Coping with the Stress of Incarceration: Strategies for Managing Time in Prison

Posted on February 3, 2023 by admin

Going to jail or prison can be a difficult experience for anyone, and it can come with its own unique set of stresses. Not only do inmates have to deal with the physical deprivation of being in confinement, but they also have to cope with the mental strain of not knowing what their future holds and how long their incarceration will last. In order to make the best out of this difficult situation, it’s important that prisoners learn strategies for managing their time while incarcerated.

Here are some tips on how to cope with going through prison and manage your time effectively while there.

Call 317-636-7514 to Avoid Jail in Indianapolis Indiana.

How to Cope With Going to Jail or Prison

▷ Stay Connected to Your World

First, it’s important to stay connected with friends and family. Keeping in touch with those closest to you can help keep your spirits high and provide a valuable source of support during this difficult time. Try to find ways to stay in contact – writing letters, talking on the phone if allowed, or even going through social media sites such as Facebook or Instagram. If possible, set regular times to talk with your friends and family each week, as this can help you stay motivated during the long days of incarceration.

▷ Make a Routine and Stick With It

Another key strategy for managing time in prison is to maintain a daily routine. Establishing a regimen of activities that you engage in each day can provide structure and help you make the most of your time. It can also be beneficial to structure your days by setting goals and breaking them down into achievable tasks that you can work on each day. This could include going to classes if available, as well as other activities such as reading, doing crafts, or going for a walk in the prison yard if possible.

▷ Reach Out For Support

Finally, it’s important to reach out for help. If you are feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope with the situation, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for assistance from prison staff or counselors. There are many resources available that can help inmates manage their stress and provide support during this difficult time.

Use These Skills and Strategies for Coping With Jail Life

Coping with the stress of going to jail or prison can be a daunting task, but by utilizing the strategies outlined above and reaching out for help when needed, inmates can make the most of their time in confinement. Staying connected with those closest to you, establishing a daily routine, and seeking assistance if necessary are key components for managing your time during incarceration. With the right plan and support, going through prison can ultimately be a rewarding experience, despite the difficulties.

How to Reduce or Dismiss Your Jail Sentence

If you are seeking to reduce or dismiss your jail sentence, the best route would be to hire a criminal defense lawyer. An experienced attorney who is familiar with criminal law can help you evaluate your situation, come up with the best defense strategy and work towards reducing your sentence or even having it dismissed altogether. Remember, criminal convictions often result in steep penalties that involve prison time and other fines which necessitate legal action to reduce those consequences accordingly. To ensure the best outcome, secure a criminal defense lawyer who can assist you in securing lower jail sentences or having them dismissed.

Are you worried that your recent criminal charges might land you in jail or under house arrest? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to connect with one of our skilled and aggressive criminal defense attorneys in Indianapolis, Indiana. We can meet over the phone, via online video conference, or in person at our office.

How to Prepare for Going to Jail

Posted on December 14, 2022 by admin

In last week’s blog, we discussed the different costs and expenses associated with going to jail. But aside from portending a budget during your sentence, there are other ways you should be preparing for extended incarceration. Continue below to learn how to prepare for going to jail in Indiana, plus where to get trusted legal advice for criminal appeals in Indianapolis.

Call Our Indianapolis Criminal Appeals Lawyers at 317-636-7514 Today.

Preparing for a Jail Sentence is Strategic

Now that you have been sentenced and know when you will be going to jail, it is important to start preparing yourself mentally and emotionally. Going to jail is a daunting experience. It can be hard to know what to imagine, and even harder to prepare for it. But by knowing what to expect and preparing for it ahead of time, you can make the process much easier on yourself. Let’s discuss what you need to do both before and after you go to jail.

What to Do Before You Go to Jail

Before going to jail, you should make sure that all of your affairs are in order. You will need to have someone take care of your property and pets, and you may want to say goodbye to your loved ones. It is also important to prepare your finances; you will likely be unable to work while you are in jail, so you will need someone to help manage your money.

You will likely feel scared, anxious, or alone – but it is important to remember that there are people who care about you and want to help. Talk to someone about how you’re feeling, read books or articles about incarceration, and find a support group made up of people who have gone through the same thing as you.

One of the most important steps to take before going to jail is to hire a certified and experienced Indianapolis criminal appeals lawyer. A criminal appeals attorney may be able to build you a strong and impactful defense to reduce your jail sentence or have you released altogether. They are your best chance at reducing or avoiding jail time.

