Facing a criminal charge in Indiana

Bond and pretrial release in Indiana

Article I Section 17 of the Indiana Constitution provides that offenses other than murder or treason shall be bailable where the proof is evident or presumption strong. Indiana Code Sec. 35-33-8-3 enumerates release options including own recognizance, unsecured promise to appear, deposit of cash equal to bail, full cash bail, surety bond, real estate bond, and conditional release with supervision. Sec. 35-33-8-3.5 governs bond reduction and review. Indiana counties publish bond schedules for misdemeanors and lower-level felonies, with judicial review at initial hearing. Indiana Criminal Rule 26 (effective 2020) directs courts to use evidence-based risk assessment and prefer non-financial release conditions for low-risk defendants.

Bond amounts, conditions, and timelines vary by county and judge. Confirm with counsel or the court.

Criminal defense attorneys serving Indiana

Our directory is still building in Indiana. Public-defender intake is available now.

Record clearing in Indiana

Indiana expungement and sealing is governed by the Second Chance Act, codified at IC 35-38-9-1 through 35-38-9-11. The statute provides a petition-based pathway with distinct procedures for arrest records, misdemeanors, and felonies based on offense level and waiting period. The statute provides waiting periods of five years for misdemeanors, eight years for Class D and Level 6 felonies, and eight to ten years for higher-class felonies; sex offenses, offenses resulting in serious bodily injury, official misconduct, and certain homicide offenses are excluded. The petition is filed in the court of conviction.

Eligibility, waiting periods, and the petition vs. automatic pathway depend on the conviction class and the date of the offense. Confirm with counsel or the court record.

Public defender intake in Indiana

Indiana Public Defender Council serves STATEWIDE County. Public defenders are appointed by the court based on financial eligibility. We do not refer you to a specific public defender and we do not represent you.

Public defenders are appointed by the court based on financial eligibility. LawSensai does not refer you to a public defender and does not represent you. This packet is a courtesy summary you can share with your public defender or their intake staff. You remain responsible for applying to the court for appointed counsel.