Can I Change Criminal Defense Lawyers?

Before notifying your lawyer that you are dropping them from your case, there are some things you should do first. Continue below to learn which steps to take when you are ready to change criminal defense lawyers, as well as how to determine that you have hired the right attorney for your criminal case.

Indiana Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Indiana Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Changing Lawyers in a Criminal Defense Case

Start by reviewing your contract or retainer agreement to see if there are notes addressing the steps to take to terminate the lawyer-client relationship. Keep in mind that your new attorney may want a copy for themselves.  Also, look for new lawyers before you officially terminate ties with your current lawyer. This can help make the transition process more efficient.

Once you find a new lawyer, you are ready to fire your current one. You can do this by sending a certified or registered letter that plainly states you are ending the lawyer-client relationship, and that your lawyer is to stop working on any pending matters immediately. Avoid going into detail, and keep the message clear and to the point.

Be sure to request all of your files in the letter as well. Or if you prefer, instruct that they cooperate with your new lawyer in transferring all files over. If you have paid your lawyer any fees in advance for work that has not yet been done, you should also ask for a refund. You will also need to request an itemized invoice of any pending fees or payments.

How to Find a Good Criminal Attorney

One of the most important qualities to look for in a criminal defense lawyer is experience. Experience speaks to their level of knowledge in the field of criminal law, as well as their dedication to their practice. Also, a crime lawyer’s reputation is important to consider because you want to know how they treat their clients.

Reading testimonials and reviews from past clients is a great way to grasp an attorney’s character and performance. Furthermore, you need a criminal defense attorney that knows what they are talking about, and is well-versed in your state’s laws surrounding crime. A knowledgeable criminal lawyer has the intellect to build a strong defense on your behalf.

Are you facing criminal charges and wish to reduce or dismiss them in Indiana? Contact David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free consultation with an aggressive Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer who cares about your rights and your freedoms.

You Might Also Like:

How to Meet With Your Criminal Lawyer for the First Time
4 Reasons to Fire Your Lawyer and Hire a New One
How to Change Criminal Defense Lawyers Midstream

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Do Not Make These Mistakes if You are Facing Criminal Charges

So, you were just arrested? Most likely, you are now facing criminal charges. If you are, it is vital that you do everything necessary from here on out in order to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. Most importantly, you want to avoid jail time. Continue below to learn which mistakes you should never make if you are facing criminal charges.

Criminal Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana
Criminal Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

What Not to Do After Being Arrested for a Crime:

Do Not Hire the Most Expensive Defense Lawyer

Just because a criminal defense lawyer charges out the wazoo for their services does not mean they are the best at what they do. So, try to avoid choosing an attorney based on how elite their office and rates may appear to be. Sometimes, the added costs are simply to cover their expensive office rent, 3 piece suits, and staff lunches. Skip the frills and opt for a lawyer with reasonable rates and payment arrangements.

Do Not Hire the Cheapest Defense Lawyer

Oppositely, but yet similar in theory, do not hire a criminal defense lawyer based on price alone. Just because they are the cheapest law firm you have found thus far does not mean they are a bargain deal you luckily stumbled upon. In such cases, you truly get what you pay for. Most criminal defense attorneys who offer bottom of the barrel rates are new to the industry, and have no experience under their belts.

Do Not Turn Down a Final Plea Deal

When the state finally decides to stop negotiating a plea deal for your criminal charges, it is typically because they have overwhelming amounts of evidence against you, which cannot allow any further reduction of your criminal charges. In this case, take the final plea deal. Do not make the mistake of rejecting the state’s final offer, and opting to go to trial instead. This will cost you more money, and end up worse in the end.

Do Not Post on Social Media

Anything you do between your arrest and your sentencing can impact the level of punishment for your criminal charges. One way to avoid incriminating yourself further is to be very careful what you post on social media. In fact, most criminal defense lawyers encourage clients to stay far away from social media until their case is closed.

Do Not Insist on Testifying at Trial

You do not want to testify at your trial, if you end up there. Let your criminal defense lawyer take the lead, and only speak when instructed by them. The law is complex, and you do not want to accidentally incriminate yourself further on the stand. After all, your freedom is at stake.

