08 September 2017 | Case Results,  Drug Charges,  Sex Crimes,  

Public Indecency Charges Dismissed

A man was recently approached by police officers in a park because there was a witness report of a man exposing himself and this individual had the misfortune of fitting the description. The subsequent search produced a small bag of marijuana and the man found him charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana in addition to public indecency. Obviously, the man wanted to avoid any of the stigma or punitive consequences associated with these charges and he contacted Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer Sean Hessler.

To effectively help his client and obtain a favorable outcome, attorney Hessler attempted to locate the witness who was the only person who could substantiate the indecency charge. Neither he nor the prosecution could produce this person and without his or her testimony, attorney Hessler successfully argued to have that offense dismissed. This left the possession of marijuana charge and attorney Hessler aggressively negotiated on his client’s behalf and arraigned for his client to receive an 180-day suspended sentence, the payment of court costs, and complete 32 hours of community service. This agreement did not include a probation period and once his conditions were met, he was excused from further worry.

The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.

05 September 2017 | Case Results,  Fraud,  

Check Fraud Charges Reduced to Avoid Felony Conviction

It is easy to understand how an oversight or lapse in your financial judgment can lead to fraud accusations, even criminal charges. Fraud is taken very seriously in Indiana and if you ever find yourself charged with a crime, contact a skilled fraud lawyer, who can navigate often complex financial matters to find the best possible resolution.

Not long ago, a 25-year-old woman wrote a check for the down payment on a new car, but there were insufficient funds in the account and she decided to close the account and return the car. The authorities were alerted to her alleged attempt to ‘float a check’ and she was charged with felony charges of check fraud and check deception. If convicted, these charges exposed the woman to time in jail, expensive fines, and a haunting fraud conviction that could label her as a dishonest person for the rest of her life. These concerns led her to find an Indianapolis criminal defense attorney from Hessler Law, PC. Lawyer Sean Hessler quickly began preparing the strongest possible defense for her.

By utilizing his extensive experience with similar fraud cases throughout Indiana, attorney Hessler met with the prosecution and reached an agreement that reduced the impact to his client. Ultimately, his client agreed to plead to a misdemeanor level offense in place of the much more severe felony charge and would serve one year of probation in addition to paying court costs and a small restocking fee to the auto seller as restitution. By working with a capable defense lawyer, the woman was spared from the unforgiving repercussions of a felony conviction and possible time behind bars.

The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.

01 September 2017 | Case Results,  Drug Charges,  Theft,  

Old Warrant Leads to Felony Charges and Diversion Program

Some time ago, a young woman was pulled over after being accused of theft. When police searched her car, they found heroin, a syringe, and the stolen goods. This led to felony level offenses; however, while the charges were filled, the warrant was not served. In the meantime, the young woman came to grips with her addiction and addressed her issues in rehab. Eventually, she became aware of the old warrant hanging over her head and contacted Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer Sean Hessler to see what she needed to do, so she could finally put these issues behind her.

Drug crimes attorney Hessler met with the prosecutor to discuss the situation. By explaining how his client had gotten her life together through a rehabilitation program, which would have been required had she participated in a typical diversion program, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case in exchange for paying the small fee associated with the program. By choosing such effective legal counsel, who could articulate that she had already done what was necessary, this woman could now rest assured and move on from this difficult period with a clear record.

The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.

29 August 2017 | Case Results,  OWI,  

OVWI Conviction Expunged to Allow Man to Enter Canada

The negative effects of a criminal conviction on a person’s life come in many forms. For example, a man recently contacted Hessler Law, PC about a previous OVWI conviction that was limiting his ability to travel across the border into Canada. Apparently, Canadian authorities scrutinize people with these types of convictions and the man wanted to clear-up the matter, once and for all. Indianapolis attorney Indianapolis defense attorney Sean Hessler efficiently handled the process and expedited an expungement in Indianapolis for his client. This led to obtaining the necessary order to seal the man’s record and lifting this hindrance on his travel.

The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.

25 August 2017 | Case Results,  Criminal Defense,  Marijuana,  

Woman Found Not Guilty of Marijuana Possession after Improper Search

As a highly-skilled and experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer, Indiana lawyer Sean Hessler recently assisted a woman when a house party led to visit from police, a questionable search of her home, and criminal marijuana possession and paraphernalia charges. While the officer claimed that upon arrival, he was given permission to search the property, and the homeowner handed him a small amount of marijuana and a piece of paraphernalia, the woman in question refuted his statements. Therefore, she reached out to Hessler Law, PC to go over all her options to hopefully avoid some pretty harsh consequences.

This case was taken to trial and to address these discrepancies, attorney Hessler presented numerous witnesses to contradict the officer’s claim that he was given permission and it was actually another person that handed over the illicit marijuana and paraphernalia. By illustrating this mix-up, the judge found the woman not guilty of marijuana possession; however, guilty of the paraphernalia offense and 180 days of probation. Even though this result spared the woman from some severe ramifications, believing the judge incorrectly applied the law, attorney Hessler continued to passionately advocate for his client and pursued an appeal. The case was eventually heard by The Indiana Court of Appeals, who decided that is was, in fact, an illegal search.

Specifically, the decision stated, “[T]he warrantless search offended the Indiana Constitution and the trial court erred in admitting evidence procured during the search. Disregarding that evidence, there is insufficient evidence to support Couch’s conviction of Possession of Paraphernalia. We therefore reverse and order the trial court to vacate the conviction.”

