Northwest Indiana Felony and Misdemeanor Attorneys

A criminal charge changes the shape of your day almost instantly. One moment you’re going about your routine; the next, you’re trying to figure out what a “Level 6 felony” or a “Class A misdemeanor” actually means for your life, your job, and your family. These classifications aren’t just legal jargon. They determine how much time you could spend behind bars, how much you might pay in fines, and how long the consequences will follow you.

At Arshad, Pangere & Warring, LLP, we believe legal strategy should be sharp, but communication with clients should be simple.

Our goal in every case is straightforward: reduce charges where possible, seek dismissal when the evidence supports it, and build the strongest possible defense if a case goes to trial.

How Indiana Classifies Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are the less severe of Indiana’s two crime categories, but a conviction still creates a permanent record and real consequences. Indiana law splits misdemeanors into three classes:

• Class A Misdemeanor: The most serious misdemeanor category, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $5,000. Common examples include battery and possession of marijuana.
• Class B Misdemeanor: Holds a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail, along with associated fines.
• Class C Misdemeanor: The least severe category, with a maximum sentence of 60 days in jail and comparatively lower fines.

Even a Class C misdemeanor conviction can affect your ability to secure housing, pass a background check for employment, or maintain certain professional licenses. For that reason, we encourage anyone facing misdemeanor charges to speak with an attorney before their court date, not after.

Felony Classifications in Indiana

Felonies represent Indiana’s most serious criminal charges, and the state organizes them into six levels based on severity. Here’s how the classification breaks down:

• Level 1 Felony: Twenty to forty years in prison. Reserved for the most serious offenses outside of capital crimes like murder.
• Level 2 Felony: Ten to thirty years in prison.
• Level 3 Felony: Three to sixteen years in prison.
• Level 4 Felony: Two to twelve years in prison.
• Level 5 Felony: One to six years in prison.
• Level 6 Felony: Six months to two and a half years in prison.

Every felony level in Indiana carries a fine of at least $10,000, in addition to prison time. Common felony charges include drug trafficking, robbery, arson, sexual assault, auto theft, and fraud. Defendants with prior felony convictions may also face habitual offender enhancements, which can extend a sentence well beyond the standard range for their current charge.

Given the length of these sentences and the size of the fines involved, an early, well-prepared defense often makes the biggest difference in how a felony case resolves, whether through negotiated charges, a favorable plea agreement, or a trial verdict.

Who We Represent in Criminal Proceedings

At Arshad, Pangere & Warring, LLP, we represent people from every walk of life who suddenly find themselves facing criminal charges. No two cases look the same, but the people we help often share similar fears and questions. Here are the kinds of clients we stand beside:

• First-Time Defendants: You never imagined being accused of a crime, and the speed at which a single charge threatens your reputation, relationships, and future feels impossible to process alone.
• People Fearing Jail Time: The real prospect of incarceration weighs on you, especially the thought of being separated from your family, losing your income, and jeopardizing the life you have worked to build.
• Clients Who Feel Their Case Has Been Misconstructed: You believe key facts have been left out, exaggerated, or twisted, and the accusation simply does not match what you know actually happened.
• People Protecting Their Future: You are already looking past the courtroom, worried a conviction could follow you into your job, education, housing, and opportunities for years to come.

Whatever brought you here, you deserve an attorney who listens closely, explains your options in plain language, and fights to protect what matters most to you. 

Why Trust Arshad, Pangere & Warring, LLP With Your Defense

Facing a felony or misdemeanor charge means facing a system that moves quickly and rarely waits for you to catch up. Here’s what sets our approach apart:

• Direct, honest communication. We explain your charges, your options, and your likely outcomes in plain language, not legal shorthand.
• Case-specific strategy. We build a defense around the facts of your case rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Full-spectrum experience. From traffic tickets to Level 1 felonies, our team has represented clients across the entire range of Indiana criminal charges.
• Responsive service. Our past clients have praised our team for its communication, responsiveness, and overall quality of service.
• Flexible payment options. We accept credit cards and also offer payment plans because a strong defense shouldn’t be out of reach.

Protect Your Future Starting Today

A felony or misdemeanor charge doesn’t have to define the rest of your story, but the choices you make in the days after your arrest matter. Whether you’re weighing a plea agreement, preparing for trial, or trying to understand what a specific felony level means for your sentence, having an attorney who knows Indiana’s criminal code inside and out makes a real difference.

Contact Arshad, Pangere & Warring, LLP today to schedule a consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and start building a defense strategy suited to your situation.

FAQs About Felonies and Misdemeanors in Indiana