Do Not Represent Your Own Case

In the same way you should not testify on your own behalf at your trial, you should never attempt to represent yourself in your criminal case. Almost every defendant who chooses to be their own lawyer fails, and is sentenced to the maximum penalties for their criminal charges. Always, no matter what your budget may be, hire a criminal defense lawyer to navigate your case and reduce your criminal charges.

Are you in need of skilled and aggressive criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana? Contact David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free consultation, today. He will protect your rights and preserve your freedoms!

You Might Also Like:

Is a Private Criminal Defense Attorney Really Worth it?
Criminal Defense Tips for Being Interviewed as a Suspect
How to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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Should I Choose a Public Defender for My Indiana Criminal Case?

When faced with Indiana criminal charges, there is no room for error. It is vital that you instantly get to work building a strong and impactful defense that will protect your rights, preserve your freedoms, and most importantly, keep you out of jail. Not only can jail time negatively impact your family and home life, but it can also cost you your employment, which you will be needing to uphold your quality of living and caring for your family. Furthermore, certain freedoms can be forfeited, such as traveling, driving, or even leaving the home if you are ordered to wear an ankle bracelet for house arrest.

Basically, criminal charges are not a situation to take lightly, so it is wise to ensure you have responsible, full-time legal defense on your side. Your lawyer is the key to meeting all of these objectives and more, so your decision on who to hire can greatly influence the outcome of your case.

Continue reading to answer the question, “Should I choose a public defender for my Indiana criminal case to save some money?”, and where to learn more about how to beat your Indiana criminal charges.

Private Indiana Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Private Indiana Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Public Defenders are Qualified Attorneys

It is true that public defenders are real, board-certified attorneys. It is also true that they are free of charge for criminal defendants. Instead, they earn their income through the government, who pays them to defend those who are not capable of retaining a private lawyer. Although it varies among jurisdictions, most often, the defendant themselves are responsible for proving their financial inadequacy for legal representation through tax documents and pay stubs.

Not Everyone Gets a Public Defense Offer

Most often, those who are offered public defense are those who are facing jail time for a misdemeanor or felony offense. For those who are facing minor criminal charges, such as Class C misdemeanors, infractions, and traffic violations, are not likely to be granted public defense. If your income level exceeds the jurisdiction’s cutoff for financial legal aid, then you will likely not be offered a public defender, or may be required to formally request one. It varies from county to county.

Public Defense is a Busy Job

Talk about having a lot of clients. Public defenders are notorious for being overloaded with criminal cases, and therefore, not able to devote a lot of time per defendant. This is extremely detrimental to the outcome of a defendant’s criminal case, since a private criminal defense law firm devotes all of their time to creating the strongest, most impenetrable defense against their client’s criminal charges. Although they know the court system and presiding judges well, they simply do not have the time to ensure your criminal case is viable.

When You Will Be Given the Option

You will be given the option of choosing a public defender usually at your arraignment (pre-trial court appearance) or at the preliminary hearing. Arraignments are held directly after a defendant’s arrest, while initial hearings are generally scheduled between 14 and 24 days, depending on whether the defendant is in jail or not. In some cases, a defendant is assigned a public defender at the arraignment, but then has the option to choose private defense if charges are actually filed against them.

Choose a Certified Criminal Defense Lawyer Who Can Beat Your Indiana Criminal Charges

Call the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with aggressive Indiana criminal defense lawyer who will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. With decades of hands-on experience, you can trust Attorney David E. Lewis to build you a strong and impactful defense against your Indiana criminal charges. Trust our legal professionals to develop a strong defense for your case and work around the clock to place you in the best position possible following an arrest, charge, or conviction in Indianapolis, or throughout the state of Indiana. Request a consultation, today.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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Do I Call a Bail Bondsman or a Lawyer First?

A bail bondsman and a lawyer play two separate roles when it comes to assisting defendants in a criminal case. After your loved one is arrested, or after finding out that you have a warrant out for your own arrest, you might be torn between calling a bail bond company first, or a criminal lawyer. Although both are important, one should come before the other.

