy based on the specific facts and your goals.
  • Focus on Your Future. We understand that a criminal charge is just one moment in your life. We’re focused on minimizing its long-term impact on your career, education, family, and future opportunities.

Understanding Criminal Defense Services

Operating while intoxicated is one of the most common criminal charges in Indiana, with over 30,000 arrests every year in Indiana. OWI convictions carry penalties including license suspension, fines, and potential jail time, with consequences escalating sharply for repeat offenses. Our attorneys work to minimize the impact on your driving privileges and your future.

Drug Offenses

Indiana’s drug laws are complex, and penalties vary significantly based on the type and amount of substance involved, prior criminal history, and whether the offense occurred near a school or park. We guide clients through the criminal process and explore all available options for resolving charges.

License Restoration and Driving Privileges

Indiana law allows individuals with suspended licenses to petition for specialized driving privileges for work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs. We help clients navigate the petition process and advocate for the broadest driving privileges available under the law. Read more about your options with a suspended license.

Assault and Battery

Assault and battery charges carry serious consequences including jail time, protective orders, and loss of gun ownership rights. Domestic violence convictions can also affect custody arrangements, professional licensing, and long lasting firearms restrictions. We represent clients facing these charges and work to protect their rights throughout the legal process.

Theft and Property Crime

Theft charges range from shoplifting to burglary to sophisticated fraud schemes, with penalties varying based on the value of property involved. We help clients navigate these charges and, when appropriate, pursue diversion programs and restitution agreements that may avoid conviction.

Indiana allows certain criminal convictions and arrests to be expunged after a designated waiting period. Successfully expunging your record removes it from public databases, meaning most employers and landlords won’t see it. We help qualified clients petition for expungement and restore their opportunities. 

Serving Lafayette, West Lafayette, and Tippecanoe County

At Bennett, Boehning, & Clary, we understand that being charged with a crime can be frightening and uncertain. Our criminal defense attorneys are committed to providing clear guidance, protecting your constitutional rights, and working tirelessly toward the best possible outcome.

Whether you’re facing your first charge or dealing with the long-term consequences of a prior conviction, we’re here to help you navigate the criminal justice system and protect your future. Contact us today at 765-742-9066 or through our contact form to speak with a criminal law attorney. The sooner we can begin working on your case, the better we can protect your rights and your future.

Send us a message or call us at 765-742-9066 to speak with a criminal law attorney today.