Social Media Tips to Avoid Incriminating Yourself

Your social media accounts are more than just a portal to connect to the rest of the world, they are admissible evidence in a court of law. Protect yourself with these tips.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

The word, “social” in “social media” is too often overlooked. Users forget just how “social” their accounts can be. Just like your criminal history, your social media accounts are permanent play-by-play records of your life. Whatever you post to a social media platform is public to the entire internet world forever, even if you delete something after it’s been posted. Organizations like law enforcement can access these records anytime, including Twitter, Facebook, Snap Chat, Instagram, and more.

For this reason, it is important to instill safe and appropriate social media use onto our youths, and to teach them how to protect themselves from abusers, predators, hackers, and even from themselves. You see, many people unintentionally incriminate themselves by using their social media accounts irresponsibly. Whether facing a minor traffic penalty, or 10 years in prison for drug trafficking, a court can and will use social media accounts to prove their case against you.

Helpful Tips to Protect Yourself

It is important to understand that whatever you post is permanent, and that your page settings have no influence over the capacity for law enforcement and the government to access them at any given time. You must also understand that these groups and organizations retain innovative technologies that allow them to identify IP addresses, dates, times, locations, coordinates, and more, making it easy to prove their cases in court. Your internet use is never private to the government, no matter what your privacy settings say or do. Accepting these truths is the first tip.

It is also important to know that courts can use the data they collect from your social media accounts as evidence to build a case against you. For instance, if you are a suspect in a petty theft operation, and you tell police that you were at home with your family at the time the crime occurred as your alibi, but later, police find a Facebook post that was posted around the time you claimed to be at home. So then they use their technology to identify the coordinates of where the post was made, and they discover that the post was made from the parking lot of the store that was shoplifted from. This post puts you at the scene of the crime, therefore contradicting and nullifying your alibi. They can use this as evidence against you in a court of law.

If you are facing criminal charges, and you fear that your social media account may influence the court’s decision over your case, it is important to tell your criminal defense lawyer at your first meeting. They need all the information they can get to build a strong and impactful defense on your behalf. It is also imperative that you stop using all social media accounts during your legal process. In conclusion, you must understand that nothing you post is private. All of your internet use can be traced by high-security technology used by government organizations and law enforcement, including your location and more. And it can all be used as evidence to convict you of a crime.

Get Aggressive Criminal Defense

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

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

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for aggressive criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. We work around the clock to ensure your rights are protected and your freedoms are preserved. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss your case and the best strategies for defense. Call 317-636-7514 to speak with an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer who cares.

How to Answer Employers’ Questions About Your Criminal Record

When you have a criminal record, whether misdemeanors or felonies, it can be intimidating interviewing for jobs. Many people assume they cannot get a job because of their criminal history, and although it can certainly be a challenge, it is never impossible. It is important to learn how to properly disclose and discuss your past criminal records so that you are not misjudged by a potential employer. Continue reading for tips on how to do just that.

Expungement Lawyer 317-636-7514

Expungement Lawyer 317-636-7514


Employers’ views on criminal records vary, so your outcome will differ from others depending on where you apply and the industry you are pursuing. Although it can never be promised that your interview will end with a job hire, there is a method to answering questions about your criminal history during a job interview that can help you land the position you’re after. So when the question arises at your next job interview, you can be prepared to answer it in a way that is most complimentary to your character and capabilities.

Disclosing Your Criminal Record in a Job Interview:

FIRST – Describe what happened, but be brief. You do not need to give away too much information or go into details. Do not make excuses for your own choices, and instead, describe the situation in a way that shows you have insight. Employers simply want to see if you accept responsibility for your crime.

SECOND – Briefly discuss your rehabilitation process. You can tell them how long you were incarcerated, as well as, any court orders you completed, such as alcohol and drug classes, rehabilitation, anger management, therapy, victim impact panels, community service, and more. Employers want to see how you went about bettering yourself after you were convicted of a crime. They want to see that you jumped at the opportunity to make the best out of a bad situation.