Continue reading to learn the order of events that should take place after becoming aware of an arrest warrant, or after your friend or loved one is arrested and taken to jail.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Law Firm
Indianapolis Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

After the Arrest of Another

Let’s start with the arrest of a loved one, whether that be a relative, friend, partner, or spouse. If they are arrested, and you are appointed the duty of managing the situation, your first step is to learn more about their arrest. To do this, you would need to contact the local county jail they are being detained in, and ask the clerk for their information. They should be able to tell you the defendant’s charges, how much the bail has been set for, your options for posting bail, and the jail address and contact information.

However, if the person has just been arrested, it may take a few hours to get this information into the jail database. In this case, it is best to wait an hour or two, and then contact a local bail bond company in the county of the jail. If you are not keen on the particular county of arrest, still contact any local bail bondsman, and they should be able to find all the information you need to begin the bail process for your loved one.

Discovering a Warrant for Your Arrest

When it comes to learning of your own arrest warrant, your first step would be to contact a lawyer, rather than a bail bondsman. A criminal defense lawyer can prearrange a surrender that best accommodates a defendant and their respective families. Otherwise, surrendering to an arrest warrant alone can lead to a longer stint in county holding, and a wider range of inconveniences, such as missing work, losing wages, inability to pay bills, and more.

Where to Find Reputable Indianapolis Criminal Defense You Can Trust

Call the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with aggressive Indiana criminal defense lawyer who will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. With decades of hands-on experience, you can trust Attorney David E. Lewis to build you a strong and impactful defense against your Indiana criminal charges.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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Can My Civil Case Lead to Criminal Charges?

Most people wouldn’t think that entering into a civil lawsuit or mediation would wind up with them facing charges in criminal court, however these scenarios do happen. Continue reading to learn when, and what you should do if your civil case leads to a criminal one.

Indiana Criminal Defense
Indiana Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Civil Court

Small claims court, also known as civil court, deals mostly with civil cases disputing small amounts of money. Civil law is the area of the American legal system that manages disputes or wrong-doings between private parties. A common example of such cases involves property damage, family law and divorce cases, disagreements over property ownership, breach of contracts, landlord cases, wrongful terminations, personal injuries, and similar legal matters.

The dollar limit that defines a small claim is $6,000 or less. However, in Indianapolis, the cap is set at $8,000. Suing for more than these amounts in Indiana will require you to go through a different court system. In most cases, small claims court proceedings are speedy, uncomplicated, and inexpensive. They are also quite informal, so you do not need professional legal counsel, nor extensive knowledge of the law or statutes governing your case.

Criminal Court

There are two primary types of criminal courts in the United States, state courts and federal courts. Of course, within those include appellate courts, district courts, and so on. State courts are established by the state, and may include local courts as well. Local courts are usually established by individual cities, counties, townships, or other types of common municipalities. They adjudicate cases that involve crimes that break laws set and enforced by the state (also known as state laws). In contrast, federal courts are established under the United States Constitution, and adjudicate cases that involve crimes that break laws passed by Congress. See our article, “The Difference Between Federal Law and State Law” to learn more.

When Civil Turns Criminal and Vice Versa

in most scenarios, criminal cases can lead to civil cases. For instance, if Dave punches a guy in a bar, he can be arrested under assault charges, which is a criminal case. If the victim suffers extensive injuries, perhaps a fractured jaw, broken teeth, or permanent scarring, they can choose to file a claim against Dave in civil court to recover compensation for his damages and losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages.

In the opposite scenario, there are times when a civil case can lead to a person being indicted on criminal charges. For example, if Tina files a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend, Jed, but if he violates that order, the civil restraining order case remains, plus he can face criminal charges for violating a protective order.

Where to Get Trusted Criminal Defense in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to learn how you can beat your Indiana criminal charges with aggressive defense. Attorney David E. Lewis is your solution to reducing your sentence, and protecting your freedom. Our Indianapolis criminal defense law firm offers free initial consultations, so you do not have to pay anything to simply talk to a lawyer and get advice on how to approach your charges. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule your online, over-the-phone, or in-office appointment, today.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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How to Meet With Your Criminal Lawyer for the First Time

Most people, especially first-time offenders, are very nervous about the initial meeting with their criminal defense attorney. After all, these are the meetings that set the tone for the rest of the legal process. This anxiety often leaves clients asking a lot of questions, like “What can I expect?”, “What am I responsible for?”, “What do I ask my lawyer?”, “What do I bring with me?” So, if you are preparing to see a criminal defense lawyer for your pending charges, you might be asking these very same questions right now.

Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about meeting with your criminal defense lawyer for the first time.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514
Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

What to Expect at Your First Meeting

Your first meeting with your criminal defense attorney is simply a consultation. That means it will not be as long as your future meetings, nor will it entail a detailed analysis of your criminal charges and defense strategies. Instead, your initial appointment will be more like a meet and greet, in which you will get a chance to get to know your lawyer more, including their hours, pricing models, objectives, lines of communication, and more. You will also get the opportunity to discuss your case and the main facts surrounding your potential penalties and defenses. Most importantly, this meeting will be used to schedule out the rest of your meetings, including a timeline of events.

What to Bring With You

When preparing to meet with your attorney, you will need to ensure you do your part by bringing the proper materials with you. This includes all paperwork you received from your arrest, charges, jail stay, bail, and more.  In addition to these documents, you will also need to bring a valid state identification or driver’s license, and a notepad for taking notes. These are the most important items to have ready when meeting with your criminal defense lawyer.

What to Ask Your Lawyer

In addition to relevant legal documents and identification, you want to also prepare yourself with a list of questions to ask your lawyer. During your initial consult meeting, you will want to address some important topics regarding legal costs, such as lawyer fees, payments, retainer agreements, billing practices, and any other anticipated legal costs. Your attorney will be able to clearly and concisely answer all of your questions regarding billing. After deliberating these topics, it is helpful to discuss what happens next in your case. This will allow you to prepare for your case and follow through with any instructions or advice your lawyer has given you.

Where to Find a Skilled Defense Attorney in Indiana

If you do not already have a licensed criminal defense lawyer working on your case, you need one right away. Contact David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to start building 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 law firm offers free initial consultations, so there are no out-of-pocket obligations to you. Get started protecting your future, today.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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Why Choose David E. Lewis for Indiana Criminal Defense

The Law Firm of David E. Lewis is a trusted criminal defense practice based out of Indianapolis, but represents clients charged with misdemeanor and felony crimes all throughout the state of Indiana. Attorney David E. Lewis, and his team of erudite legal professionals, are well-versed in criminal law. We are passionately dedicated to acting as an advocate for our clients during their legal troubles. We want what’s fair, and will stop at nothing to preserve and protect our clients’ rights following an arrest. But these are not the only reasons why you should choose us for your criminal case in Central Indiana.

Continue reading to learn why so many Hoosiers trust Attorney David E. Lewis with the duty of protecting them against the maximum penalties for their criminal charges.

Experience Matters Most When Choosing an Attorney

David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, has accumulated extensive trial and litigation experience since graduating from Indiana University Law School in 1990. But his aptitude of criminal law doesn’t just stem from education and books, but rather from his real-life experiences and trial situations. His years of hands-on experience and his extensive knowledge of all sides of the law makes him a strong and dependable criminal defense lawyer today. His practice has always included criminal law because he has a sincere passion to help those in crisis. As a Member of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association and Indianapolis Law Club, you can rest assure knowing your future and freedom are in capable and caring hands.

Because of his comprehensive understanding of Indiana criminal law process, he is confident in his ability to obtain exceptional outcomes for his clients no matter how minor or serious their criminal charges are against them. Hire David E. Lewis today so that you can have an increased chance at getting your legal charges dropped or reduced in Indiana. His expertise and compassion are the two principle attributes that set his practice apart from others here in Indianapolis.

Facing an Investigation?

If under investigation or charged with a crime in Indiana, your future and freedom could be in jeopardy. Your next few moves could greatly influence and impact your case, so having an adept defense attorney on your side is a monumental advantage for yourself and your future. Here at The Law Office of David E. Lewis, we are ready to be your number-one advocate through this difficult time in your life.

Attorney David E. Lewis has successfully represented numerous clients facing complex criminal charges in Indiana, and knows how to navigate prefile investigations in his client’s favor. He has a comprehensive understanding of Indiana’s criminal and prosecution process, and can use this behind-the-scenes knowledge to obtain a better-quality outcome to your case.

