What Happens When You Flee a Crime Scene in Indiana

Posted on January 19, 2024 by admin

Fleeing a crime scene, often a knee-jerk reaction fueled by fear and panic, can have serious legal repercussions. In Indiana, as with many states, leaving a crime scene not only escalates the situation but also leads to the possibility of additional criminal charges, further complicating the legal proceedings.

This blog seeks to shed light on what happens when one becomes a fugitive in Indiana, the implications of having an arrest warrant, and the potential legal consequences one may face. Our aim is to equip readers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions when confronted with such challenging circumstances.

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Becoming a Fugitive in Indiana

According to the Indiana Code 35-41-4-2, a person becomes a fugitive when they flee or attempt to flee from their home state with the intent of evading arrest or prosecution for a crime committed within that state. This means that if someone flees Indiana in an attempt to avoid facing criminal charges, they are considered a fugitive under the law.

Consequences of Being a Fugitive

Being a fugitive in Indiana comes with severe consequences. Firstly, it may result in an additional felony charge for fleeing. This can lead to increased penalties and potential imprisonment on top of the original charges that prompted the escape. Additionally, the bail amount set by the court can be significantly higher as the defendant is seen as a flight risk. This means that even if the person is arrested and brought back to Indiana, they may have a more challenging time securing their release from jail until their trial date.

Having an Arrest Warrant

In Indiana, when someone flees a crime scene, they are considered to have violated their bail or probation, and therefore have an arrest warrant issued for their apprehension. An arrest warrant empowers law enforcement to detain the suspect as soon as they are found. This could happen even if the person is not in Indiana at the time of the warrant’s issue. As long as they return to or are located within Indiana at any point, they may be arrested and brought before a court of law.

Legal Consequences

Fleeing a crime scene in Indiana does not automatically mean the person is guilty of the original charges they were trying to escape. However, it can make their case more complicated and challenging to defend. Fugitives may face additional charges for fleeing, as well as increased penalties if found guilty of the original crime. Moreover, failing to report for a scheduled court hearing can result in a bench warrant, which authorizes law enforcement to arrest the person and bring them before the court. This can lead to further legal consequences, including potential jail time or hefty fines.

Always Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being a fugitive in Indiana can have severe legal consequences. That is why it is essential to always hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to help navigate the complex judicial system and protect your rights. A skilled attorney can advise on the best course of action, whether it’s turning yourself in or challenging the arrest warrant. They can also negotiate on your behalf to potentially reduce charges and minimize penalties.

Conclusion

In summary, fleeing a crime scene in Indiana has severe legal implications that can significantly impact one’s life. It is always best to face the consequences of one’s actions and cooperate with law enforcement rather than risk becoming a fugitive. If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, it is crucial to seek legal counsel promptly and follow the proper procedures to avoid any further complications. Remember, running away from the problem will only make it worse in the long run.

Do you suspect that you are wanted by the police for fleeing a crime scene? 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!

Frequently Asked Questions About Warrants

Posted on July 8, 2022 by admin

Being served, or worse, surprised by a warrant is not a pleasurable experience. Whether you are a hardened, street-smart convict or a first-time offender, the discovery of a warrant will most certainly invoke some relevant questions. If you are facing a bench warrant, arrest warrant, or search-and-seizure warrant, it is wise to educate yourself as much as possible before you mistakenly make your legal matters worse.

Scroll down to review some frequently asked questions about warrants, including what your first steps should be after learning of one for yourself for a loved one.

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FAQS About Warrants

What is an Arrest Warrant?

There are two main types of warrants: arrest warrants and bench warrants. An arrest warrant is an official order made by a judge and handed over to law enforcement demanding the immediate arrest of the defendant named in the document. A bench warrant is less serious as it does not require your arrest. Instead, bench warrants request your attendance on the “judge’s bench” for the purpose of handling certain legal matters. These are commonly used in divorce proceedings, custody hearings, and for witness testimony.

Do I Have to Go to Jail For a Bench Warrant?

No, you are not required to surrender to the jail for a bench warrant. Instead, follow the instructions on the documents sent to you. There should be information on when you are requested to appear in court or mediation. If you do not cooperate with the bench warrant, you could face civil or legal penalties, like fines.

How are Arrest Warrants Served?

There are several ways an arrest warrant can be satisfied or served. In many cases, the defendant named in the warrant will have a run-in with police, and when the police draw up their records, they will see the warrant and arrest the individual on the spot. This can happen during a routine traffic stop, even if the cop is just warning you about a burnt out taillight.