As You Approach the Day of Surrender

When the time comes for you to actually go to jail, try not to spend too much time worrying about what might happen. Jail can be unpredictable, so it’s best not to dwell on things that might not happen. Instead, focus on making the most of the situation and doing whatever it takes to get through it safely and successfully.

Once You Are in Jail

When you get to jail, be sure to follow all instructions and rules. Respect the guards and other inmates and do your best to avoid trouble. Follow the facility’s guidelines, obey orders, and don’t break any laws while you are in jail. It is also important to take care of yourself physically. Make sure you eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.

Jail is not meant to be a walk in the park for a reason, so there will be some hardships along the way no matter how much you have prepared yourself. Just remember: no matter how difficult your situation is, know that you are not alone. There are people out there who care about you and want to help. If you ever need someone to talk to or just need a friendly ear, reach out for help – it could make all the difference in getting through this experience safely and successfully.

Conclusion

Ultimately, going to jail can be a scary experience and it is important to prepare yourself both mentally and physically before you go. Make sure that your affairs are in order, talk to someone about how you’re feeling, stay out of trouble while in jail, and take care of yourself physically. With the right preparation, you can make the most of your time in jail and come out stronger on the other side.

It is important to remember that you don’t have to go through this process alone; there are many resources available if you need help. Whether it be an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer, mental health professional, or support group, do not hesitate to reach out for assistance. Additionally, it can be beneficial to talk to those who have been through similar experiences within the jail system. You don’t have to go through this alone and you can make it out a better person if you take the right steps.

Are you ready to appeal your conviction so that you may avoid jail time altogether? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis today at 317-636-7514 to book an appointment with our knowledgeable criminal appeals law firm in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer aggressive and intelligent criminal defense for appeals and can fight for your rights to a reduced or dismissed conviction. Whether you’d like a virtual or in-person meeting, we have your back from our Indy office!

How the Appeal Filing Process Works in Indiana

Posted on September 23, 2022 by admin

Did you just lose your criminal case? Are you devastated by the verdict handed down to you in criminal court? The good news that you are desperately in search of right now is here: you still have legal options. You can choose to file an appeal, even if you’ve just lost one.

Continue reading to learn how the appeal filing process works in Indiana, plus a bonus tip on which criminal defense law firm to choose for the best possible outcome in appellate court.

Appellate Court Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

The Indiana Procedures for Filing an Appeal

Indiana procedures for filing an appeal in criminal court are pretty straightforward. There are four basic steps, all of which will require the assistance of a licensed and experienced criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis. These steps include petitioning for an appeal, appellee response, court reviews, and appellate court verdict.

Filing the Appeal

The first step in the Indiana appeal filing process is petitioning for appeal. The appellant is required to file an official Notice of Appeal coupled with a written argument decreeing their basis for appealing the court’s verdict.

Getting the Appellee Response

The next step in the appeals process is to receive the appellee’s response to the appeal. The appellee is the opposing party, and they must respond to the Notice of Appeal within a certain time frame and also with a written argument describing their stance on the approval of an appeal. During this stage of the process, the appellee can actually cross-examine the appellant.

Waiting For the Court to Review Both Arguments

During this phase of the appeals process, the courts will review arguments provided by both parties. They will decide if any legal errors occurred during the original criminal justice and court process. It is very common for both parties to appear before the judge and provide oral arguments and cross examinations to prove their case.

Hearing the Appellate Court Verdict

The appellate court hands down their verdict in the last phase of the appeals process. At this time, the appellant will learn if their appeal is denied or approved. Appeals are denied when the appellate court agrees with the lower court’s original decision or verdict.

Are you looking for an experienced appellate court lawyer in Indiana? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm will get you the best possible outcome to your criminal case!

Do I Have Another Option if I Lose My Appeal?

Posted on August 31, 2022 by admin

Losing is never fun. But when it comes to criminal matters, the consequences of losing in any aspect can be devastating to your future and your freedoms. After being convicted of a crime in Indiana, it is common for defendants to file an appeal with the courts to turn around a conviction or the ordered sentencing. When you lose your criminal appeal, you might immediately be asking, “what’s next?”, and you would not be alone. Most appellate court losses are followed by questions about alternative legal recourse options.

If you too have just lost your appeal, or afraid you might, continue below to learn what you need to know about moving forward from your loss.

