What to Do If You’re Arrested for Drug Possession in Indiana

Posted on November 6, 2023 by admin

Being arrested for drug possession can be a frightening and disorienting experience, particularly in Indiana where drug laws are notably stringent. This blog post aims to provide you with crucial information and actionable advice to navigate this challenging situation. It is crucial to remember that every decision you make from the moment of your arrest can profoundly impact the outcome of your case.

Understanding your rights, the legal process, and the importance of securing a seasoned criminal defense lawyer will serve as your guiding compass. Read on to equip yourself with knowledge that can make a significant difference in your future.

Call 317-636-7514 to Speak With a Drug Defense Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana

Your Rights as an Arrested Individual

As a citizen of the United States, you have certain constitutional rights that protect you during an arrest. These include the right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. It is essential to exercise these rights immediately after your arrest and not answer any questions or make statements until you have spoken with a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you, so it is best to remain silent until you have legal representation.

How to Behave While Under Arrest

It is crucial to remain calm and cooperative during an arrest. Any resistance or hostility towards law enforcement can escalate the situation and potentially result in additional charges. You have the right to ask why you are being arrested, but it is important to refrain from arguing or attempting to flee. Additionally, do not consent to any searches without a warrant or probable cause as this can also lead to further legal complications.

Understanding Indiana’s Drug Possession Laws

Indiana has strict laws regarding drug possession. Depending on the type and quantity of drugs involved, drug possession can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines. The state categorizes controlled substances into five schedules based on their potential for abuse and medical value. Schedule I drugs, such as heroin and LSD, carry the most severe penalties, while Schedule V substances have less strict sentencing. It is essential to consult with a criminal defense lawyer who is well-versed in Indiana’s drug laws to understand the potential consequences you may face.

What to Do If You’re Arrested

The first thing you should do if you’re arrested for drug possession is to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement. It may be a stressful and overwhelming situation, but it is crucial to remember not to resist arrest or become combative with the authorities. Once you are in police custody, exercise your right to remain silent and do not answer any questions without legal representation.

The Importance of Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer

One of the most critical steps you can take after being arrested for drug possession in Indiana is to hire a criminal defense lawyer. A skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to review your case, build a solid defense strategy, and fight for the best possible outcome on your behalf. They will also ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process. It is not advisable to face drug possession charges alone, as the consequences can be severe without proper legal representation.

Final Thoughts

Being arrested for drug possession in Indiana is a serious matter that requires careful navigation. Knowing your rights, understanding state laws, and seeking the assistance of a criminal defense lawyer are crucial steps you must take to protect yourself and your future. Remember always to remain calm, exercise your right to remain silent, and seek legal representation as soon as possible. With the right knowledge and actions, you can overcome this challenging situation and move forward with your life. So, if find yourself in such a predicament, do not hesitate to reach out for help – it may make all the difference.

If you are facing criminal charges for drugs, it’s essential that you seek the advice of a qualified lawyer as soon as possible. Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a seasoned drug defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm will get you the best possible outcome to your criminal case!

What You Should Know About Indiana’s Drug Schedules

Posted on January 11, 2023 by admin

If you live in Indiana, it is important to be aware of the state’s Drug Schedules. Drug possession and trafficking are serious crimes which can carry severe penalties in Indiana. Drug Schedules classify controlled substances into different categories based on their potential for abuse and medical value. Knowing which drugs fall under each schedule can help you stay informed about drug laws in your state and protect yourself from legal trouble. In this blog post, we will discuss Indiana’s Drug Schedules and what they mean for drug possession cases.

Call 317-636-7514 to Speak With a Drug Charge Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana.

Facts About Drug Scheduling in Indiana

Drug use, possession, or trafficking is illegal in Indiana. The state’s Drug Schedules are determined by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and state law. Schedules are I through V, with schedule 5 drugs being the least potential for abuse.

Schedule I Drugs

Drugs in Schedule I have no medical value, a high potential for abuse, and can lead to addiction. These drugs include heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and marijuana. Possession of these drugs can result in a Level 5 felony with up to six years in prison and fines up to 10,000 dollars.

Schedule II Drugs

Drugs in Schedule II have a lower potential for abuse and are sometimes used in medical treatments such as pain relief. These drugs include codeine, morphine, opium, cocaine, methamphetamine, and hydrocodone. Possession of these drugs can result in a Level 6 felony with up to two-and-a-half years in prison and fines up to 10,000 dollars.

Schedule III Drugs

Schedule III drugs have a relatively low potential for abuse and are sometimes used for medical treatments such as pain relief. These drugs include ketamine, anabolic steroids, testosterone, and some depressants. Possession of these drugs can result in a Level 6 felony with up to two-and-a-half years in prison and fines up to 10,000 dollars.

Schedule IV Drugs

Schedule IV drugs have an even lower potential for abuse than Schedule III drugs and are also sometimes used for medical treatments such as pain relief. These drugs include Xanax, Valium, Ambien, and restoril. Possession of these drugs can result in a Level 6 felony with up to two-and-a-half years in prison and fines up to 10,000 dollars.

Schedule V Drugs

Lastly, Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential for abuse and are used medically often as cough medicines. These drugs include some anti-seizure medications and some anti-nausea medications. Possession of these drugs can result in a Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in prison and fines up to 5,000 dollars.

Facing Drug Charges in Indiana?

Dealing with legal issues is never easy, yet even more so when the matter involves drug-related offenses. If you have been charged and need assistance from a professional, then enlist an experienced criminal defense attorney. These lawyers have experience and knowledge of the court proceedings for such matters, allowing them to effectively represent defendants like yourself no matter what situation you’re in. They will negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit throughout and after the process. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis to ensure that you receive fair treatment and obtain the best possible conclusion to your case.

