Criminal Defense

James D. Nafe, Jr., Attorney at Law handles a wide array of crimes throughout South Bend, Indiana and St. Joseph County, including drug crimes, violent crimes, assault, domestic violence, drunk driving, and juvenile delinquency charges.  Whether you are facing merely a fine and some probation time for a misdemeanor or several years in jail for a serious felony, having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case.  Even in misdemeanor cases, it is sometimes possible for us to uncover a police error that would result in your charges being completely dismissed or increasing the likelihood of a favorable plea bargain. 

Depending on the facts of your case, you might be considering accepting the prosecutor's plea offer without consulting an attorney.  While a plea deal might be your best option, it is still important to discuss your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can inform you of all of your options and provide advice about what is best for you.  In addition, an attorney such as Mr. Nafe, who is known in the South Bend community as an aggressive trial attorney, can sometimes obtain a better plea arrangement because the district attorney knows he will take the case to trial if the offer is unreasonable. 

Drunk Driving

If you are facing charges for drunk driving, also commonly referred to as driving under the influence (DUI) and operating while intoxicated (OWI), time is of the essence.  In Indiana, the arresting officer must submit a probable cause affidavit to the prosecuting attorney.  If it is found that there is probable cause that you were operating the vehicle while intoxicated, you face an immediate administrative suspension of your driver's license, and this typically happens within 30 days of your arrest.  In addition to this harsh administrative penalty, you face significant criminal punishments, even if it is your first offense.

Juvenile Law

Although juvenile law encompasses issues related to both criminal and family law, matters involving juvenile delinquency are unique and require knowledge of the distinctive legal issues that arise in these cases.  Under Indiana's Family Code, a juvenile under 18 years of age has committed a delinquent act if the same act would garner criminal charges if committed by an adult.  Although juvenile charges might seem minor, it is important to hire an experienced juvenile attorney who can help you and your children through the charges and minimize the impact it has on your family. 

Consult Experienced Legal Counsel

If you or a loved one has been arrested and is facing criminal charges, it is important to hire an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible so that we can examine the evidence the prosecution has against you and prepare for your defense.  To schedule a consultation with our office, contact us today.