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

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 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!

Related Posts:

How to Request Early Termination of Probation in Indiana
How to Reduce Your Criminal Charges
What Happens if I Violate My Probation in Indiana?

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

Can I Get Immunity for Testifying Against Another Person?

When you are charged with the crime, your first thought might lean toward your Fifth Amendment right. What is your Fifth Amendment right? Well, under the United States Constitution, your Fifth Amendment right provides you with protection against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and more. Under the 5th Amendment, a person cannot be tried twice for the same crime, nor can they be forced to testify against themselves. Lastly, it protects defendants against be deprived of life, liberty, or property prior to due process of the law.

So, how does your Fifth Amendment right relate to being granted immunity in a criminal case for testifying against someone else? Continue reading to find out.

Immunity Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Immunity Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Testifying for Immunity in a Criminal Case

As a citizen of the United States, you are protected against self-incrimination. This means that you cannot be forced to provide information that directly incriminates yourself or respond in a way that will lead to the discovery of evidence that can potentially incriminate you. This is why you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney at the moment you are arrested and read your Miranda Rights. Although law enforcement and courts encourage you to tell the full truth and confess to the crimes you are guilty of, you cannot be forced by law to do so.

How does this relate to exchanging your testimony for immunity in your own criminal case? Well, sometimes prosecution will make a deal with a defendant who is suspected of particular crime or criminal activity by offering them immunity in exchange for testimony against another suspected criminal or crime leader. This prosecutor strategy is typically used with large drug trafficking and sex ring cases, or in criminal cases involving black market operations.

2 Types of Immunity

There are two common types of immunity offered by prosecution in criminal cases: Total Immunity and Use and Derivative Use Immunity. Total immunity, also known as transactional immunity, refers to an arrangement that gives a suspect complete protection against being charged at any point in the future based on matters related to their testimony.

Use and derivative use immunity is a similar arrangement to total immunity, but with more restriction, which is why it is the more common type offered in criminal cases. A person who is granted this type of immunity will be protected against being charged by prosecution based on statements, or any evidence uncovered from their statements, given in their immunized testimony.

Who is Granted Immunity in Indiana?

In order to be eligible for immunity, you must have valuable information against another serious offender in Indiana. Furthermore, prosecution must believe that your information can help them bring about a case or serve as concrete evidence against said suspected criminal. Keep in mind that there are limitations and rules that go along with this type of legal arrangement. After all, immunity is more of an inventive for prosecution, who uses it as a tool to get what they want.

Once a person is granted immunity, they must testify in court against the person they have information on. If the person refuses to testify after being given immunity, they will be held in contempt of court. Furthermore, being granted immunity does not mean that a person is entirely cleared. Prosecution could later indict an immunized witness, so long as prosecution and law enforcement can prove that the case is based exclusively on evidence separate from the witness’s immunized testimony.

Being granted immunity in exchange for testimony in Indiana is rare. If you are facing minor criminal charges, it is not likely that prosecution will want your testimony unless you do have information on a serious criminal ring or offender in Indiana. It is important to speak with your Indiana criminal defense lawyer to understand your rights and best options for defense during the criminal justice process.

What Does Immunity Mean?

If a person is granted immunity in exchange for their testimony against another suspected criminal in Indiana, it means that the testimony they provide cannot be used as evidence to support further criminal charges or an indictment against them.

So, if a defendant admits to burglarizing a convenience store while testifying against another person, prosecution cannot file charges against them for burglary if they are giving their testimony in exchange for immunity.

In another example, if the defendant admits to fleeing the state while on parole, they cannot be charged with a parole violation afterwards if such confessions were provided during a testimony in exchange for immunity.

Are you currently facing criminal charges in Indiana but have no idea what to do? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to connect with one of our esteemed criminal defense attorneys in Indianapolis, Indiana. We can meet over the phone, via online video conference, or in person at our office.

You Should Also Read:

What You Need to Know About Immunity in a Criminal Case
Proper Conduct for a Trial Witness
What is a Commuted Sentence?