Other times, law enforcement will make a house visit or show up at the defendant’s last known place of employment. There, they will serve the defendant and apprehend them on the spot. Sometimes, police will allow a cooperative individual to simply follow them to the station for a surrender, rather than being cuffed and escorted in the police car.

What Should I Do if I Think I Have a Warrant Out for My Arrest?

You can use a free, online database to search for arrest warrant records. Simply type in your name and date of birth to see if there is an active warrant in your name. It should be able to provide state-wide results, showing warrants in all counties you are wanted in. You can also contact a local bail bondsman or criminal defense attorney for professional warrant lookup assistance. These tend to be the most reliable sources for warrant information. You could also call the Department of Motor Vehicles or courthouse directly.

How Do I Surrender to an Arrest Warrant?

If you have a warrant out for your arrest, it is vital that you turn yourself into authorities at the local police station in the county denoted on your warrant document. If you fail to surrender to an arrest warrant, you will be considered a fugitive of the law. It is recommended to contact the jail beforehand to get detailed instructions on where to park, where to enter the building, what to bring, and so on. In most cases, you can get in and out in a couple of hours.

Do I Need a Lawyer for an Arrest Warrant?

Although it is not required by law, it is strongly encouraged to hire an Indianapolis criminal defense attorney to help you during and after your arrest warrant surrender. They will ensure that you are not held in jail longer than you need to be, plus they can begin working on your defense to reduce your charges and subsequent penalties.

What Makes a Search Warrant Valid?

All search warrants must be filed in good faith by a law enforcement officer, and they must include reliable evidence that shows probable cause to search a premises. Aside from this fundamental requirement, a valid search warrant will have 3 specific elements: a magistrate’s signature, a description of the premises to be searched, and a description of the items to be seized.

Can I Refuse a Search and Seizure if Police Have a Warrant?

There are several intricacies involved with an officer’s right to perform legal searches without warrants, so you may be confused on whether or not your 4th Amendment right applies. In fact, a person can potentially be arrested and held in custody for resisting a search. If you believe you were unfairly searched, you can always file a claim afterwards that alleges a violation of your rights.

Are you looking for legal assistance regarding arrest warrants and similar criminal matters in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for skilled criminal defense for arrest warrants in Indianapolis. We represent juveniles and adults all throughout the state of Indiana.

What to Do if You Just Found Out About Your Arrest Warrant

Posted on August 23, 2019 by admin

Arrest warrants are serious court orders, but they are nothing to worry about so long as you choose the proper recourse. You never want to ignore an arrest warrant, because the legal circumstances surrounding the order will only worsen as time goes on. So the sooner you deal with a warrant, the less severe your penalties are likely to be.

If you just discovered that you have an arrest warrant in your name, continue reading to learn exactly what you need to do to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms.

Arrest Warrants in Indiana

An arrest warrant is a legal court order that orders your arrest on contact. Once a warrant is issued, all local law enforcement is immediately notified through a universal database to arrest you on the spot. Police can come looking for you at home, work or school, or even while you’re out with friends. For less serious offenses and infractions, police are not likely to come after you. Instead, you can get arrested on the spot during a routine traffic stop, or during any other type of police encounter that requires law enforcement to scan your name in their database.

If this happens, you will be arrested on the spot; even if you were just pulled over for having a taillight out. As soon as the cop runs your license through their system, the warrant will appear, and they have no other choice but to detain you on the spot and take you directly to jail. If you are pulled over in a traffic stop, your car will be towed to the nearest impound lot, and you will have to pay to get it out later.

Being arrested on the spot or hunted down by police for an arrest warrant is not an ideal situation. Nor do you do not want your warrant to turn outstanding. The legal consequences for ignoring or procrastinating on an arrest warrant are exponential, so you must deal with a warrant as soon as possible to make your life easier. Courts are not lenient on those who intentionally evade a warrant, so do the right thing and get your legal process in motion.

What You Need to Do

As soon as you become aware of an arrest warrant, or even a bench warrant, your first step is to hire a licensed Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer. From there, your lawyer will manage all aspects of your arrest warrant, which will eventually involve your physical surrender to the jail. Although you will actually have to turn yourself in and be arrested, with a lawyer handling your case, you will not have to stay in jail very long. In most cases of arrest warrant surrenders, defendants are in and out in as little as one hour.

Where to Get Help With Your Arrest Warrant

Contact David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for help managing your arrest warrant in Indiana. Not only can he get you out of jail quickly, he will build a strong and impactful defense against your criminal charges so that you have a chance at avoiding the maximum penalties for your suspected crimes. Our criminal defense law firm offers free initial consultations, so there is no out-of-pocket obligations to you. Call 317-636-7514 and get started protecting your future, today.

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