Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Criminal Attorney in Indiana

When faced with criminal charges in Indiana, one of the most critical decisions you’ll have to make is selecting a competent criminal attorney to defend your rights. It’s not an easy task – the legal system can be complex and intimidating, especially if this is your first encounter with it. Understanding the function of a criminal defense attorney, the process of hiring one, and what to expect can alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty.

This blog post aims to address some of the most frequently asked questions and concerns individuals have when hiring a criminal attorney in Indiana, providing the information that you need to make an informed decision when it matters most.

Call 317-636-7514 When You Need a Criminal Attorney Near Indianapolis
Call 317-636-7514 When You Need a Criminal Attorney Near Indianapolis

FAQS About Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

What is a Criminal Attorney?

A criminal defense attorney, also known as a criminal defense lawyer, is a legal professional who specializes in defending individuals and organizations charged with criminal offenses. Their primary role is to protect the rights of their clients and ensure they receive fair treatment within the justice system. They are responsible for building strong defenses, negotiating plea deals, and representing their clients in court.

How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Me?

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis can significantly impact the outcome of your case. They have an in-depth understanding of the legal system and know how to navigate it effectively. They will work tirelessly to build a strong defense on your behalf, investigate the evidence against you, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you in court if necessary. They can also advise you on the best course of action, explain your rights, and fight for your freedom.

How Do I Choose a Criminal Attorney?

Choosing the right criminal attorney is crucial to the outcome of your case. It’s essential to do thorough research and consider factors such as their experience, reputation, success rate, areas of expertise, and communication skills. You may also want to schedule consultations with a few law firms to discuss your case and see if you feel comfortable working with them.

What Should I Expect When Working With a Criminal Lawyer?

When working with a criminal lawyer, you can expect them to guide you through the legal process, explain your rights, keep you updated on your case’s progress, and answer any questions or concerns you may have. They will also gather evidence, interview witnesses, and potentially negotiate a plea deal on your behalf. If necessary, they will represent you in court and fight for the best possible outcome.

Is Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney Expensive?

The cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney can vary depending on various factors such as their experience, reputation, location, and complexity of the case. However, it’s important to remember that investing in a skilled and experienced attorney can potentially save you from severe consequences such as jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Additionally, some attorneys may offer payment plans or pro bono services for those who cannot afford their fees.

What Happens if I Can’t Afford a Defense Lawyer?

If you cannot afford a defense attorney, the court may appoint a public defender to represent you. Public defenders are attorneys provided by the government for those who cannot afford private legal representation. While they may not have as much time and resources to devote to each case, they still have the necessary knowledge and experience to defend your rights effectively.

In Summary

Facing criminal charges can be an overwhelming and frightening experience, but having a competent criminal attorney by your side can make all the difference. By understanding the role of a criminal defense attorney, how to choose one, and what to expect when working with one, you can feel more confident in navigating the legal system.

Remember to do thorough research and choose an attorney who will fight for your rights and best interests.   So, don’t hesitate to seek help from a criminal attorney in Indiana if you ever find yourself facing criminal charges.  Your future and freedom are too valuable not to have the best legal representation by your side.

Are you still filled with questions about your recent arrest and criminal charges? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm will obtain the best possible outcome for your criminal case!

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Frequently Asked Questions About No Contest Pleas
7 Questions You Should Ask Your Criminal Defense Lawyer
Frequently Asked Questions About Warrants

Are Dropped Charges the Same as Dismissed Charges?

When criminal charges are no longer being held against you, they have either been dropped or dismissed. Although they render virtually the same results, charges dropped and charges dismissed are two different criminal outcomes. Continue reading to learn the difference between dropped charges and dismissed charges, including the pros and cons of each.