Appellate Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Why Appeals Get Approved or Denied

Going to appellate court can be intimidating because you simply cannot predict the outcome of your hearing. You may be granted an appeal under your desired conditions, or you may be denied and forced to continue with your fight to preserving your freedoms and protecting your rights. In most cases, appellate courts deny appeals because they agree with the original verdict and sentencing of the lower courts and did not verify any errors in the judicial or criminal process. If the court does have concerns or doubts about the lower court’s verdict/sentencing, or suspect errors in the process, they may grant an appeal.

Your Next Steps After Losing an Appeal in Indiana

If you do lose an appeal, you may have some options left on the table. But first and foremost, it is vital that you have a seasoned Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer working your case, otherwise you have little to no chance at obtaining a successful legal outcome. Choose an Indianapolis criminal attorney who specializes in Indiana appeals and expungements for the best chance at appealing an appellate court denial.

Depending on the nature of your conviction/crimes, here’s what a criminal defense attorney might do after you lose an appeal:

Petition For a Rehearing

Your Indiana criminal defense lawyer can petition for a rehearing to address any errors, misstatements, exclusions of information, oversights, or similar flaws in the legal process you believe impacted the appellate court’s decision.

File an Application for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

Your criminal defense lawyer can also file an application for Writ of Habeas Corpus. This is a type of post-conviction relief that is only eligible for certain criminal defendants. It is often used for convicts in prison who have exhausted all other efforts for appeals.

File a Petition to Transfer the Case

After losing an appeal in Indiana, you may be eligible to file a petition to have the case transferred to another appellate court. This option is generally fulfilled when there is a significant and strong question of law, or if there are issues with standardization in decisions.

Appeal to a Higher Court

The final “Hail Mary” option available to eligible defendants after losing an appeal is to bring their case before a higher court, either the State Court of Indiana or the Federal Supreme Court depending on the nature of their crimes. Higher courts will only see certain cases, so this is an unlikely option for the standard convict.

Do you wish you had an aggressive and skilled criminal defense attorney who can fight your appeal and give you the best chance at reducing or dismissing your conviction? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a meeting with our experienced Indianapolis criminal defense law firm that specializes in appeals. We can hold meetings over the phone or in person at our Indy-based office.

How to Reduce Your Indianapolis Criminal Charges

Posted on August 11, 2022 by admin

Ultimately, your number one goal after being arrested is to evade criminal charges. After criminal charges ensue, it is only natural to turn your focus on dismissing or reducing them. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help increase the chances of this happening.

Continue below to learn how to reduce your Indianapolis, Marion County criminal charges, including which criminal defense law firm is a top-choice for aggressive and skilled representation.

Best Criminal Defense Attorney Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514 — Criminal Defense Attorney Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Dismissal of Criminal Charges is Not Common

Although prosecution has the choice to drop your criminal charges either before or after they’ve been filed with the court, it is usually an unlikely outcome. Criminal charges are only dropped under specific circumstances, mostly as a result of insufficient evidence, but also due to factors like fourth amendment violations, which is when evidence is illegally obtained, like in the case of an illegally executed search warrant, as well as procedural issues, and resource issues. In some cases, prosecution may decide to tropical charges against the defendant. If they are willing to cooperate with law enforcement as an informant against another defendant or case.

Reducing Criminal Charges is a Strong Possibility

Compared to dismissal of criminal charges, reducing criminal charges is very possible. However, in order to have your criminal charges reduced, it is important to start out with the right representation. Although public defenders do society a service, it is not recommended to choose free legal representation when facing criminal charges. Public defenders have very high caseloads and cannot spend enough time working on each case with specific intent.

A private Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer can put their focus on your case and do everything it takes to lessen your criminal charges and therefore protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. Basically, if you want to avoid jail, hefty fines, and loads of community service, you need to hire a private criminal defense attorney. Without specialized and experienced criminal defense representation, it is very unlikely that the prosecutor will budge on your criminal charges.

Additional Factors to Consider When You Want to Reduce Your Criminal Charges

A plea bargain, or plea deal, is the key that will unlock your opportunity to reduce your criminal charges in Indianapolis. In order to be offered a reasonable plea deal, you will need seasoned criminal defense representation. A private criminal attorney can build you a strong and impactful defense against your charges, and ultimately convince the prosecutor to be more lenient. Not only can you jail time, but you can also avoid excessive hours of community service, rehabilitation programs, home detention, thousands of dollars in fines, and much more.

The lesser your criminal charges, the more promising your future. It is important to avoid jail time, especially if you have children or people who depend on you. Spending time in jail can put your job in jeopardy, plus create all sorts of social and domestic obstacles. It is in your best interest to have your criminal charges significantly reduced so that you can maintain the best possible quality of life for you and your loved ones.

