As an Indianapolis-area denizen, what comes to mind foremost when you think about the state’s capital and largest city?
There are certainly a number of contenders that might reasonably come to the fore in any list of factors that most centrally define the metropolis.
Its noted cultural institutions (including symphonies and museums), for example. Its strong pro-sports nexus. The Indianapolis 500. The city’s many parks, its lively music scene, its cosmopolitan nature, its generally moderate climate and many other things.
How about a spiking crime rate?
For many area residents, such an inclusion might seem to be a sheer aberration and an entirely unexpected depictor of life in Indianapolis. The city is widely known for many things, but a high crime rate certainly does not come readily to mind for many local inhabitants.
And yet there it is. According to the FBI-authored Uniform Crime Report, Indianapolis is the 10th most dangerous city (in terms of violent crime) in the United States.
But wait. That comes with a caveat, namely this: The data are from 2014, and, as noted in a media report discussing the subject matter, the FBI concedes that the statistics compiled that year “are not comparable to previous years.”
No urban area seeks prominent inclusion on any such list, of course, and city officials will likely do all they can to mute discussion regarding Indianapolis’ placement.
For purposes of a criminal defense blog, it is certainly germane to note that every large urban area has its fair share of crime and alleged criminal activity.
And, in stating that, it equally bears noting that every individual who becomes embroiled with law enforcers in a criminal investigation has a lawful presumption of innocence absent proof being established of guilty conduct.
Safeguards that defend fair play and an impartial criminal justice system against the formidable power of government law enforcers (police, prosecutors and other actors) are vitally important protectors of liberty.
A proven defense attorney can provide further information and, when necessary, diligent legal representation in a criminal law matter.