Hendricks County Criminal Court hears all criminal cases in Hendricks County. Below you will find specific information about criminal cases and how they are handled in Hendricks County.
Jury Deliberations in Hendricks County
In Hendricks County, jury deliberations will take place in a jury trial after the prosecution and defense have presented their cases and rested. At this point, the judge will provide a list of instructions to the jury about what they are allowed and not allowed to do and what verdict options are available for them to decide. The jury will be sent to a private room to discuss the evidence presented in the case and attempt to reach a unaminous decision. When a unaminous decision is reached, the jury will inform the judge that they have reached a verdict and will return to the courtroom for the verdict to be read allowed. In the event that the jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict, the jury results in a deadlock and a mistrial is declared.
If guilty, who sentences the defendant?
If the defendant is found guilty after the trial, the defendent will be sentenced. In some cases, this can occur at the same hearing the defendant is found guilty in court, in other cases a separate hearing will be required. Often the prosecution will request a particular sentence for the defendant and the judge will determine whether to enforce this sentence or impose a different sentence for the defendant.
Hendricks County Criminal Court
What if I can’t afford an attorney?
The 6th Amendment guarantees you the right to an attorney whether or not you can afford one. If you cannot afford one, a public defender will be appointed by the court to represent you.
Appealing a Criminal Conviciton
A defendant may appeal a criminal conviction to an appellate court. In an appeal, the actual trial is not redone, but the appellate court hears arguments that the criminal case was not handled in a legal manner at the original criminal court. The appellate court can either uphold the conviction, or determine that errors were made and may request a retrial, a resentencing of the defendant or that the charges be dismissed.
Hendricks County Required Court Appearances
In Hendricks County, there are both required and non-required court appearances for the defendant. At a required or mandatory appearance hearing, the defendant is required to appear in person before the court. Failing to appear at your required hearing may result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest by the judge.
Hendricks County Criminal Court locations
Criminal proceedings take place in the Hendricks County Criminal Courts. A list of the criminal courts are located here.
What is the Burden of Proof?
The term “Burden of Proof” means that the prosecutor is required to prove the guilt of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecutor cannot provide proof of the defendants guilt, then the judge or jury in a trial must find the defendant not guilty. In the United States the principle innocent until proven guilty derives from this that the defendant is assumed innocent and the prosecution has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty.
Who is the prosecutor for Hendricks County?
Depending upon the case, the prosecutor for Hendricks County criminal cases will either be a representative of Hendricks County or a representative from Indiana. After reviewing evidence it is the prosecutor’s decision whether to file charges or drop a case. Most prosecutors have the ability to negotiate plea bargains, and determine how the case will be prosecuted.
What happens in Hendricks County at an arraignment?
In Hendricks County the defendant is brought into court and informed by the judge of the charges that have been filed against them along with informing them of their rights. At this time, the defendant can plead guilty, not guilty or no contest. If the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, there will be no trial and the defendant may be sentenced immediately or at a later date. If the defendant pleads not guilty a trial date is set.
I need help for my Hendricks County criminal case
The best place to get information about your criminal case is from an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one to represent you which will assist in your case. For general information about your case the Hendricks County court clerk is able to provide general information about your specific case (e.g. date/time hearings, mandatory appearance, what will take place and what you will be required to do). The court clerk for Hendricks County will NOT be able to provide legal advice for your case, only an attorney can provide legal advice. The court clerk can provide legal information (like the information found on this website) about your case but cannot provide advice about what you should do in your legal manner.
Right to Jury Trial
For “Serious Crimes”, those that can have a potential penalty of 6 months in jail OR a minimum $500 penalty, the US Constitution guarantees a right to trial by jury. This is guaranteed by Article III of the Constitution and the 6th Amendment. The accused has the ability to waive their right to trial by jury.
Plea Agreements
A Plea Agreement, sometimes known as a Plea Bargain is an agreement between the prosecution and the defendant, where the defendant pleads guilty or no contest often in exchange for a lesser charge or lighter recommended sentence. A large majority of criminal cases end in a plea agreement. In Hendricks County you can inform your attorney to negotiate with the prosecution to attempt to come to a plea agreement, but this is dependent upon the charge severity and also the prosecutors willingness to accept a plea deal.
Hendricks County Criminal Court Locations
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Hendricks County Circuit Court
Address: 51 W Main St, #104, Danville IN 46122
Phone: 317-745-9231 Fax: 317-745-9306 -
Hendricks County Superior Court No. 1
Address: 51 W Main St, #104, Danville IN 46122
Phone: 317-745-9231 Fax: 317-745-9306 -
Hendricks County Superior Court No. 2
Address: 51 W Main St, #104, Danville IN 46122
Phone: 317-745-9231 Fax: 317-745-9306 -
Hendricks County Superior Court No. 3
Address: 51 W Main St, #104, Danville IN 46122
Phone: 317-745-9231 Fax: 317-745-9306 -
Hendricks County Superior Court No. 4
Address: 51 W Main St, #104, Danville IN 46122
Phone: 317-745-9231 Fax: 317-745-9306 -
Hendricks County Superior Court No. 5
Address: 51 W Main St, #104, Danville IN 46122
Phone: 317-745-9231 Fax: 317-745-9306 -
Avon Town Court
Address: 6550 E US Hwy 36, Avon IN 46123
Phone: 317-272-5478 Fax: 317-272-4487 -
Brownsburg Town Court
Address: 31 N Green St, Brownsburg IN 46112
Phone: 317-852-1192 Fax: 317-852-1116 -
Plainfield Town Court
Address: 1075 W Main St, Plainfield IN 46168
Phone: 317-838-3710 Fax: 317-838-3474