THIRD – Tell them what you are doing now. Discuss all the positive accomplishments, hobbies, organizations, and initiatives you are currently involved with. Show them that you have moved on from your criminal history, and that there is no chance of receding back to old behaviors. Employers want to see if you have learned from your past mistakes and if you are living a socially acceptable lifestyle now.

Criminal Record Expungement

These are some of the best methods for disclosing criminal records during a job interview. If you still have trouble getting hired, you should consider criminal record expungement or record sealing. There are new laws in Indiana that allow those who qualify to conceal their criminal background from the public, including employers.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law at 317-636-7514 to seal arrest records in Indiana. Our services start as low as $850, so virtually anyone can afford to clear their criminal records or petty crimes and arrests. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer you can trust.

Who is Considered a Juvenile?

Under Indiana law, a juvenile is a person who is between 10 and 17 years old. Once a person turns 18, they are considered adults in the eyes of the law. Continue reading to learn more.

Juvenile Criminal Lawyer 317-636-7514

Juvenile Criminal Lawyer 317-636-7514


The definition of a juvenile is not universal. The specifics regarding the start and end of the juvenile age spectrum vary from state to state, and even under federal law. In terms of committing crimes, juveniles are tried differently depending on a number of factors, including the severity of the crime and age of the juvenile. In most cases, juveniles who commit crimes are tried in the juvenile court system. However, if a juvenile is close to their 18th birthday, and their crime was egregious or severe, they can be tried in the adult criminal court system.

Juvenile Court

The juvenile court system has a separate set of rules and procedures. One of the most apparent differences between juvenile and adult criminal court is the level of rights given to defendants. Juveniles are entitled to less rights than defendants in adult criminal court since they are usually still under their guardians custody. For instance, many states do not allow trial by jury for juvenile offenders; however, all states give juveniles the right to an attorney and the right to an appeal.

Minor Versus Juvenile

Many people are confused by the term minor. A minor is both the same and different from a juvenile. A minor is any person that is prohibited to perform a certain activity, such as driving a car, voting, and drinking alcohol. If a person is under the age of 21, they are considered a minor when it comes to alcohol consumption. If a person is under the age of 18, they are considered a minor when it comes to voting. In contrast, juveniles are specifically persons between a certain ages.

Children Under 10 Years Old

If a child under the age of 10 years old commits a crime, they are not tried in the juvenile court system. Instead, they are entered into a state-run or government-administrated social services program. Here, they are evaluated and rehabilitated by professionals in the social service and child care industries. It is important to talk to an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense attorney if your juvenile or child has been charged with a crime. They have the knowledge and resources to defend your child’s case and avoid the maximum penalties for their charges.

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if your child is facing criminal charges in Indianapolis, Indiana. We work around the clock to ensure your child’s rights are protected and their freedoms are preserved. Our law firm offers free initial consultations, so be sure to schedule yours today.

Learn What Makes a Crime Violent or Non-Violent

There are two main categories a crime can fall into: Violent or Non-Violent. Learn the difference between the two in order to better understand your criminal charges.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514


Crimes can be either violent or non-violent in the eyes of the law. Defendants, however, can commit one crime and be guilty of both. For instance, a person can trespass onto private property, which is a non-violent crime, and then proceed to assault someone, which is a violent crime. Continue reading to learn more about the difference between the two categories of crimes.