In the end, the client’s patience and Hessler’s advocacy paid off and the woman was finally vindicated as she maintained her innocence throughout, and even refused several plea deals that many would have taken in her situation. Although the process was daunting, she can put the situation behind her and is now eligible to have the entire incident expunged from her record.

The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.

22 August 2017 | Alcohol,  Case Results,  Criminal Defense,  

Man Sees Disorderly Conduct Charge Dismissed After Vaping in a Bar

When a 24-year-old got himself in a tough, but relatable situation when an altercation in a bar resulted in misdemeanor charges for public intoxication and disorderly conduct, he knew he’d need experienced legal representation. Apparently, the man was vaping in a bar, which is not permitted according to Indiana’s smoking laws and when two bar employees approached him, things turned physical. The situation eventually spilled outside and in plain view of nearby police officers, who determined he was too inebriated. Not wanting to see these offenses negatively affect his life, he retained the services of Indianapolis criminal attorney Sean Hessler.
Indianapolis defense attorney Sean Hessler began investigating the confrontation that led to his client’s legal trouble and attempted to contact the two bar employees involved. These individuals did not want to co-operate and as a result, their statements to police could not be used. Without this evidence, the disorderly conduct offense was dismissed, leaving the single public intoxication charge. In the end, attorney Hessler effectively reached an agreement where his client agreed to admit to public intoxication with no term of probation and the sole requirement to complete 32 hours of community service.

The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.

18 August 2017 | Case Results,  Drug Charges,  OWI,  

OWVI and Drug Charges Dismissed After a Traffic Stop

During a routine traffic stop for speeding, officers claimed to smell marijuana and that the 25-year-old male driver appeared to be under the influence. This led to the discovery of a small amount of marijuana and he was subjected to breathe and blood tests. Although, the results of these tests showed a .00 BAC, the man was charged with OWVI and possession of marijuana. Distressed about the possible penalties, which include large fines, a license suspension, and incarceration, not to mention lingering convictions on his record, the man decided to contact Hessler Law, PC to speak with a knowledgeable Indianapolis criminal defense attorney.

Indianapolis defense attorney Hessler began reviewing all the evidence and began pursuing a favorable outcome for his client. His investigation revealed that that tests performed were not specific for marijuana and after attorney Hessler conveyed this oversight to the prosecution, it was clear that the state could not support the OVWI at trial. This left the sole charge of possession of marijuana and during further and intensive negotiations, attorney Hessler achieved a complete dismissal and his client was free to go, relieved of all legal concerns.

The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.

15 August 2017 | Case Results,  Criminal Defense,  Drug Charges,  Theft,  

Two Cases Addressed with Single Term of Probation

In Indiana, facing any type of criminal charge is a scary ordeal, but it is important to find a highly-skilled criminal defense attorney with the necessary commitment and attention to detail to find the best possible outcome. When a 36-year-old man was witnessed on video at a pawn shop attempting to sell some stolen merchandise, he became open to some very significant criminal consequences. While this case was unfolding, the man was also involved in another situation where Indianapolis attorney Sean Hessler facilitated a term of probation, so he could address his underlying substance abuse issues.

When the stolen property situation came to light, attorney Hessler moved quickly to negotiate with the prosecutor to further assist his client. Attorney Hessler used his client’s effort to correct his behavior and all the parties involved agreed to a concurrent term of probation of one year to cover all the charges. Because of Hessler’s intervention, the impact to his life was minimal and he could easily put these mistakes behind him.

The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.

11 August 2017 | Case Results,  Theft,  

Theft Charges Dismissed for Lack of Evidence

A 28-year-old web designer was recently charged with misdemeanor theft from a big-box store when loss prevention officers claimed to witness him stealing via CCTV. The man was now contending with a difficult to explain theft conviction appearing on his permanent criminal record and the possibility of spending up to a year in jail. Therefore, he reached out to Hessler Law, PCand an Indianapolis criminal defense attorney with ample experience handling theft cases.

Indianapolis lawyer Sean Hessler immediately set to work and began deposing the relevant witnesses and attempted to collect the video evidence of the incident. When it was clear that the store could not produce this key piece of evidence, attorney Hessler negotiated vehemently with the prosecution and obtained a total dismissal of the theft charges against his client.

The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.

08 August 2017 | Assault & Domestic Violence,  Case Results,  

Felony Strangulation & Domestic Violence Case Dismissed

Domestic violence situations in Indiana are usually very hectic and can turn your life upside-down. When a 37-year-old man was charged with some grievous felony crimes, including strangulation and criminal confinement as well as misdemeanor battery-related charges after a fight with his wife, he decided to contact experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer Sean Hessler to hopefully avoid the serious ramifications if convicted, such as felony offenses on his criminal record and time behind bars.

It became apparent that the man’s wife did not want to pursue the charges; however, the prosecutor wanted to proceed. Undaunted, attorney Hessler set the case for trial, where he planned to present the strongest possible defense for his client. Ultimately, prior to the start of the trial, Sean Hessler highlighted the weaknesses and inconsistencies in the state’s case and the prosecutor agreed to dismiss all the charges. Due to his aggressive approach, attorney Hessler helped his client avoid a difficult trial and he was free to resume his life.

The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.