Money Should Not Be a Concern

Many people choose to forgo private legal representation due to money or budgeting problems, but there is no price for freedom and peace of mind. Invest in yourself and your loved ones by paying out of pocket for private criminal defense in Indianapolis. A reputable criminal defense law firm will work with you on payment plans so that you can enjoy your freedom without going into debt or making any financial sacrifices.

Are you looking for a trusted criminal defense law firm in Indiana who can help you reduce or dismiss your criminal charges? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a skilled criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We can meet over the phone, via online video conference, or in person at our office.

Why Was My Plea Deal Rejected By the Judge?

Posted on June 27, 2022 by admin

Many criminal defendants wrongly assume that when they are presented with a plea deal, they are automatically granted the deal. However, it is possible for a judge to reject a plea deal after a defendant has agreed to one. Not only can this be fusing, but it can be highly frustrating when it comes time to stand trial for sentencing.

Continue reading to learn why plea deals are commonly rejected by judges, and what you can do to appeal the plea deal denial.

Plea Bargain Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

What is a Plea Deal?

A plea deal, or bargain, is just that: an agreement between the prosecuting attorneys and the defendant’s defense attorney in which each party sacrifices something to gain something when it comes time for sentencing. Essentially, it is a compromise regarding a defendant’s charges and penalties for their crimes. In most cases, this means a defendant accepts to plead guilty to their charges in return for a lower conviction and/or more forgiving sentence.

What You Need to Know About Accepting a Plea Bargain

But here is what most criminal defendants do not know: it is not up to the prosecution and defense to use a plea bargain. Instead, plea bargains must first be approved by the courts. A judge has to determine whether or not a defendant was strong-armed in any way; and once they confirm no pressure was made, they will approve a plea bargain. However, the process and regulations for plea bargains differ from state to state.

Why Pleas Get Denied By Courts

In most cases, criminal defendants will be granted their plea deal by the court. However, it is possible for the courts to deny a plea deal presented by the prosecution, especially in the case of habitual offenders. After all, if you are being charged with your tenth DUI, it is unlikely that the court will accept a plea deal in your favor. At this point, they will be ready to punish you and use you as an example to the community.

In less egregious scenarios, plea deals can still be rejected by the judge. This may happen if the judge strongly believes that A) it is in the best interest of the community or general public, or B) the plea agreement does not sufficiently address the nature of the offense or the rights of the victims involved, if any.

How to Get Help with Your Criminal Charges In Indiana

It is important to talk to a trusted and licensed Indianapolis criminal defense attorney about Indiana plea bargains and appeal procedures. A seasoned criminal lawyer will be able to navigate all elements of your case and build you in impactful defense in favor of a lighter or even served sentence.

Are you looking for a skilled criminal defense lawyer who can get you the best outcome to your Indiana criminal charges? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a meeting with our experienced Indianapolis criminal defense law firm. We can hold meetings over the phone or in person at our Indy-based office.

How Indiana’s Good Time Credit Can Help You Get Out of Jail Faster

Posted on March 9, 2022 by admin

If you have just been convicted of a crime that is punishable by jail time, you should be interested in all the ways you can significantly reduce your stay in jail. Continue below to learn how Indiana’s Good Time Credit program can help inmates get out of jail faster, plus who can assist you with an imprisonment plan that can ensure you are not kept in jail a day longer than you have to.

Indiana Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Indiana’s Good Time Credit

Just because your criminal conviction hands down a prison or jail sentence does not mean that you are stuck with it. It is possible to reduce your jail sentence through something known as Good Time Credit. Indiana’s Good Time Credit program is a valuable incentive for inmates to cooperate and exhibit responsible, productive behavior while in jail.

Why is this program an incentive to anyone in jail? Because if inmates are approved upon good behavior, they can be granted a lesser or shorter jail sentence. For instance, someone sentenced to a year in jail may only serve 6 or 7 months with good time credit. Sound too good to be true? You might be asking, “what’s the catch?” Well, not everyone qualifies for Indiana’s Good Time Credit program.

How to Qualify for Time Served Credit

Indiana’s Good Time Credit is decreed under Indiana Code 35-50-6, which basically describes under which conditions an inmate can earn days of good credit, and ultimately, an early release from jail or prison. The amount of good time credit an inmate can accrue will depend on their level of criminal charge (Misdemeanor or Felony) and the specific details of their sentence.