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

Indiana Laws Regarding Knives and Blades

Whether you’re a hunter, Boy Scout, fisherman, or simply a weapon enthusiast, it is important for you to understand the laws surrounding knife ownership, concealment, and possession here in Indiana. Regardless of our Second Amendment rights, one can still be in violation of these laws, even without knowing it.

Continue reading to review the top Indiana laws regarding knives and blades, and who to call if you were recently charged with the knife offense.

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

Knife Laws in Indiana

There are various laws that regulate the ownership and possession of knives and blades in Indiana. Everything from how long the blade is allowed to be to where you’re allowed to carry it, and everything in between, knife laws are very serious in our state. If you are caught in violation of any knife laws, you could face certain penalties, such as fines and repossessions, or perhaps even criminal charges if the offense is particularly serious. Some knife violations are actually felony offenses, which can lead to jail time and much more.

Here are the knife facts you need to know in Indiana:

Switch Blades

A switchblade knife is a knife that has a button on the handle, and when you push it, the knife opens up with the spring action. Here in Indiana, switchblade used to be legal, until 2013 when they were allowed to be sold and possessed once again.

Knife Concealment and Length

Although some states have laws regulating how long blades are allowed to be an laws that require concealment when carrying a knife, Indiana does not have any laws like this. You are not legally required to conceal your knife when carrying it in public, nor are you limited to how long you want your blade. Many knife enthusiasts here in Indiana alone machetes, swords, and similar collectible pieces, and it’s perfectly legal.

Concealment Exceptions in Indiana

Although you don’t have to have your knife concealed or partially concealed when clipped to your belt or pants, there are some exceptions to this leniency. You are not allowed to carry or reveal a knife on school property, school buses, nor in airports, courthouses, or any of the places where it states that it’s strictly prohibited. Under Indiana Code 35-47-5-2.5, violating these laws would be a Class B misdemeanor.

Reckless Behavior and Violent Crimes

Here in Indiana, use of an edged weapon of any kind in a way that is violent, aggressive, or threatening is illegal and a felony.

Detachable Blades

Knives with detachable blades also have strict regulations. According to Indiana Code 35-47-5-2, you cannot display, possess, manufacture, or sell knives with detachable blades. The charge for this offense would be a Class B misdemeanor.

Chinese Throwing Stars

Chinese throwing stars are illegal in Indiana. You cannot own, sell, or manufacture Chinese throwing stars in our state, nor any weapon with blades placed at different angles. The penalty is a Class C misdemeanor. Indiana Code 35-47-5-12

Were you convicted of misdemeanor or felony weapons crime? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for superior Indianapolis IN criminal defense that will reduce or dismiss your criminal charges, and avoid jail time. We offer free initial consultations.

You Should Read:

Brief Explanation of Indiana Gun Laws
Can a Cop Be Fired For Inappropriately Using a Non-Lethal Weapon?
Are You Innocent of a Recent Criminal Charge in Indiana?

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

What You Need to Know About Receiving a Notice of Deposition

Did you just receive a notice of deposition in the mail, and you have no idea what it means or what you should do next? If so, you are just like millions of other deponents who have stood where you are standing now. There is no shame in being confused or scared about your obligation to fulfill your deposition duties. By preparing yourself ahead of time, which involves understanding what to expect and how to cooperate, you can ease the anxiety you might feel about being a testifier in a criminal court case, plus ensure a successful experience.

Continue below to learn what you need to know about receiving a Notice of Deposition, and where to find trusted criminal lawyer advice in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Indianapolis Criminal Trial Lawyer
Indianapolis Criminal Trial Lawyer 317-636-7514

Why Did You Get a Notice of Deposition?

There are a few different reasons why courts use Notices of Depositions. The most likely reasons why you have received one is because the courts want to know what you know, and/or preserve your testimony for use later on, either for the actual trial or when motions are filed with the court. The authority who sent you the Notice of Deposition wants your official testimony because they think it will help prove their case. Even if you are not a party to the case, the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure makes it legal for the parties involved to call upon the testimony of any person within 20 days of the commencement of the case.