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

The Prosecutor Decides to Drop or Dismiss Charges

In criminal cases, the prosecution holds the burden of proving that the defendant is guilty of the criminal charges. Also known as the People, the State, or in federal cases, the United States, the prosecutor will ultimately make the decision to either drop, dismiss, or pursue the criminal charges against a defendant of the court. If the prosecutor chooses to pursue the criminal charges against a defendant, they must prove every element of the criminal act beyond a reasonable doubt. Because this is a challenging burden to undertake, prosecution will sometimes choose to drop or dismiss the criminal charges instead.

Criminal Charges That Are Dropped

Criminal charges can be dropped before or after charges have been filed with the court. The most common reason why charges are dropped in criminal cases is due to insufficient evidence. As we mentioned before, prosecutors have the burden of proving every single factor of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If there are holes in their case against the defendant, they may lack confidence in their ability to prove their assertions beyond a reasonable doubt.

Additional reasons why prosecutors might drop charges include errors in law enforcement procedures and violation of amendment rights, specifically 4th, 5th, and 6th. Sometimes, courts, prosecutors, and government offices have heavy caseloads but not enough resources to deal with them all. This might lead a prosecutor to drop criminal charges the defendant. In other cases, a criminal defendant might have information that can help law enforcement pursue bigger criminal cases. If the defendant is willing to help, they might be offered a deal that involves dropping their criminal charges.

Criminal Charges That Are Dismissed

Criminal charges are usually dismissed for the very same reasons they are dropped, and lack of evidence is still the most common. The main different between dropped criminal charges and dismissed criminal charges is where they occur in the timeline of the judicial process. Dismissed charges generally don’t take place until later on, after the judge or prosecutor realizes they don’t have what they need to prove that the defendant is guilty of the alleged crimes. Oppositely, charges can be dropped before anything is even filed with the court.

Further distinctive of dropped charges, dismissed charges can be ordered by the judge rather than the prosecution. If the judge feels that there are holes in the case, they might override the process and dismiss the charges themselves.

Pros and Cons

Although hypothetical, if you could choose, you would want your charges to be dismissed. When charges are dropped against a defendant, prosecution still has the opportunity to reinstate their criminal charges later on. This might happen if they gather more sufficient evidence against you, allowing them to build a stronger case that proves you are guilty of the alleged crimes. When charges are dismissed, they typically stay dismissed for good.

Are you ready to fight your current criminal charges 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!

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How a Pretrial Diversion Program May Reduce Your Sentence
Should I Plead No Contest if My Criminal Charge is Minor?
Why Was My Plea Deal Rejected By the Judge?

Do I Have to Let Police in My House if They Show Up With a Search Warrant?

Law enforcement can certainly be intimidating. Even if you are compelled to oblige by all their commands and requests, do you legally have to? This is a common conundrum for those who are faced with a search warrant at home. Are you required under law to let the police inside your house if they have a search warrant? What might happen if you refuse? Do you have the right to refuse and later appeal a search warrant in court?

Continue reading to learn what you should do if the cops show up at your place of residence with a valid search warrant signed by a judge or magistrate.

Arrest Warrant Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Arrest Warrant Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Search Warrant Facts

In order to get a search warrant, police must submit an affidavit to a judge explaining in great detail the property to be searched, what they are looking for within the property, which property they intend to seize, which type of crime is related to the location of the search, and more. Upon approval of probable cause, a judge will sign a search warrant, which is a court order giving law enforcement authority to explore whatever property stated within the warrant decree.

Any property or areas of the home that are not specifically listed in the search warrant cannot be legally searched by police. However, there is an exception to this rule. It is known as the plain view doctrine. Basically, if something illegal is in plain sight during the process of executing a search warrant, police can further investigate that area under reasonable suspicion.

Police may have a court order to search vehicles, homes, computers, cell phones, storage units, sheds, barns, greenhouses, safes, and more. Once approved and signed by a judge, police have ten days to execute a search warrant, and they can choose to execute a search warrant any time of day or night, including times they know the property will be vacant or unsupervised.

You see, one important fact you need to know about search warrants is that most of them give police permission to search the property without the owner’s permission. Some will have a “knock and announce” rule, but most judges eliminate this rule these days. Even with the rule, there are exceptions.