Those who are most likely to qualify are inmates convicted of misdemeanors or low level felonies and give an executed sentence. An executed sentence is one in which an inmate is ordered to serve both jail and prison time, or also house arrest and work release programs.

Earning good time credit in jail works by following all the rules and cooperating with jail staff and court orders. Basically, if an inmate is polite, cooperative, responsible, and productive within the realm of their assigned jail duties or educational classes, they can earn a day of good credit for every number of days they demonstrate this good behavior.

Inmates must refrain from any disciplinary actions or infractions during their time in jail in order to qualify. In addition to good behavior and productivity, inmates may be ordered to complete rehabilitation classes for substance abuse. So long as they work the program as ordered, they can earn good time credit.

If an inmate is cited for bad behavior or disciplined for an infraction, any good time credit earned can be deducted. As mentioned before, Indiana’s Good Time Credit is an effective incentive for inmates to behave in order to get out of jail faster.

What to Expect After Being Released From Jail Early

After an inmate is released from jail after earning Good Time Credit, they are not entirely free from the court’s custody. An inmate sentence will continue under the terms of probation or parole. During this time, an inmate will continue to be subjected to regular checkups by their assigned probation or parole officer, drug screenings, alcohol testing, random searches, mandatory job placement and supervision, curfew requirements, license suspensions, loss of firearm rights, and possible home detention.

Are you looking for criminal defense attorney who can help you understand your rights to getting out of jail faster after being convicted of a crime in Indiana? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our legal team can help you obtain the best possible outcome to your criminal matters!

Criminal Attorney David E Lewis Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Can I Expunge a Low Level Non Violent Felony?

Posted on February 1, 2022 by admin

The New Indiana Second Chance Law really can give second chances to past offenders and those arrested on minor criminal charges. If you are facing a low level non-violent felony, you are in a good position to qualify. However, it is important to understand the stipulations that go along with the criminal record expungement process and possible outcome to felony-level petitions.

Continue below to review some important considerations and facts surrounding felony criminal record expungement, plus who to trust for reliable and affordable legal assistance.

Expungement Law Firm Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement and Sealing for Felonies in Indiana

Felonies are divided up into 7 levels. Level 1 felonies are the most serious, while Level 6 felonies are the least serious. Murder is the highest felony, and in a category of its own. Level 6 felonies used to be called Class D felonies. This categorization is now outdated. Level 6 felonies are considered low level, even more so if they are non-violent.

In Indiana, Level 6 Felony convictions hand down a moderate to severe criminal sentence. Generally, one can expect to be sentenced to 6 months to 2 and a half years in jail, plus ordered to pay fines up to $10,000. Additional court-ordered penalties may also arise, such as house arrest, ignition interlock devices (IID), drug and alcohol rehabilitation, restitution, community service, and more.

Expunging or Sealing a Low Level Felony

Low level felonies may qualify for criminal record expungement or record sealing if they are non-violent, plus at least 8 years has passed since the date of your arrest or conviction, or 3 years has passed since you have completed your sentence. Talk to an Indianapolis IN criminal record expungement attorney to confirm your eligibility for felony expungement or sealing, plus commence your official petition.

What You Need to Do

In order to petition for criminal expungement or record sealing, you will need to satisfy some specific responsibilities of your own. First, you must officially complete all elements of your felony sentence. This includes fines, related costs, court fees, probation, community service, classes, and more.

Next, you will need to remain offense and arrest-free for at least 8 years following your conviction or arrest, or at least 3 years following the completion of your sentence. If you get in trouble with the law during that time, or have pending criminal charges, the clock starts all over again.

Last, you need to hire an Indiana criminal defense law firm that specializes in criminal record expungement services in Indianapolis. They have the knowledge and resources necessary to push your petition through, accurately and on time.

Are you looking for an affordable lawyer to help you with your expungement application process? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a skilled and aggressive criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514 — Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

General Q’s and A’s Regarding the Indiana Expungement Law

Posted on December 15, 2021 by admin

If you are interested in learning about sealing or expunging your past arrest records, it is wise to gather as much information as possible to fully understand what to expect from the process. Not everyone qualifies for criminal record expungement; but just because you do not qualify now does not mean you won’t qualify later. Criminal record expungement is a complex law and an even more complicated process. It is vital that you seek professional legal counsel in order to properly petition for criminal record expungement in your state.

Get started by reviewing the common questions and answers about criminal record expungement, below.

Expungement Law Office Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Indiana Criminal Record Expungement

What is the Difference Between Expungement and Sealing?

