When the charge is a Level 1 or 2 felony in Indiana, the courtroom stops being theoretical. We have tried these cases — murder, firearms, distribution, and sex offenses — from voir dire through verdict.
Indiana's felony system runs from Level 6 to Level 1, with murder standing above the levels as its own category. Sentences reach sixty-five years for a single count of murder and forty years for a Level 1. Habitual-offender enhancements can add twenty more. A plea offer on a major felony is not a paperwork exercise — it is a life decision.
Between us we have taken major felony cases to verdict for more than two decades in Marion County and across the State of Indiana. Charles Hayes spent five years handling major-felony matters exclusively at the Marion County Public Defender Agency before founding the firm. We know the courts, the prosecutors, and the way these cases actually get decided.
The four charges below are the ones we see most often. If the case you are calling about is not on this list, call anyway — a Level 3 robbery, a Level 4 burglary, a Level 5 battery, an OWI-causing-death — they all belong on this page and we all handle them.
Murder, felony murder, voluntary and involuntary manslaughter, and attempted murder. We investigate the scene independently, retain forensic experts, and prepare every case to be tried — self-defense, identification, causation, and intent all in play.
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, carrying a handgun without a license, dangerous-possession, and firearm enhancements attached to other counts. We litigate the stop, the search, and the constructive-possession theory.
Dealing in methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl at Levels 2–5. Confidential-informant buys, controlled deliveries, and drug-induced-homicide theories under I.C. § 35-42-1-1(3). We test the chain of custody and the informant's story before we ever discuss a plea.
Rape, child molesting, sexual misconduct with a minor, and internet-related child-exploitation counts. These charges carry lifetime registration, credit-restriction, and sentence exposure equal to the most serious felonies in Indiana. We handle them with the discretion, preparation, and trial readiness they demand.
Ranges shown per I.C. § 35-50-2. Habitual-offender findings and firearm enhancements may add additional consecutive time. This page is general information, not legal advice.