So, what does all this mean for you if police show up to your home with a search warrant signed by judge? It means that you must comply or else face additional legal consequences.

Consequences of Obstructing a Search Warrant

There are serious consequences that come with obstructing a search warrant. Most often, those who refuse to allow police to come inside their home or behave in a way that is disruptive to the execution of a search warrant, can be arrested for criminal offenses like disorderly conduct, obstruction of due process, contempt of court, and much more.

If this has happened to you recently, or if you are dealing with any type of arrest or bench warrant, it is important to retain a licensed Indiana criminal defense attorney who can fight your charges and help you avoid the maximum penalties you are facing.

Are you facing criminal charges or an arrest warrant? 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:

What to Do if You Just Found Out About Your Arrest Warrant
The Difference Between Arrest Warrants and Bench Warrants
The 3 Elements of a Valid Search Warrant

How to Keep Yourself Safe During a Cop Stop

From police brutality and abuse of authority to the BLM movement and beyond, cop stops have taken on a more serious stigma in recent times. If not careful, anyone may potentially be subjected to an unsafe cop stop. In just a few short moments, police encounters can evolve into dangerous and self-incriminating situations for those who are being detained.

Continue reading to learn how to keep yourself safe during a cop stop, plus who to contact in Indiana if you have been wrongfully charged with a crime or mistreated by law enforcement during an arrest.

Wrongful Arrest Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Wrongful Arrest Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Ways to Stay Safe During a Police Encounter

Whether you are being pulled over in your vehicle by a police officer on the road, stopped by a law enforcement official on the street for questioning, or visited by one at your house, there are plenty of Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind in order to keep yourself safe from harm and undo arrest. Even if you are visiting the police station to be interviewed for information you might have on recent crime, it is important to utilize these tips for the same reasons.

What To Do During a Cop Stop

In the case of all police encounters, these are the top 4 most important things to do to keep yourself safe from harm or an unjust arrest:

☑ SHOW YOUR HANDS
☑ KEEP STILL
☑ STAY CALM
☑ BE PATIENT

Getting Pulled Over in Your Car

If you are getting pulled over by a police officer while driving, begin to slow down at a safe pace, then immediately pull over to the right side of the road. Remain in the driver’s seat until the law enforcement official approaches. Never attempt to get out of your car nor switch spots within the vehicle.

If the police officer asks to search your car, you can legally tell them no. They may search your car anyway; in such case, it is important to remain calm and continue cooperating. You can safely address this wrongdoing later on with an attorney by your side.

In the case that a police office suspects you have been drinking alcohol and wants you to take a breathalyzer or field sobriety test, if you do not comply, your drivers’ license will be automatically suspended for 6 months. This is an agreement you make when you register your vehicle with the state. If this happens, you have 10 days from the time of arrest to have it reinstated. If you miss the deadline, you may qualify for other possible drivers’ license options following a DUI.

Being Frisked By Police

When being searched and patted down by a police officer, it is important to demonstrate the top four key principles, which include keeping your hands visible, keeping still, staying calm, and being patient. You never want to resist when a cop is trying to pat you down or search you.

Being Visited at Your House By a Cop

If a cop decides to come by your home to question you or serve you, it is important to first ensure they are actually an official law enforcement officer. This is easy to do with a polite and simple request to view their badge. Never have an attitude with the police officer at your door.

You do not have to allow the police officer inside unless they have a search warrant. Be sure to check that it is a valid search warrant if a cop declares they have one. It is also recommended to ask another occupant (preferably an adult) within the home to join you as a witness to the encounter.

Getting Arrested During a Traffic Stop

In the case that you are being arrested after being pulled over by police, there are a few things you can do to ensure the best possible outcome in addition to the four key principles mentioned before. First ask the police office to lock your vehicle. The cops may allow you to do it yourself if you are cooperating and being polite.

