Criminal Law
For over twenty-five years, Hart Bell has aggressively represented criminal defendants in the state and federal courts of Indiana and Illinois. We are highly trained and well-respected criminal defense attorneys throughout Southern Indiana and Illinois. We are dedicated to giving our clients their best chance of achieving a positive result in criminal defense matters and have a proven track record.
An individual charged with a criminal offense needs the benefit of a skilled and qualified criminal defense attorney with substantial courtroom experience. Recognized by state and local agencies for his tenacious representation of clients, Jeff has served as lead counsel in several murder and attempted murder cases. Jeff is proud to call himself a trial attorney and prides himself in courtroom strategy and passionate representation. Jeff recognizes that the vast majority of his criminal defense clients are inherently good people who made a poor decision in the midst of an unfortunate situation, and he is proud to enthusiastically defend their constitutional rights.
Jeff understands that there is no such thing as a minor criminal charge. Being charged with any criminal offense is an extremely serious matter in light of the potential consequences and penalties. If you face charges of any kind, you risk your reputation, freedom and future. Being charged with a crime can be a life-altering experience, with the potential for lengthy incarceration, loss of child custody or parenting rights, license suspensions and heavy fines. A criminal conviction, even for a minor offense, can be a permanent shadow, leave a lasting impact and hold you back in life. Your life can be seriously disrupted, placing you and your family under enormous stress, embarrassment and hardship. Consequences can persist long after any penalty you may receive, hampering your ability to pursue jobs, a career, education and housing.
Criminal laws are constantly changing and evolving. Each year, there are increases in the number of offenses, sentence ranges and enhanced penalties for criminal convictions. At Hart Bell, Jeff has the support staff and legal resources to monitor and adapt to the changes in the law so that he can continue to provide a superior level of advocacy to his clients.
Areas of Focus
Offenses Against Property:
- Burglary
- Robbery & Armed Robbery
- Residential Entry
- Criminal Trespass
- Theft and Conversion
- Receiving Stolen Property
- Computer Crimes
- Arson
- Deception
Offenses Against Others:
- Murder, Attempted Murder & Manslaughter
- Battery & Domestic Battery (Felony & Misdemeanor)
- Intimidation and Harassment
- Sex Offenses
- Criminal Confinement
- Stalking and Violation of Protective Order
Controlled Substance Offenses:
- Possession
- Manufacturing
- Dealing
- Purchase of Ingredients or Precursors
Alcohol Offenses
- OWI (Operating While Intoxicated, Felony & Misdemeanor)
- Minor Consumption and Possession
- Furnishing Alcohol to Minors
- Public Intoxication
Driving Offenses
- Driving While Suspended (Infraction and Misdemeanor)
- Driving While Never Having Been Licensed
- Driving While Designated a Habitual Traffic Offender
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Drag Racing and Speed Contests
White Collar Crimes
- Forgery
- Bribery
- Counterfeiting and Altered Property
- Insurance Fraud
- Healthcare Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Welfare Fraud
Miscellaneous Offenses & Areas
- Gambling Offenses
- Obscenity
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution
- Solicitation
- Disorderly Conduct
- Possession or Sale of Firearm
- Possession of Explosive Devices
- Perjury
- Habitual Offender Enhancements
- Juvenile Delinquency Proceedings
- Juvenile Status Proceedings
- Contempt of Court
- Probation Violations
- Modification of Sentence
- Expungement
Practicing Attorneys
