An arrest can create problems long before a case reaches trial. Criminal charges often affect employment, professional licenses, driving privileges, housing applications, and family relationships. The outcome of a case matters, but so does how the case is handled from the beginning.
Hayes Law Office represents clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout Shelby County, including Shelbyville, Edinburgh, Fairland, Morristown, and surrounding communities. Attorney Philip Hayes personally handles every case and works directly with clients from the initial consultation through resolution.
No two criminal cases are exactly alike. Police reports do not always tell the full story, witnesses may provide conflicting accounts, and evidence can raise questions that deserve closer examination. Building an effective defense starts with reviewing the facts, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and creating a strategy tailored to the circumstances at hand.
Criminal Charges We Handle in Shelby County
OWI and DUI Defense
An OWI arrest in Shelby County can lead to license suspension, fines, probation, increased insurance costs, and possible jail time. Even first-time offenses can create challenges that follow someone for years. Hayes Law Office reviews every aspect of the investigation, including the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, breath test procedures, blood test results, and officer observations. In some cases, mistakes during the investigation or testing process can create opportunities to challenge the evidence being used by prosecutors.
Drug Charges
Drug offenses remain one of the most common reasons people find themselves in court. Charges may involve possession, dealing, manufacturing, or allegations involving prescription medications. Many of these cases center around search and seizure issues. Traffic stops, vehicle searches, search warrants, and police investigations must comply with legal requirements. When officers fail to follow proper procedures, it can affect what evidence is allowed in court.
Domestic Battery and Domestic Violence Cases
Domestic violence allegations often move quickly through the court system and may involve no-contact orders, protective orders, and restrictions that affect daily life almost immediately. These cases are rarely as simple as they appear on paper. Emotions run high, witness statements may change over time, and the circumstances leading to an arrest are not always reflected in a police report. Hayes Law Office carefully reviews available evidence to determine what actually occurred and how the allegations can be challenged.
Theft Crimes
Theft-related offenses range from misdemeanor shoplifting allegations to felony burglary and theft charges. While these cases may not carry the same penalties as violent crimes, a conviction can still create lasting obstacles when applying for jobs, housing, or educational opportunities. Questions involving intent, ownership, identification, and property value frequently become important issues in these cases. A detailed review of the evidence often reveals facts that are not immediately apparent from the charging documents.
Violent Crimes
Battery, aggravated battery, robbery, strangulation, and other violent felony charges carry some of the most serious penalties under Indiana law. Prosecutors often pursue these cases aggressively, making early preparation critical. Physical evidence, witness credibility, self-defense claims, and forensic evidence can all play an important role. Hayes Law Office examines every available piece of evidence and works to identify inconsistencies in the prosecution's version of events.
Probation Violations
Being accused of violating probation does not automatically mean a return to jail. Courts often consider the reason for the alleged violation, prior compliance, and the steps taken to address the issue. Whether the allegation involves a failed drug screen, missed appointment, unpaid fees, or a new arrest, Hayes Law Office helps clients present their side of the story and pursue the best available outcome.
Expungements and Record Sealing
A criminal record can continue creating problems long after a case has been resolved. Indiana law allows certain arrests and convictions to be sealed through the expungement process when eligibility requirements are met. For many people, clearing a qualifying record opens doors that were previously closed. Hayes Law Office assists clients with determining eligibility and navigating the process from start to finish.
What Happens After an Arrest in Shelby County?
Many people facing criminal charges have never been through the court system before. After an arrest, the case may involve bond decisions, initial hearings, evidence review, negotiations with prosecutors, and possibly trial proceedings.
The decisions made during the early stages of a case often have a significant impact on the final outcome. Witnesses become harder to locate as time passes, surveillance footage may be lost, and opportunities to challenge evidence can be missed. Having legal representation early allows a defense strategy to be developed before the prosecution gains momentum.
Why Clients Choose Hayes Law Office
Many law firms assign cases to associates or pass clients between multiple staff members. At Hayes Law Office, clients work directly with attorney Philip Hayes throughout their case.
Our firm is built on honest communication, practical guidance, and thorough preparation. Clients receive straightforward answers about the strengths and weaknesses of their case, the options available, and what to expect as the process moves forward. Criminal charges create uncertainty. Our goal is to provide clear direction and a strong defense while helping clients make informed decisions about their future.
Serving Clients Throughout Shelby County
Hayes Law Office represents clients across Shelby County, including:
- Shelbyville
- Edinburgh
- Fairland
- Morristown
- Waldron
- St. Paul
- Manilla
Whether your case involves a misdemeanor, felony, probation violation, OWI, or expungement matter, our firm is prepared to help.
Speak With Hayes Law Office About Your Shelby County Case
When you're facing criminal charges, choosing the right defense lawyer can make a significant difference in how your case unfolds. Hayes Law Office provides criminal defense representation throughout Shelby County and across Central Indiana.
Attorney Philip Hayes personally handles every case and works directly with clients from beginning to end. If you have been arrested in Shelbyville, Edinburgh, or elsewhere in Shelby County, contact Hayes Law Office to discuss your situation and learn what options may be available.
Our clients in Shelby County rely on Hayes Law Office for experienced legal support. Here’s what they have to say:
- "He gave me the best rate out of everyone and actually explained to me the things that were being done and why. I needed my case sped up because I was moving out of state and he did just that. My case was resolved in a timely manner and I am more than happy with the outcome. Thank you for taking my case when I wanted to look outside of Shelby County for great representation."
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“Attorney Hayes represented my son in a DUI. We were extremely impressed by his professional manner and patience in explaining every step he was taking to give us a positive result. It was apparent that he had the respect of the judge and other attorneys in court proceedings. I can guarantee that our positive experience was not a 'one off' and all of his clients come out winners. Thank you Attorney Hayes and God bless you and your family.”
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“This man has been nothing but honest and straightforward during my husband’s ordeal with an out-of-county court. He was able to get him the BEST outcome! I pray that we never need him again; however, it’s comforting to know exactly who to call and will refer anyone in need of an attorney to Mr. Hayes!”