Obey the police officer to the fullest extent but remain as quiet as possible. Try not to ignore them if they’re asking questions. You can simply state, “I am not trying to be rude, but I do not wish to speak until my lawyer is present.” Never resist or attempt to put your hands on a police officer during cop traffic stop. Simply remain calm and still. If you are minor, ask the police officer if you can call your parents.

Do you believe that you are wrongly arrested and charged with a crime in Indiana? Do you believe you were illegally mistreated during a cop stop? 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.

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Can a Cop Be Fired For Inappropriately Using a Non-Lethal Weapon?
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Can My Lawyer Get Me Out of Jail?

Being arrested and taken to jail for any crime is a startling experience, whether it’s a first arrest or a fifth. In all cases of arrest, the first question that comes to a defendant’s mind is, “how can I get out of jail as soon as possible?” With family at home and work on the line, getting out of jail quickly should be a top priority. Although many people turn to their own social and familial circles to arrange bail bond services for their release from jail, a lawyer can do this much faster and with a higher level of security.

Continue reading to learn how your lawyer can get you out of jail, and where to find a top criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Bail Bond Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Bail Bond Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Attorneys Work Faster and Smarter

In the case that you are arrested or surrendering to an arrest warrant, it is important to hire a seasoned criminal defense attorney to represent your case. Regardless of the severity of your criminal charges, a lawyer can significantly reduce or even to dismiss your sentence. It is always in the best interest of your future and your freedoms to retain professional legal counsel after being charged with a crime in Indiana.

With this in mind, you can help your friends and family by relieving them of the responsibility of getting you out of jail. Rather than your friends or family members calling a bail bond company in arranging bail bond service, you can simply go straight to the best legal resource which is your higher cripple defense attorney.

Your First Call After Being Arrested

After being arrested, your first priority should be to contact a veteran criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis. They can get you out of jail quickly because they have long-standing connections and good relationships with the local jails and courts. If you are preparing to surrender to an arrest warrant, you can hire and meet with your attorney beforehand, which significantly reduces the arrest warrant surrender and bail bond process time.

Here’s what a criminal defense attorney can do for you after being arrested:

They can arrange or bail bond.

They can waive my registration on your behalf.

They can establish a pretrial release.

If your bond is too high, they can motion for a bond reduction hearing.

Are you ready to hire a criminal defense attorney to help you surrender to an arrest warrant in Indianapolis? 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.

You Should Also Read:

What is the Criminal Bail Bond Process in Indiana?
Do I Call a Bail Bondsman or a Lawyer First?
When You Might Go to Jail for a DUI

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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The Law Office of David E. Lewis Has Moved to a New Location!

156 East Market Street Suite 900
Indianapolis, Indianapolis 46204

The Law Office of esteemed criminal defense lawyer, David E. Lewis, has officially moved to a new easy-to-find Indianapolis location! Clients will enjoy several free amenities and conveniences our new office location has to offer, including free parking, easy navigation, serene landscaping, clean and comfortable lobby, and much more. Best of all, our new office location is nearby a plethora of wonderful downtown Indianapolis restaurants, shopping, and activities, which means you can take a well-deserved break after a meeting with your compassionate legal team.

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

Here is our new office contact information:

156 East Market Street Suite 900
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Phone: 317-636-7514

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday: Appointments Available
Sunday: Closed

The Law Office of David E. Lewis aggressively represents all state and federal criminal cases, including DUI charges, marijuana charges, heroin charges, cocaine charges, theft charges, white collar crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes, misdemeanor charges, felony charges, domestic violence charges, probation or parole violation charges, and much more. Although we represent several areas of criminal law, we specialize in drunk driving defense, so if you are charged with a DUI or OWI, we can conceivably help you avoid jail time and possibly lower or dismiss your charges.

When it comes to achieving the best possible outcome in court after being charged with a crime in Indiana, Attorney David E. Lewis is the obvious choice for criminal defense. If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges, trust David E. Lewis to build an impactful and strong defense to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms.