Non-Violent Crimes

A non-violent crime is a crime that does not involve any sort of physical violence. In detail, it is loosely defined as any crime that does not involve force or harm to another person. The extent of non-violent crimes are determined by the severity of loss incurred to the victim, as well as, economic damages, such as damaged property. Two of the most common non-violent crimes committed involve fraud, theft, or larceny. Here are some more examples of the most common types of non-violent crimes:

▣ Forgery
▣ Bribery
▣ Fraud
▣ Theft/Burglary
▣ Larceny
▣ Prostitution
▣ Embezzlement
▣ Arson of Personal Property
▣ Drug Possession
▣ Intoxication
▣ Illegal Gambling/Racketeering

Violent Crimes

Violent crimes are really not too difficult to point out. They are crimes that involve using force to cause physical harm to another person. Violent crimes are more serious, so naturally, they come with more severe penalties, including longer jail time, probation, fines, court-ordered penalties, and much more. The most common types of violent crimes include:

▣ Robbery
▣ Assault
▣ Battery
▣ Domestic Violence
▣ Homicide
▣ Sexual Abuse
▣ Rape
▣ Intimidation with a Deadly Weapon
▣ False Imprisonment

**Sometimes crimes such as harassment and stalking can be considered violent in a court of law if the result of the crime caused serious injury, whether physical or mental, to the victim.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Regardless of which type of crime you have been charged with, there are possible defenses for both. Contact David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to learn the best strategies for Indianapolis criminal defense. Our law firm will work around the clock to ensure your rights are protected and your freedoms are preserved. Take your best opportunity at avoiding the maximum penalties for your criminal charges, and call today. We offer free initial consultations.

Can I Be Arrested for Intimidating Someone?

Misdemeanor Charges Indianapolis IN

Facing Misdemeanor Charges for Intimidation? 317-636-7514

In terms of confrontation, most people are under the impression that if they do not physically touch a person, they cannot get in trouble with the law. However, this perception is inaccurate, and quite the opposite. There is a criminal charged called “intimidation”, and it includes any type of threat that involves injury, whether physical, mental, property, or other form of injury. It can also include stalking and harassment.

It is important to know the limits of the law. This is also helpful for those who are facing prosecution. Continue reading to learn more about intimidation, and what to do if you are facing intimidation charges in Indiana.

Intimidation is a Crime in Indiana

No matter which way you look at it, intimidation is a crime in Indiana. Intimidation occurs when a person makes verbal or written threats to harm a person physically, or cause harm to their property, reputation, career, and more. Although intimidation is a crime in our state, it is a difficult one to prove since most threats are verbal, and lack physical evidence. However, the law is strictly enforced, and those charged with the crime will most often be prosecuted if there is the smallest piece of evidence present. That is why anyone facing intimidation charges needs an experienced and aggressive Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer on their case. They can use their knowledge and resources to fight the maximum penalties for an intimidation conviction.

Common Penalties for Intimidation Offenses:

Depending on the nature and severity of the intimidation, the level of punishment can vary. Most minor to moderate intimidation offenses are Class A Misdemeanors, but if the threat was very serious, it could be increased to a Felony charge. This is especially common if threats are under the intimidation of a felony retaliation or involve the use of a deadly weapon.

Class A Misdemeanors
➥ Punishable By Up to 1 Year in Jail
➥ Fines Up to $5,000
➥ Court Costs and Probation Fees
➥ Court Ordered Penalties: Community Service, Suspended Drivers’ License, etc.

Class B and C Misdemeanors
➥ Punishable By Up to 6 Months in Jail
➥ Fines Up to $1,000
➥ Court Costs and Probation Fees
➥ Court Ordered Penalties: Community Service, Suspended Drivers’ License, etc.

Level 6 Felonies
➥ Punishable By Up to 3 Years in Jail
➥ Fines Up to $10,000
➥ Court Costs and Probation Fees
➥ Court Ordered Penalties: Community Service, Suspended Drivers’ License, etc.

Level 5 Felony
➥ Punishable By Up to 8 Years in Jail
➥ Fines Up to $10,000
➥ Court Costs and Probation Fees
➥ Court Ordered Penalties: Community Service, Suspended Drivers’ License, etc.

If You Are Facing Intimidation Charges…

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for aggressive criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss the best strategies of defense for your case. Avoid the maximum penalties for your misdemeanor criminal charges by calling David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, today!