Can I Represent Myself in a Criminal Case?

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

When you are facing criminal charges, you have the vital responsibility to do what you need to do in order to avoid the maximum penalties for your offenses. Not only is it important for you to cooperate with the legal system, appear for all your court hearings on time, pay all fees by their deadlines, and file the necessary paperwork as requested, you also have the responsibility of learning about the charges you face and the seriousness of the associated consequences.

For this reason, it is vital to your future and your freedom to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to defend you in court. It is never recommended to represent yourself under any circumstances, unless you are appealing a minor traffic infraction. Continue reading to learn some information about representing yourself in your criminal case, and why an attorney is the best method for avoiding the maximum penalties for your criminal charges.

First Offense?

Many people wrongly assume that first time offenders are always let off easy, so they can simply represent themselves in court and save a few hundred dollars. But this is a risky gamble to take, especially since it is not true. First time offenders are not always let off the hook that easy. There are infinite factors that play a role in the type of penalties a person is sentenced to in court; it all depends on the offense, the county, the personal discretion of the presiding judge, and much more. Anyone can be penalized to the fullest extent, and under any circumstances, unless they have aggressive and experienced criminal defense.

The Complexities of Law

To represent yourself in court, you would need a full understanding of the law. There is just too much to know and too much to learn for someone with no experience in the field. The law is very complex and convoluted. It takes an experienced attorney to protect a defendant in court because they have years of experience and knowledge of the law. Aside from understanding the law, you would also need to be an expert in legal defense and know which strategies to use, how to use them, and when to use them. It is an art form and talent that takes years of commitment on a learning curve. An experienced criminal lawyer retains all of these skills and more.

The Less Obvious Penalties

Aside from the standard penalties you face under law for your criminal charges, there are also subsequent consequences that many offenders do not prepare themselves for. For instance, some offenses can result in losing professional licenses, driving privileges, fines, restitution, and more. A qualified criminal defense attorney can help their clients navigate these residual obstacles after being charged with a crime.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to get the aggressive Indianapolis criminal defense you need to avoid the maximum penalties for your charges in Indiana. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your charges and the best strategies for defense. Don’t fall victim to the maximum penalties for your criminal charges. Let our law firm fight for your rights and protect your freedoms.

Will an International Student Be Deported for Committing a Crime?

Criminal Defense for International Students 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense for International Students 317-636-7514

International students are prone to more severe penalties when they commit a crime. Not only are they subjected to the usual criminal penalties, they also face possible deportation. This means they can be sent back to their country of origin and not be allowed to return. Sometimes, the United States will not admit foreign students into the country if they have certain types of crimes on their criminal record, even if it is a misdemeanor crime in the state they wish to visit.

Which Crimes are Deportable?

International students who commit a crime “of moral turpitude” that is punishable by up to one year or more in jail may be deportable. Although the term, “moral turpitude” is vague and not technical, it refers to crimes that involve fraud or present danger to others. It can also include fleeing from a police officer, minor consumption of alcohol, and public intoxication. For this reason, charged international students must hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can fight for their rights to remain in our country. They may also need to consult with an immigrations lawyers.

Crimes that involve substance control possession can result in deportation. However, it depends on the type of drug and the amount in possession. It is unlikely for a student to be deported for possession of marijuana under 30 grams. On the other hand, priors and enhancements can make this type of offense a deportable one. It varies from person to person. In the case that a student is charged and convicted of an inadmissible offense (such as the example of marijuana possession above), they may not be deported, but once they do leave the country, they will not be allowed to come back ever again.

Other crimes that are deportable include those of forgery, fraud, theft, and of course, violence. There are also certain traffic offenses that may make an international student deportable. It is important for college students from another country to retain professional legal counsel if they face criminal charges in order to avoid possible deportation and inadmissibility. An international student should never appear in court without a criminal defense lawyer on their side.

Aggressive 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 criminal charges and citations in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer free initial consultations to discuss the best strategies of defense for your legal situation. Call 317-636-7514 today to get started.

Can Backyard Barbecuing Be Illegal?

Before you get set to grill out this summer, be sure your barbecue practices adhere to the law.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514


You wouldn’t think that an innocent backyard barbecue could possible break the law, but it can. Looking back to an online video that went viral two summers ago, after several neighborhood complaints, a Florida resident was confronted by a county environmental inspector who insisted that they contain their barbecue smoke and odor to their own property. Although the man was never cited, but he could have been if he had chosen to not comply. So what’s the problem? Continue reading to learn how a backyard barbecue can turn illegal, and how to grill out with your legal rights.