Who is Attorney David E. Lewis?

David E. Lewis is a seasoned criminal defense attorney with more than 25 years of experience practicing criminal law in Indiana. After graduating from Indiana University in 1987 with a degree in Political Science, he was accepted into Indiana University Law School. While attending law school, he not only worked as a bailiff for the Marion County Superior Court III, he also worked in the Marion County Public Defenders’ Office. Upon graduating from law school in 1990, David E. Lewis was ready to help Hoosiers everywhere avoid the maximum penalties for their criminal charges. Attorney David E. Lewis’s compassion for those facing criminal charges runs deep, as does his drive to protect their rights and preserve their freedoms.

For this reason, he started out working as a Master Commissioner for the Marion County courts, strictly presiding over criminal cases. Through these years, he was able to gain an extensive amount of knowledge and experience of all sides of the law, making him a strong and effective counselor. From there, he knew he wanted to do more for people in need of compassionate criminal defense. So, he began his own criminal defense practice, and over the past two decades, has now helped thousands of Indiana defendants reduce or dismiss their criminal charges. He is an upstanding member of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, as well as, the Indianapolis Law Club. He works around the clock for his clients to ensure their rights and freedoms are protected, and that they receive the most favorable outcome possible in court for their particular criminal charges.

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
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

The Difference Between a No Contact and Protective Order

Many people assume that a No Contact Order is the same legal action as a Protective Order. The truth is, they are two different types of legal actions, yet very similar. Continue reading to learn the difference between the two, including the common Indiana penalties for violating such orders.

Protective Order Violation Criminal Defense
Protective Order Violation Lawyer 317-636-7514

Protective Orders

A protective order is a civil-based court order of protection that is signed by a judge, ordering a recognized “perpetrator”, or respondent, to stay away from the petitioner, or protected party. When a person fears that another individual is going to physically hurt them, they can file a petition with the civil court explaining their “fear of imminent bodily injury” and how a legal order is the only way to put an immediate end to their danger.

The courts can order specific legal boundaries for the respondent, including city zones, residences, family members, and more. Often times, a judge will simply order a respondent to keep a specified distance away from the petitioner at all times, such as 500 feet.

No Contact Orders

No contact orders are very similar to protective orders, since they are both signed by a judge and approved in a court or law. However, no contact orders are requested by a prosecutor in a criminal case, not by a petitioner, also making them criminal-based orders rather than civil-based ones.

When alleged victims are involved in criminal cases, more often than not, no contact orders are issued at the same time criminal charges are filed against a defendant. And in most cases, these orders stay in effect throughout the case and for as long as the defendant’s sentence.  No contact orders can generally be terminated beforehand if a person from the protected party is willing to testify that it is no longer necessary.

Invasion of Privacy Charges

If a respondent violates any aspect of a no contact order or protective order, they are committing a crime and criminal charges will be filed against them. Generally, the crime is Invasion of Privacy, which can be a misdemeanor or felony charge. Physical contact is not the only way a respondent can violate an order as well. For example, other forms of violation can include:

☛ Direct contact (i.e. same vicinity, physical, eye-to-eye, etc.)
☛ Phone contact (i.e. calls, voicemails, text messages, email, etc.)
☛ Indirect contact (i.e. mail, sending flowers, leaving notes, etc.)
☛ 3rd party contact (i.e. sending messages through mutual friends) |
☛ Social media contact (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, Gmail, apps, etc.)
☛ And More

Indiana Criminal Defense Law Firm

Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a consultation with aggressive criminal defense attorney, David E. Lewis. He will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms after being charged with invasion of privacy in Indianapolis. With decades of hands-on experience, you can trust Attorney David E. Lewis to build you a strong and impactful defense against your criminal charges.

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.