An expungement is the process in which a petitioner asks the court to seal all court records and arrest information pertaining to a particular event on a person’s criminal record. Record sealing is very similar, except that if a person was arrested and found or pleaded guilty to a charge, then they can only apply to seal their criminal records.

This means these records will not be physically destroyed and will still be accessible by police, federal government, the FBI, immigration officers, and other public officials. But when criminal records and arrests are sealed, they are no longer visible on public background check databases or accessible by employers, landlords, and similar forms of the general public.

How Much Does Criminal Record Expungement Cost in Total?

The cost to seal criminal records varies from state to state, and from person to person. Since it is strongly encouraged to hire a lawyer to help with the petitioning process, the majority of the cost will go to paying your lawyer. Lawyer fees for this service can range anywhere from $75 to $250 or, per hour. In addition to lawyer fees, you can expect to pay legal and court fees that should add up to $150 or so.

Can I Petition for Criminal Record Expungement While on Probation?

A person will not qualify for record sealing if they are currently on probation for another crime. Furthermore, anyone with pending criminal charges will not qualify as well.

How Long Does the Criminal Record Expungement Process Take From Start to Finish?

The amount of time it takes from meeting with a lawyer and submitting your petition, to actually being granted expungement, depends on several factors. In most cases, the process takes an average of 6 months to a year. However, the process can take twice as long for more complex cases.

How Do I Get Started on My Criminal Record Expungement Application?

Expunging and sealing arrest records differs from case to case in many ways, but they both render the same wonderful benefits. It is very confusing to learn the process, rules, and guidelines to criminal record expungement; and there are several complicated variables that influences a person’s eligibility. This is why it is vital to hire an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense attorney to help you file for criminal record expungement accurately.

Are you interested in applying for criminal record expungement for 2022? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free case evaluation with a licensed criminal record expungement lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana.

How to Find Good Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney

Posted on December 7, 2021 by admin

The most important job you have as a person who is facing criminal charges in Indiana is to hire a good defense lawyer to represent your case. The right attorney will make all the difference when it comes to your criminal case outcome. If you want any chance at avoiding the maximum penalties for your charges, you must hire a private criminal lawyer. Not sure how to choose among all the local law firms?

Continue reading to learn how to find a good Indianapolis criminal defense attorney you can trust and afford.

Criminal Attorneys Indianapolis IN 317-636-7514

Not All Criminal Law Offices are Alike

When you begin your search for Indianapolis criminal law offices, you will find that there are plenty of options to choose from. But beware that not all criminal law offices are alike. It is important to find a criminal defense attorney who has the accolades and achievements that support their ability to obtain the best possible criminal case outcome. When narrowing down your search, look for law firms or lawyers who have experience, community establishment, client testimonials and case results, and much more.

This workload may feel overwhelming to you, so as a start, focus on these top considerations when searching for Indianapolis, defense attorneys:

Experience

Experience means all the difference in the industry of law. Not only is criminal law extremely complex, but it is ever-evolving. This includes the various members of magistrate, courtroom officials, jail staff, and more. For this reason, an experienced criminal defense lawyer will be more capable of rendering better case results, such as dismissal of jail time or sentence reductions, compared to a lawyer who has just started out.

A reputable and trusted Indianapolis criminal defense law firm will have at least 10 years of experience. In addition to experience, you want to also identify community establishment. You do not want to hire a lawyer who has relocated offices multiple times over the course of a few years. This can signify instability.

Client Testimonials and Case Results

After you have confirmed that a law office has the experience you are looking for, your next focus should be their client testimonials and case results. Knowing what previous clients have posted about their experience working with a particular lawyer can tell you a lot. Knowing the outcome of the cases they’ve represented before can tell you even more. Keep in mind that case results do not need to be extravagant to prove a lawyer’s skill. Case results should show improvement, not pardons and dismissals.

Attorney Pricing and Payment Arrangements

Private criminal defense attorneys are not free, nor do they all charge the same. But that does not mean you have to overpay for criminal defense. When performing your search for criminal defense law firms in Indianapolis, place attorney pricing at the top of your priority list. You must be fully-informed of a lawyer’s hourly rates, related fees, and any other costs you might incur as their client. Furthermore, it is important to discuss payment plans and arrangements in full transparency. If a lawyer seems like they do not want to talk much about pricing, it may be a sign that they charge too much or use unethical business practices.

Would you like to skip the stressful task of looking for the right crime lawyer for your case and go straight to a trusted professional in Indy? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for skilled criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. We can hold meetings over the phone, via online conferencing, or in person at her Indianapolis office.