What To Expect While On Probation

Probation Violation Lawyer 317-636-7514

Probation Violation Lawyer 317-636-7514

Several offenders are put on probation each year, usually as an alternative to jail time. If you are one of these individuals, you should be relieved. Probation is a more lenient consequence to criminal charges compared to doing time in jail. After all, no one in their right mind wants to spend time behind bars, so it comes as no surprise that most offenders accept and appreciate probation in lieu of incarceration.

Although probation can be easy with cooperation, it can still be a scary time for anyone, especially first-time offenders. For this reason, it is helpful, and often comforting, to know what probation will mean for you. Continue reading to learn what you can expect while on probation in Indiana.

Terms of Probation

The first element you should know about probation is the importance of obeying all the rules. There is a long list of rules and restrictions while on probation, all of which must be adhered to 100% or severe legal and financial consequences will follow. Depending on the county of your conviction and probation, the rules will vary. However, all jurisdictions enforce the general requirements of probation.

General Conditions of Probation Include:

☛ Offenders must obey all laws and refrain from all further criminal activity.

☛ Offenders must satisfy all court-ordered penalties, such as community service, fines, fees, alcohol and drug education courses, counseling, substance abuse rehabilitation, and more.

☛ Offenders must be present and on-time for all probation meetings with their assigned probation officer.

☛ Offenders must refrain from all alcohol and drug use.

☛ Offenders must refrain from being in the company of other convicted felons and criminals.

☛ Offenders must take and pass all drug screenings on the date they are scheduled.

☛ Offenders must remain in the state.

☛ Offenders must maintain full-time employment.

☛ Offenders must immediately inform probation officer of address and job changes.

Probation Violations

If you break any of the rules of your probationary terms, your probation officer will find you to be in violation of your probation. Whether you are 5 minutes late for a probation meeting, or caught in a routine traffic stop with a convicted felon in your company, you will face penalties for the violation regardless of how minor the infraction. It is important to have an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer on your side to help you navigate all your probation violation legal problems. They are your best chance at avoiding the maximum penalties for probation violations, such as hefty fines, extended probation, and even jail time.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for aggressive criminal defense against probation violations in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm has the experience, resources, and determination to build you an impactful defense to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your criminal charges and strategies for defense.

Indiana Has a Zero Tolerance Law for Underage Drinking

Underage Drinking Lawyer 317-636-7514

Underage Drinking Lawyer 317-636-7514

Teenagers face peer pressure every day. Whether on television, in the movies, at school, or among friends, teens are constantly influenced by what they see and hear around them. As a minor, one of the most common influences at this age is alcohol. It can be easy for them to give in to the adolescent theory that underage drinking is acceptable and there are no real consequences to worry about. But in Indiana, this is far from the truth.

There are real consequences to underage drinking in various aspects of life, including the law. Indiana retains a Zero Tolerance Law against underage drinking, so parents and guardians should do their best to educate their pre-teens on these laws to protect them from making dangerous choices with their peers.

Continue reading to learn more about the Indiana Zero Tolerance Law, and who to call if your teenager is facing criminal charges for underage drinking in Indianapolis.

Underage Drinking in Indiana

Teenagers under the age of 17 who are caught committing an alcohol-related offense will be tried in the juvenile court system. Consequences for possessing, consuming, purchasing, or transporting alcohol under the age of 18 generally include fines, restitution, probation, community service, substance abuse treatment, drug screening, victim impact panels, alcohol and drug education courses, counseling, and more.

Teenagers are not the only ones subject to criminal consequences for underage drinking. In Indiana, an individual must be 21 years of age to lawfully purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. For those who are 18, 19, and 20 years old, this can feel quite trivial since there doesn’t seem to be much separating them from lawful drinkers except a year or two of age. But the reality is, the law is the law, and underage drinking is set at a certain limit to protect people. Even if you are a few months away from being 21 years old, it is still against the law to consume, possess, transport, and purchase alcohol. And if you are caught, the legal consequences are worse than if you were 15 years old.

Defendants over the age of 18 can be charged with a Class C Misdemeanor, which is punishable by a $500 fine, 1 year license suspension, and up to 60 days in jail. Additional consequences may apply too, depending on priors, enhancements, and jurisdiction. That is why it is vital to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to represent your case. They have the experience, knowledge, and resources to help you avoid the maximum penalties for your criminal charges.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Law Firm

David E. Lewis Criminal Defense Attorney

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for aggressive and experienced criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss the best strategies for defense against your criminal charges. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule your consultation with a trusted Indianapolis criminal lawyer, today.

