Your life can be turned upside-down if criminal charges are filed against you. We understand that, and we can help you in your time of trouble. The attorneys at Effner Law Firm handle Murder, Felony, Misdemeanor, and Infraction cases within the State of Indiana, as well as Juvenile cases and Appeals.

If you need an attorney regarding a criminal matter, call us at (812) 238-4000, and please do so as early in the criminal process as possible. Although we may accept a case that is older, we prefer to handle cases from the beginning. No matter what charges have been filed, it is important that your rights be protected. We can help make sure that you understand your rights and are given the protections those rights were meant to convey.

At your first consultation with one of our attorneys, some preliminary facts will be obtained from you, and an attorney fee will be quoted. Typically, initial attorney fee quotes contemplate resolution of the case prior to trial. An attorney fee quote which contemplates trial will be given if trial is required or desired. If the Defendant is in jail and unable to speak with us, one of our attorneys will talk with a friend or family member of the Defendant regarding the type of criminal charges filed and the attorney fee.

If the Defendant is in jail, one of the first orders of business will likely be the setting or reducing of bond. Exceptions exist; however, it is usually in the Defendant's best interest to be "free" from incarceration. Once out of jail, the Defendant may be better able to help us defend him/her and can definitely do things to help himself/herself as well as his/her family.

Upon entry of our appearance in your case, we will file a Motion for Production of Evidence. Said motion is a request to the State of Indiana through the Prosecutor's Office to provide the Defense with information relevant to your case, including any law enforcement report and witness statement. The State of Indiana will thereafter provide the Defense with a Discovery Packet containing the requested information. You will receive a copy of said Discovery Packet.

After receipt and examination of the Discovery Packet, as well as any additional investigation which may occur, we will sit down with you, face to face, and discuss your case in detail. The potential strengths and weaknesses of the case will be discussed as well as your options. If you so desire, we will enter into plea negotiations with the State on your behalf and attempt to obtain the best possible plea agreement offer for your case. Please understand that any offer made by the State is just that - An Offer. You are not obligated in any way to accept any offer. If we are not able to obtain a reasonable and acceptable offer for you, or if you just want to go to trial, we will take the case to trial. You decide which course your case follows (i.e., trial or plea agreement). Of course, we will offer our advice to you so that you may make an informed decision.

Please keep in mind that each and every criminal case is different and very fact-sensitive. The information contained herein is necessarily general and limited in its terms and should not take the place of advice of an attorney after consultation regarding your particular case.