Get in Touch for a Consultation TODAY

If you do not already have a licensed Indiana criminal defense lawyer working on your case, you need one right away. Contact David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to start building a strong and impactful defense against your Indiana criminal charges so that you have a chance at avoiding the maximum penalties for your suspected crimes. Our law firm offers free initial consultations, so there is no out-of-pocket obligations to you.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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Can a Cop Be Fired for Excessive Use of a Taser?

Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Police officers are an incredible and significant line of defense for our cities and surrounding communities. But sometimes, just as any person in any vocation, cops can make poor choices that result in serious penalties. For instance, using their registered weapons inappropriately. While on-duty, cops are faced with the difficult decision to use their weapons for defense and public safety, including flashlights, nightsticks, Tasers, and of course, firearms.

And how the officer chooses to use their weapons greatly depends on the actions of the suspect or suspects. However, there have been cases where an officer is accused of using their weapons in excess, resulting in unreasonable injury to a person. In these kinds of cases, the question of reasonability commonly arises, as well as, the whether or not the officer should receive a penalty for their actions. One such question arose in the small town of Peru, Indiana, involving a cop, a taser, and an elderly nursing home patient. Continue reading to learn what happened.

PERU CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT and City of Peru v. Gregory MARTIN

No. 52A02–1304–PL–350. Decided: September 03, 2013

In 2012, a Peru City police officer by the name of Gregory Martin was dispatched to Miller’s Merry Manor after a call to 911 was made by a nurse named Adam Chambers. Chambers made the call to request assistance transporting a combative patient to the hospital. The patient was James Howard, a 64 year old Alzheimer’s patient. Upon arrival, Officer Martin was joined by Officer Jeremy Brindle, and they were then escorted to the locked Alzheimer’s ward section of the facility.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

After asking staff to stay back and not intervene, the officers entered Mr. Howard’s room and found him sitting in a chair unclothed, and staring straight ahead. As the officers moved in closer, they ordered Mr. Howard to get on the gurney, but he did not obey the order. Instead, Mr. Howard began “shuffling” toward Officer Brindle with his fists clenched at his sides. Officer Brindle was cornered in a T-section hallway as he tried to grab Mr. Howard’s wrists and handcuff him. Unable to do so, Officer Martin then yelled, “Taser!” and deployed his onto Mr. Howard’s torso. Mr. Howard fell on the floor and laid on his back. He would still not comply with the officer’s commands, and turned over on his belly so he could not be handcuffed. As a result, Officer Martin ended up using the Taser on Mr. Howard 5 times, equaling a deployment of 31 seconds total.

After being admitted to the hospital, Mr. Howard’s injuries were documented, including a black eye, bruising, skin abrasions, and marks on his side. His wife was not pleased with the treatment he received by the officers on call. And for this, she filed a complaint with the Peru City Police Department for excessive use of a taser. An internal investigation followed, putting Officer Martin on administrative leave. The Peru City Police Chief, Chief Hoover, recommended Officer Martin’s termination after deciding he used excessive force with the Alzheimer’s patient. The City of Peru Board of Public Works and Safety conducted a hearing and agreed with Chief Hoover, so Officer Martin was discharged and sought review in the trial court.

After reviewing Officer Martin’s Taser training that specifically teaches that Taser exposure for over 15 seconds, whether due to multiple applications or a continuous one, increases the risk of death or serious injury. The panel concluded, “Substantial evidence supports the Board’s findings, and its decision to terminate Martin for use of excessive force and conduct unbecoming of an officer was not arbitrary and capricious.” He was fired.

Learn the Facts First

Criminal Defense Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

When it comes to brushes with law enforcement, every situation is unique and requires a detailed look at the individual merits involved. For this reason, it is best to discuss your questions, concerns, and criminal charges with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can provide specific information regarding your individual circumstances. Contact David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for experienced Indianapolis criminal defense you can trust.

Do I Have to Answer My Door if it’s the Police?

Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

One of the most common questions received by criminal defense attorneys is, “Am I legally obligated to answer my door if it’s the police?” And it is actually a very good question. Answering the door doesn’t usually cause any sort of alarm for someone, but when it’s the cops knocking, many residents get paranoid. They are concerned that police have the legal right to barge into their home and begin searching for incriminating evidence against them if they open their door. They wonder whether or not opening their door to police allows officers to come inside without permission.