Cocaine Charges and Criminal Defense in Indiana

Indianapolis Cocaine Lawyer 317-636-7514

Indianapolis Cocaine Lawyer 317-636-7514

If you were recently caught with cocaine, you are facing serious drug charges. That is because cocaine is a Schedule II controlled substance in Indiana. The consequences of cocaine possession and trafficking are harsh, and can render life-long ramifications without proper criminal defense. If you are facing cocaine charges in Indiana, it is vital to your future and your freedom to retain the services of an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer. In the meantime, continue reading to learn more about Indiana cocaine charges, penalties, and criminal defense.

Indiana Cocaine Charges

Whether powder form or crystal form (crack cocaine), cocaine charges come with the same standard penalties in Indiana. A cocaine conviction can come with jail time, probation, community service, mandatory rehabilitation, large fines, a permanent criminal record, and much more. It can also cause people to lose professional licenses, jobs, child custody, and firearm rights.

Common cocaine offenses include possession, dealing, trafficking, and manufacturing. The penalties for each crime depends on the amount of cocaine and the intent of its possession. Below is a list of Indiana’s standard punishments for cocaine charges. These penalties can be increased if certain enhancements are present. Common enhancements include:

➤ Drug Manufacturing
➤ Priors for Dealing
➤ Possession of Firearm
➤ In Drug-Free Zones
➤ Presence of Children
➤ On School Grounds or Within 500 Feet
➤ Dealing to a Minor
➤ Dealing to Someone 3 Years One’s Junior
➤ On or Within 500 Feet of a Park or School Bus

Cocaine Penalties in Indiana:

Cocaine Possession Under 1 Gram – Class A Misdemeanor
0 Months to 1 Year in an Indiana County Jail Facility.
Probation up to 1 Year.
Fine up to $5,000 (Not including court costs and probation fees.)

Cocaine Possession Under 5 Grams – Level 6 Felony

Minimum of 6 Months – Average 1 Year – Max 2 ½ Years in Prison.
Probation up to 2 ½ Years.
Fine up to $10,000 (Not including court costs and probation fees.)

Cocaine Possession 5 to 10 Grams – Level 5 Felony
Minimum of 1 Year – Average 3 Years – Max 6 Years in Prison.
Probation up to 8 Years.
Fine up to $10,000 (Not including court costs and probation fees.)

Cocaine Possession 10 to 18 Grams – Level 4 Felony
Minimum of 2 Years – Average 6 Years – Max 12 Years in Prison.
Fine up to $10,000 (Not including court costs and probation fees.)

Dealing Cocaine Under 1 Gram – Level 5 Felony
Minimum of 1 Year – Average 3 Years – Max 10 Years in Prison.
Probation up to 8 Years.
Fine up to $10,000 (Not including court costs and probation fees.)

Dealing Cocaine 1 to 5 Grams – Level 4 Felony
Minimum of 2 Years – Average 6 Years – Max 12 Years in Prison.

Dealing Cocaine 5 to 10 Grams – Level 3 Felony
Minimum of 3 Years – Average 9 Years – Max 16 Years in Prison.

Dealing Cocaine Over 10 Grams – Level 2 Felony
Minimum of 10 Years – Average 17 ½ Years – Max 30 Years in Prison.

Indianapolis Drug Defense Lawyer

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for aggressive criminal defense for cocaine charges in Indianapolis, Indiana. We work around the clock to ensure your rights are protected and your freedoms are preserved. With our help, you can avoid the maximum penalties for your Indiana cocaine charges. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer you can trust.

Choose The Law Office of David E. Lewis for Aggressive Criminal Defense Representation

No Other Criminal Attorney Will Work Around the Clock to Build You a Strong and Impactful Defense Against Your Indiana Criminal Charges.

Seasoned Criminal Defense in Indianapolis

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

The Law Office of David E. Lewis is your solution to avoiding the maximum penalties for your Indiana criminal charges. He is a seasoned criminal defense lawyer who retains extensive trial and litigation experience. But there is much more that separates himself from his industry competitors. For instance, his expert knowledge of criminal law, his sincere passion for helping those in need, and his commitment to maintaining affordable rates for everyone are just a few qualities that make the Law Office of David E. Lewis a top-choice for criminal
defense in Indianapolis.

The Crime Doesn’t Matter

Regardless of which criminal charges you face, there is never any judgement when you walk through our law firm’s doors. We strongly believe everyone is innocent until proven guilty. And you will be treated like part of the family as our client. But more importantly, you can trust Attorney David E. Lewis and our legal team to work non-stop in order to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. Your best interests are a top-priority, and work hard to ensure they are defended.

Schedule a Free Consultation

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law 317-636-7514

Here at the Law Office of David E. Lewis, we gladly offer free initial consultations to discuss your criminal charges, the case against you, and the best strategies for defense. That means there is no out-of-pocket obligation to sit down with an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer and talk about your case. Just call 317-636-7514 and speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable legal secretaries who can walk you through the consultation process effortlessly.