When facing criminal charges in Indiana, one of the most common and pressing questions clients ask is: “How long will my case take?” The answer depends on a wide range of factors including the severity of the charges, court scheduling, legal strategy, and whether the case goes to trial. At JK Sanchez Law, we’re committed to helping clients navigate every stage of the legal process with clarity and confidence.
General Timeline of a Criminal Case in Indiana
While every case is different, most criminal cases in Indiana follow a general timeline. Here’s a breakdown of the typical phases:
- Arrest and Booking: After an arrest, the individual is booked and taken into custody. This can happen within hours depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances.
- Initial Hearing: Within 48 to 72 hours of arrest, an initial hearing is held. The judge reads the charges, sets bail, and schedules future court dates.
- Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: This phase can take several weeks to several months as both sides exchange evidence and file motions related to how the case will proceed.
- Plea Negotiations: Many cases are resolved through plea deals before going to trial. This can shorten the process significantly—sometimes resolving a case within a few months.
- Trial: If a plea deal isn’t reached, the case proceeds to trial. Scheduling a trial can add several months to the timeline due to court availability and preparation time.
- Sentencing: If a guilty plea or verdict is entered, sentencing usually follows within 30 to 60 days.
How Long Do Misdemeanor Cases Take?
Misdemeanor cases in Indiana are generally resolved more quickly than felony cases. Depending on the court’s schedule and whether the defendant pleads guilty or fights the charges, misdemeanor cases may conclude in 2 to 6 months. Cases involving plea agreements or dismissals tend to move faster, while those going to trial can take longer.
What About Felony Cases?
Felony charges carry more serious penalties and often involve more complex legal issues. As a result, felony cases can take 6 months to over a year to resolve, especially if pre-trial motions are contested or if the case proceeds to a jury trial.
Felony trials often require extensive preparation, expert witnesses, and multiple court appearances—all of which contribute to a longer timeline.
Factors That Can Affect the Timeline
Several variables can impact how long a criminal case takes in Indiana:
- Court backlog: Some counties experience significant delays due to a high volume of cases.
- Complexity of the charges: Cases involving multiple charges or co-defendants often take longer to resolve.
- Availability of witnesses and evidence: Delays in gathering crucial evidence or securing witness testimony can extend the timeline.
- Pre-trial motions and appeals: Defense and prosecution motions can add time depending on how the court rules.
- Defendant’s decisions: Whether the accused accepts a plea deal or chooses to go to trial has a major impact on duration.
Can You Speed Up the Process?
In some situations, yes. Working with an experienced criminal defense attorney can help identify opportunities to request earlier court dates, pursue favorable plea agreements, or file motions to dismiss or reduce charges. While courts operate on their own schedule, legal strategy can play a key role in avoiding unnecessary delays.
Why Choosing the Right Attorney Matters
The timeline of your case isn’t just about speed—it’s about getting the best possible outcome. At JK Sanchez Law, we understand that every case is unique and that time can be a critical factor. Whether you're facing a misdemeanor or felony, our legal team will take decisive action to build a strong defense and keep your case moving forward efficiently and strategically.
Contact Us Today
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Indiana and want to understand how long your case might take and what to expect, contact us today. We’ll walk you through your options, timelines, and strategies to help you face the future with confidence.