Your Social Media Activity Can and WILL Be Used Against You in Court

Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snap Chat, and so on. There are numerous social media platforms to choose from. But just because you set your preferences to “private” doesn’t mean your social media is truly protected and hidden from others. Anything you choose to put on the internet is documented forever, and out there for the public to see. And people are now starting to realize this as prosecutors are using social media activity against defendants more and more. And they are doing this within their legal means. Continue reading to learn how social media can be used against you in court.

Social Media is Evidence

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

The government, social services, law enforcement, and of course, the court system, can legally use a person’s social media activity as evidence in a court of law or for other case proceedings. These agencies can easily prove that incriminating statements found on your social media pages came from your device and were posted by you by using certain identifying information. This includes your unique IP address, IP history, and Meta Data. This provides dates, times, locations, email addresses, connected accounts, cloud information, and more.

For instance, if you posted an image of you vandalizing school property on Instagram, and later arrested as a suspect for the crime, prosecution CAN and WILL use those pictures as evidence that you are guilty. And the evidence will be admissible in court.

In another example, if a person posts a statement bragging about beating someone up, their post can be used against them to prove that they are guilty of assault. On the other hand, if you were arrested as a suspect for a crime, but your social media places you in a different city or state at the time that the crime took place, you could be dropped as a suspect.

Social Media Advice

Be careful what you post online, especially if you are involved in any type of legal battle. The information you think is private is not private to everyone. And even if you delete posts, they still exist in IP history (which you cannot access and permanently delete either) for quite some time. If you are facing criminal charges, it is best to avoid social media use altogether. Law enforcement does need a warrant to investigate a defendant’s social media, but these are easy for them to acquire, and they will do it. This applies to court cases for child custody, divorce, and much more. Social media is so widely-used by people of all ages, it is a huge source of evidence in many types of court cases.

Criminal Defense in Indiana

Criminal Defense Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you were recently arrested for a crime, and now facing criminal charges in Indiana. He is an aggressive and experienced criminal defense lawyer that will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. He offers free initial consultations, so get in touch today! Let him build a strong and impactful defense on your behalf, and guide you in the direction of your best interests. Call 317-636-7514 to get started right away.

What Can a Criminal Lawyer Do That a Public Defender Can’t?

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Every person who is being prosecuted in our country for a felony offense has the right to an attorney. This right is clearly outlined in the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution. And if you listen closely to the Miranda Rights, you will hear the famous line, “If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you.” And this is exactly how a public defender works. Public defenders are lawyers employed under a Federal system or publicly-funded public defender’s office, and assigned to felony offenders that cannot afford to pay for a private attorney.

After being arrested or indicted on criminal charges, you may choose to accept the counsel of a public defender, free of charge, or hire a personal criminal defense lawyer, out-of-pocket. Continue reading to learn the difference between the two types of counsel.

Public Defender

If you choose to accept the help of a public defender, you are taking a huge risk with your case. Under the counsel of a public defender, your case is very likely to be handed off to another person or group of people who are unfamiliar with the details of your case. This includes paralegals, assistants, investigators, and more. Not only do they do most of the work for a public defender, they do not take a personal interest in their clients’ cases either. They simply cannot with the massive amounts of traffic they receive. This means every defendant that gets put on their desk is treated as just another name and number, rather than a real person with real feelings.

Private Attorney

A criminal defense lawyer will not be handing your case off, or delegating major duties to someone else. They do all the work and investigation themselves, allowing them to be adept in all areas and details of your case. They have a connection to each client and their case, and works only in the direction of their clients’ best interests. Private attorneys can give more time and attention, and take a personal interest in the outcome of their clients’ cases. Although they are not free of charge, and often costly, it is one of the most worthwhile investments you can make for your future and the future of your family. In order to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms, always choose a criminal defense lawyer with experience.

David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law

David E. Lewis Criminal Defense Attorney

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

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law at 317-636-7514 of you are facing felony criminal charges in Indianapolis, Indiana or any of its surrounding towns. He is a seasoned criminal defense lawyer with extensive trial and litigation experience. He offers aggressive representation, working around the clock to build you an impactful and strong defense. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation, today.