Types of Crimes in Indianapolis

Indianapolis, like any major city, has its fair share of crime. As a resident, it’s important to understand the most common criminal offenses that occur in our city so you can stay informed and safe. In this article, we’ll break down the main categories of crimes that happen in Indianapolis, look at some statistics, and discuss what defenses may apply if you find yourself accused.

Violent Crimes

Violent crimes involve force or the threat of force against a person. These types of offenses often spur fear in our community and rightfully so – they can cause serious physical and emotional harm. Some of the most prevalent violent crimes we see in Indianapolis include:

Murder

Murder, the most severe violent crime, is thankfully rare in Indianapolis. In 2021, there were 251 murders in our city, giving us a murder rate of 0.28 per 1,000 residents[1]. While still too high, this rate has decreased since 2020 when we hit an all-time record of 245 murders[4].

If convicted of murder in Indiana, you face 45-65 years in prison or even the death penalty. Defenses like self-defense, provocation, or diminished mental capacity may apply to beat a murder charge.

Rape

Forced sexual acts without consent are considered rape. In 2021, Indianapolis saw 673 rapes reported – a rate of 0.75 per 1,000 people[1]. This crime causes deep trauma and pain for victims.

Potential rape defenses include mistaken identity, false accusations, lack of penetration, or consent. But it’s an uphill battle overcoming a rape charge.

Robbery

Robbery involves taking property by force or threat of force. There were 1,924 robberies in our city last year, a rate of 2.15 per 1,000 residents[1]. Robberies often involve weapons and can turn fatal.

If accused of robbery, you may argue you didn’t actually steal anything, were misidentified, or were acting in self-defense.

Aggravated Assault

Assault involves causing injury to another person, while aggravated assault means causing serious bodily harm, often with a deadly weapon. Indianapolis saw 4,508 aggravated assaults in 2021 – 5.04 per 1,000 people[1].

Self-defense, lack of intent, misidentification, and mental illness may help defend against an aggravated assault charge.

Property Crimes

Property crimes involve stealing or damaging someone’s property without using force against them. These offenses are extremely common in Indianapolis. Some of the most prevalent include:

Theft

Theft means taking someone else’s property without permission, including robbery, burglary, and shoplifting. With 4,957 thefts in 2021, our theft rate is 5.54 per 1,000 residents[1].

Defenses to theft charges include mistaken identity, lack of intent, rightful ownership of the property, or false accusations.

Motor Vehicle Theft

Auto theft is a huge problem in Indianapolis. We had 6,457 motor vehicles stolen last year – an alarming rate of 7.22 per 1,000 people[1]. We’re one of the worst cities for car theft in the whole country[2].

If your car was stolen, potential defenses include lack of evidence, unauthorized use by a friend or family member, or mistaken identity.

Burglary

Burglary means illegally entering a building to commit theft or another crime. There were 5,234 burglaries in Indianapolis in 2021, a rate of 5.86 per 1,000[1].

Possible defenses against a burglary charge include lack of intent, forced entry, misidentification, or right to enter the property.

Arson

Arson involves intentionally setting fire to a building or property. Thankfully rare, Indianapolis saw only 287 arsons last year – 0.32 per 1,000 residents[1].

If accused of arson, you may argue the fire was an accident, there’s lack of evidence, or misidentification.

Drug Crimes

Illegal drug offenses are commonplace in Indianapolis. The most prevalent drug charges we see include:

Possession of Marijuana

Despite loosening marijuana laws, possession is still illegal in Indiana. Indianapolis saw 3,709 marijuana possession cases in 2021 – 4.15 per 1,000 people[1].

Defenses to marijuana possession include lack of knowledge, the substance wasn’t marijuana, or an illegal search leading to discovery of the drugs.

Possession of Meth

Meth devastates lives and carries strict penalties. Last year Indianapolis had 3,157 meth possession cases, a rate of 3.53 per 1,000 residents[1].

You can fight meth possession charges by arguing lack of knowledge, the substance wasn’t meth, or an illegal search.

Possession of Cocaine

Cocaine possession accounted for 1,301 cases in 2021 with a rate of 1.45 per 1,000[1].

Similar defenses for meth and marijuana may help beat a cocaine possession charge.

Drug Trafficking

Selling or distributing illegal drugs is known as drug trafficking. Indianapolis saw 673 trafficking cases last year – 0.75 per 1,000 people[1].

You may argue you weren’t actually selling drugs, were entrapped by police, or the drugs weren’t yours.

White Collar Crimes

White collar crimes use deception for financial or professional gain. These sophisticated, nonviolent offenses are rarely reported but still occur. Some examples include:

• Fraud – Deceiving others for financial gain
• Embezzlement – Stealing from your employer
• Tax Evasion – Illegally avoiding paying taxes
• Identity Theft – Using someone’s identity to steal funds
• Money Laundering – Concealing illegal funds

Defenses for white collar crimes often focus on lack of intent to deceive. A skilled white collar defense lawyer can analyze complex financial records to build your case.

Traffic Violations

While not criminal offenses, traffic violations are extremely common minor infractions in Indianapolis. Some we see frequently include:

• Speeding – Exceeding the posted speed limit
• Reckless Driving – Driving dangerously without care for safety
• DUI – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Hit and Run – Leaving the scene of an accident
• Driving without a License – Operating a vehicle without a valid license

Fighting traffic tickets often involves contesting the validity of the officer’s radar gun, arguing improper administration of a DUI test, or showing proof of a valid license.

Juvenile Crimes

Sadly, even young people in Indianapolis get wrapped up in the criminal justice system. Common juvenile offenses include:

• Underage Drinking – Consuming alcohol before age 21
• Shoplifting – Stealing merchandise from a store
• Vandalism – Damaging or defacing property
• Truancy – Habitual unexcused school absences
• Curfew Violations – Being out past curfew

Juvenile charges focus more on rehabilitation than punishment. But they still carry consequences like probation, community service, counseling, or jail time in severe cases.

Federal Crimes

Federal crimes violate U.S. law. Local law enforcement can’t prosecute these cases – only federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, ATF, or Secret Service. Examples include:

• Drug Trafficking – Distributing illegal drugs across state lines
• Child Pornography – Producing or distributing child porn
• Counterfeiting – Making fake currency or documents
• Major Fraud – Defrauding the government, banks, or in bankruptcy court
• Cybercrime – Hacking, online scams, identity theft

Federal charges lead to severe penalties like massive fines and years in federal prison. The complexity of these cases make finding an experienced federal defense attorney critical.

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

If you face criminal allegations in Indianapolis, I urge you to exercise your rights and contact a defense lawyer immediately. An attorney will advise you not to discuss your case with anyone, analyze the charges against you, and build the strongest defense to have your case dismissed or charges reduced.

Having a tough fighter on your side can make all the difference between prison time and preserving your freedom. Don’t leave your fate up to chance – call an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer today.