Air Pollution and Fire Safety Ordinances

The two most common reasons why barbecue practices can be illegal are air pollution and fire safety ordinances and regulations. Certain grilling practices may breach the local ordinances surrounding these two issues, in which case, a person could be cited and fined. These rules and regulations vary among jurisdictions, so it is important to learn what you can do to stay within the boundaries of the law.

What To Do:

Check Your City Code – Cities have certain fire safety codes that all citizens must adhere to or they can be subjected to legal penalties. These codes vary, but there are common ones that remain the same in most cities. For example, a common city ordinance mandates that all grills remain at least 10 feet away from anything combustible, including walls. Another prohibits the use of charcoal and wood-fired grills on balconies and fire escapes. Also, local city air pollution codes can affect a person’s ability to grill out.

Check Your HOA – For those who live in residential communities with a Homeowners’ Association (HOA), you will need to check their rules and regulations about grilling out, too. This includes condos, gated communities, and suburban neighborhoods. For instance, these places generally have wooden decks, and grilling on a wood deck is a fire hazard. This affects the community’s ability to be insured, so many prohibit the practice altogether.

Check Your Lease’s Fine Print – If you rent, or live in an apartment, you may need to refer to your lease to check on your grilling rights. In the lease, there may be certain restrictions laid out for tenants and their guests. For instance, most apartment complexes prohibit propane grilling since most city gas codes state that you can’t store standard propane cylinders on a balcony, roof deck, backyard, or in a communal courtyard. In other cases, apartment complexes allow natural gas grills so long as they are designed for residential use and the gas lines are installed by a certified plumber.

Consequences

The most common consequences are citations and fines. These can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the violation. Talk to a licensed Indianapolis criminal defense attorney about your city citation or legal matters, and learn how you can reduce or dismiss the charges or penalties against you.

Aggressive Indianapolis Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for aggressive criminal defense against criminal charges and citations in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer free initial consultations to discuss the best strategies of defense for your legal situation. Call 317-636-7514 today to get started.

Can I Get Arrested for Lighting Fireworks After the Fourth of July?

Public Nuisance Charges? 317-636-7514

Public Nuisance Charges? 317-636-7514

In Indiana, there are some important ordinances you should know about when and where you can use fireworks. Failing to adhere to these firework laws can result in a criminal nuisance charge, which can lead to a misdemeanor conviction, fines, court-ordered penalties, and even possible jail time. Public nuisance crimes can include a wide range of minor offenses, all of which are categorized as any behavior or action that interferes with public health, safety, morals, peace, or convenience.

Where Can I Light Fireworks?

In Indiana, the rules on where you can light off fireworks are pretty cut and dry. However, they can sometimes change as result of unexpected seasonal weather, such as dry grass and drought. Some counties must ban firework usage if the conditions are too dangerous for burning, smoldering firework debris. Here are the basic rules for firework usage in Indiana:

You can light fireworks on your own private property.

You can light fireworks on someone else’s property with their verbal consent.
**Lighting fireworks on someone else’s property without permission can lead to a $500 fine.

You can light fireworks at a public site that has been designated by local authorities for fireworks discharge.

When Can I Light Fireworks?

The regulations for which times you can set off fireworks varies from town to town. For instance, in Fishers, residents were permitted to begin lighting fireworks on Friday, June 30th. The common times for firework usage are as follows in Indiana:

Friday June 30th through Monday July 3rd

During these times, people are allowed to use fireworks between 9 a.m. and 2 hours after sunset. This time of year, that usually is around 11 p.m. or so.

Tuesday July 4th

People are permitted by state laws to use fireworks from 9 a.m. to midnight.

Wednesday July 5th and Beyond

People are permitted to use fireworks between 9 a.m. and 2 hours after sunset. Anyone who fails to adhere to this regulation is subject to public nuisance charges. Neighbors can contact local authorities and file a complaint, which will result in law enforcement showing up on site to deliver a citation or make an arrest. Arrests are usually only made if the offender has priors, is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or has an active warrant for arrest. If the offender demonstrates polite and cooperative behavior, the police may just give a verbal warning.

Contact an Aggressive Criminal Defense Lawyer to Fight a Public Nuisance Charge

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.