Unfortunately, the answer to these queries are not so cut and dry, but it is easy to understand. Continue reading to learn your rights to such privacy in Indiana, and what to do if you are confronted by law enforcement at your place of residence.

The Fourth Amendment

Every United States citizen has the right to a certain degree of privacy, as alluded to in our country’s constitution under the 4th Amendment, which reads “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, [a] against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.SOURCE

The Right to Decline

Indiana Criminal Defense  317-636-7514

Indiana Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Citizens, in most cases, have the right to legally decline to open the door for law enforcement, as well as, terminate their opportunity for entry (i.e. shut the door after answering it to prevent further communication). However, there are always exceptions to every rule. If law enforcement retains the proper documents, such as search or arrest warrants, they can enter a person’s home, even without permission.

The circumstances vary from case to case, which is why it is imperative to discuss your legal concerns with an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer. They have the knowledge, skills, and local resources to provide accurate answers and professional counsel you can trust.

How to React to Law Enforcement at Your Door

The best way to deal with law enforcement at your door is to simply answer it. If you are not aware of any crimes or charges against you, there should be nothing to worry about. Most often, if you are not suspected of a crime, police are simply in need of some neighborhood information, such as a missing person’s case, abandoned vehicles, and vacated apartment units. Otherwise, the police may believe you could be a witness to another person’s crime, and they need your help. If they do not have a warrant for your arrest, or to search your premises, you can shut the door and terminate your conversation at any time without legal recourse. As soon as the interaction is over, contact your defense attorney for further instructions. The police could be on their way back to the station to secure a warrant in some cases.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Lawyer Indianapolis IN

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for Indianapolis criminal defense you can trust. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to freely discuss the charges against you and the best strategies for defense. We will work around the clock to protect your rights and to preserve your freedoms. Call 317-636-7514 to get started today.

Can College Students Face Academic Consequences for DUI Charges?

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

When a regular person is pulled over and arrested on a drunk driving charge, they are likely to face a long list of criminal and civil penalties. These penalties commonly include a generous combination of the following reprimands: fines, court costs, community service, probation, drug screening, victim impact panels, ignition interlock devices, ankle monitors, diversion programs, substance abuse rehabilitation, and more.

However, if a college student is arrested for drunk driving, they are likely to face additional consequences. Not only will they face criminal and civil penalties, they are at risk of being penalized academically as well. Continue reading to learn which consequences a college student may face after being arrested on a DUI charge.

Academic Penalties for Drunk Driving Charges

The academic penalties for college students arrested on drunk driving charges vary among universities, with consequences ranging in severity from non-existent to major. Some colleges do not punish at all for criminal charges acquired inside or outside of campus, while others only penalize students if their DUI took place on campus grounds. But there are also handfuls of colleges that do reprimand students for drunk driving convictions. Many of these universities require students to be judged at an academic court hearing first, at which their penalties will be decided and handed down. Such penalties commonly include one or more of the following:

✏ Academic Probation
✏ Suspension
✏ Drug Counseling
✏ Campus Community Service
✏ Alcohol Education Classes
✏ Diversion Programs
✏ Fines
✏ Expulsion

Penalties That Can Go Beyond College

Criminal charges of any kind can also have life-long consequences for college students in terms of future and career as well. Depending on the type and severity of the crime, a student’s ability to obtain a certain professional licenses can be impacted or even revoked. Careers such as teaching, certified education, law enforcement, health care professionals, legal professionals, and more could be impossible or difficult to achieve with a criminal record. For this reason, it is critical to retain private legal representation to defend your criminal charges.

Defense for Academic Penalties

If you are a college student that was arrested for a DUI, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer at your academic hearing to help you avoid the maximum penalties. If you know your university reprimands students for criminal convictions, namely drunk driving, it is important to retain legal counsel as soon as possible so your criminal lawyer has time to build you a strong and impactful defense before your academic court hearing.

Indianapolis Criminal 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 if you are facing DUI charges in Indianapolis, Indiana. He will work around the clock, using every resource in his power, to build you the strongest defense against you pending criminal charges. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss your drunk driving charges and the best strategies for defense. Call us at 317-636-7514 to schedule an appointment with an Indianapolis DUI lawyer you can trust.