How to Prepare for Being Deposed

You will be asked a series of questions, and expect to answer them clearly and in detail. So, prepare mentally for this interrogation-like setting. To best prepare, you should hire a defense lawyer to help you understand what to expect and how to behave during your deposition. Furthermore, they can defend you in the case that you are wrongly targeted or cornered into doing something you are not comfortable doing.

Here are some additional tips for a successful deposition:

Be Entirely Honest. Prior to giving your testimony, you will be sworn in under oath. For this reason, you do not want to lie or embellish about anything, as you could be found guilty of perjury, which comes with a lengthy punishment sheet. Be truthful with your answers, and simply answer, “I am not sure” if you do not know the answer.

Take Your Time Answering. Do not just blurt out your answers off the top of your head. The written court transcript does not show time lapses between the question and the given answer, so you can take as much time as you need. Think carefully about your answer, and do not use “uh-huh’s” and short, one-word answers. Be throughout.

Only Answer the Given Question. You do not want to offer more information than what was asked of you. Do not volunteer extra information; only answer the question that was asked. Furthermore, only answer what you actually know. Do not try to fill-in pieces of information, no matter how arbitrary or unimportant it might seem to you. Be clear, honest, and precise with your answers.

Are you looking for a trusted criminal lawyer for help with your deposition or legal case? Contact David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free consultation with an aggressive Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer who can defend you against wrongful prosecution.

You Should Also Read:

The Importance of Witness Depositions in a Criminal Case
The Top Three Rules for Testifying in Court
Can a Child Be a Witness in a Criminal Case?

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

Were You Charged With Misdemeanor or Felony Theft in Indiana?

Contact Attorney David E. Lewis if Were Arrested on for a Theft Crime in Indiana

Whether you have pending shoplifting, robbery, burglary, or grand theft auto charges, our skilled Indianapolis criminal defense legal teams are aggressive, and can build you a strong and impactful defense to protect you from the maximum penalties for your theft charges in Indiana.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514
Theft Crime Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Indiana Theft Charges are No Match for Attorney David E. Lewis

When it comes to theft charges, it is critical to choose the right defense attorney to preserve and protect your rights. David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, provides a level of defense that few other firms can match. He will build a strong argument for your case to gain a more promising outcome for you and your future.

Whether arrested for burglary or grand theft auto, our Indianapolis Indiana criminal defense law firm has the drive and determination necessary to reduce theft charges, dismiss cases, or enter into an alternative sentencing agreement. Our esteemed and seasoned legal teams will stop at nothing to win a more successful outcome in court for you. We work hard to protect our client’s well-being, future, and good name.

Sentences for Theft Crimes in Indiana

In Indiana, shoplifting (or theft) will get you anywhere from Class A Misdemeanor, all the way up to a Level 5 felony. The level of punishment for shoplifting depends on the total value of the items or goods stolen.

► Stolen Property Less than $750 = Class A Misdemeanor
► Stolen Property Between $750 – $50,000 = Level 6 Felony
► Stolen Property Greater Than $50,000 or a Motor Vehicle = Level 5 Felony

Preserving Your Rights and Protecting Your Freedoms After a Theft Arrest in Indiana

Attorney David E. Lewis and his seasoned staff of legal professionals know exactly how the criminal law process works here in Indiana, and on a Federal level. Our law firm has a full understanding of courtroom strategies and tactics, and remain current and well-versed in criminal legislation. Whether you are facing grand theft auto, robbery, shoplifting, burglary, or some other petit grand theft crime that falls between, our acute knowledge and years of hands-on experience gives us the litigation skills needed to get the best possible resolution to your Indiana criminal case. Attorney David E. Lewis stops at nothing to make sure your rights are protected, and your freedoms preserved. This means avoiding jail time.

Arrested for theft crimes in Indianapolis, Indiana? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free case evaluation online, over-the-phone, or in-person at our Indianapolis office.

You Should Also Read:

The Difference Between Car Theft and Grand Theft Auto
Standard Indiana Penalties for Theft Convictions
Typical Sentence for Indiana Shoplifting Charge

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