Prison Time Limited for Level 6 Felony Convictions in Indiana

Persons convicted of a Level 6 felony will not receive prison time for short-term executed sentences under Indiana’s new crime bill. A Level 6 felony carries a sentencing range of six months to 2 ½ years. However, after June 30, 2014, and before July 1, 2015, a court may not sentence a person to the department of corrections if the person’s earliest possible release date is less than 91 days from the date of sentencing. After June 30, 2015, a court may not sentence a person to prison on a Level 6 felony if the person’s earliest possible release date is less than 366 days from sentencing. The restrictions on jail time do not apply to sentences for probation violations or community corrections violations for committing a new crime.

Legal Strategy to Avoid Prison Time

Level 6 felony charges include operating while intoxicated (if the person has a prior conviction for OWI within the previous five years), theft over $750, fraud, possession of less than 5 grams of cocaine or other narcotic drug, and maintaining a common nuisance. If you are charged with a Level 6 felony, it is important to obtain an experienced criminal attorney who understands the new sentencing criteria that prohibits jail time. Even if you are facing executed time, you may be able to avoid any jail time under the new law.

Aggressive Defense of Level 6 Felony Charges

If you are charged with a Level 6 felony, you may be eligible to have any conviction entered as a misdemeanor or receive a fully suspended sentence. Getting the best result requires strategy and experience. If you are charged with a Level 6 felony, call Gibson Law Office for a free phone consultation. We have a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys with a statewide practice.