If you are arrested for a drug crime in Indiana, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed drug defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We can start working on your case TODAY.

How are Drugs Categorized in Indiana?

Posted on November 16, 2021 by admin

In Indiana, a classification system categorizes all illicit drugs and controlled substances according to their risk or potential of abuse and addiction. Drug classifications, referred to as schedules, are numbered on a scale from 1 to 5 and can be influenced by several factors, including the level of tolerance for medical treatment, physical dependency, and psychological dependency.

Although drug schedules are developed and regulated by the Federal government and Indiana legislature, the Indiana State Board of Pharmacy is legally permitted to suggest modifications, additions, and omissions to the state legislature at any time. So, while marijuana may be a Schedule I drug now, by next year it could change without warning.

Continue below to learn about schedule 1 through schedule 5 drugs, including possible sentences for such drug convictions in Indiana.

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State Drug Schedules and Examples

Schedule 5 Drugs

A drug is a Schedule 5 substance if it has lower abuse potential than a Schedule 4 drug, is medically accepted, and is less likely to cause physical or psychological dependency than a Schedule 4 drug. This includes non-narcotics such as Tylenol, Codeine, and similar OTC drugs.

Schedule 4 Drugs

A drug is a Schedule 4 substance if it has lower abuse potential than a Schedule 3 drug, is medically accepted, and causes limited physical or psychological dependency than that of a Schedule 3 drug. This includes drugs like tranquilizers, clonazepam, diazepam, and similar benzodiazepines.

Schedule 3 Drugs

Schedule three drugs are considered to be any drug that has a moderate risk of abuse, but less dangerous than Schedule one and two drugs. This includes drugs like testosterone, anabolic steroids, ketamine, codeine, and Buprenorphine (Suboxone).

Schedule 2 Drugs

Schedule two drugs are considered to be any drug less dangerous than Schedule I drugs. They may have legitimate medical uses, but with a high risk of abuse. Schedule II drugs include cocaine, crack, PCP (phencyclidine), opium, methamphetamines, amphetamines, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, and methadone.

Schedule 1 Drugs

Schedule one drugs are considered to be the most dangerous and have the highest abuse potential. They have a high potential for physical and psychological dependency, with no legitimate medical purposes or uses. Drugs like this include heroin, mescaline, peyote, tetrahydrocannabinols (THC), MDMA (Ecstasy), and LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide).

What to Expect From a Drug Conviction in Indiana

The level of punishment for drug crimes largely depends on two factors: the type of illegal substance and the quantity of it. Such penalties range in severity, from minor fines and short-term probation to first degree felonies and mandatory jail time. Habitual violations for the same offense or drug, as well as various other factors, will also impact the severity of a person’s drug-related sentence.

Are you currently facing drug charges in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for intelligent and skilled drug crime attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent adults and juveniles in drug possession, drug trafficking, and drug manufacturing cases.

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

Attorney David E. Lewis Can Help You With Your Marion County Meth Charges

Posted on May 22, 2020 by admin

If you’ve just been released on bail for crystal meth charges in Marion County, Indiana, a licensed criminal defense attorney is your only chance at avoiding the maximum penalties for your meth charges. Fortunately, the Law Office of David E. Lewis is here to help you defend your Indianapolis drug crimes!

Continue reading to learn how Attorney David E. Lewis and his team can build you a strong and impactful defense to reduce or dismiss your meth amphetamine charges in Marion County.

Indianapolis Meth Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514

Meth Crimes DEMAND Aggressive Criminal Defense

If you were recently charged with possession or attempting to distribute meth, it is vital to hire a seasoned criminal defense lawyer with the skills to build you an impactful defense for the sole purpose of reducing or dismissing your charges, or entering into an alternative sentencing agreement. David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, is your solution to avoiding the maximum penalties for drug charges. Regardless of where your meth amphetamine charges originate from, our esteemed criminal defense law firm can take on your case in Marion County, as well as, throughout all of Indianapolis.

We will work around the clock to ensure your rights are protected and your freedoms are preserved. You don’t want to go to jail, and we don’t want that for you either! Our top priority to avoid jail time. From there, we use every resource and defense in our power to aggressively fight your charges, and reduce your penalties as much as possible. You can potentially avoid heavier fines, extended probation and parole, community service, rehabilitation, and more.

We are a JUDGEMENT-FREE Law Firm

The Law Office of David E. Lewis is dedicated to providing personalized case assistance and legal defense in an environment free of judgement. We are in this profession to help clients get their lives back on track after being charged with a misdemeanor or felony drug crime. Meth amphetamine is a serious drug that can render infinite and permanent life consequences, which is why he is also here to provide clients with resources for addiction counseling and management.

Get in Touch Today to Start Building an Impactful Drug Defense

Call the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to discuss your recent meth charges in Indiana. He is the tough and experienced Indianapolis drug crimes lawyer that will stop at nothing to protect and preserve your constitutional rights. Not only does our law firm invest every ounce of effort we possess into obtaining better-quality outcomes for our client’s cases, we also help our clients get on a path to recovery and rebuilding their lives after a drug addiction or federal charge.

Getting Busted With Heroin in Indiana

Posted on April 5, 2016 by admin

Heroin Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

What was once only a harsh and glorified pop-star drug among the rock and roll crowds is now a popular new attraction for teens and adults alike. We are talking about heroin and opioid usage. It can start out innocently as a prescription to pain medication, or a dare to try something new, and then quickly turn into a life-shattering dependency that seems to take priority over everything and everyone else in life.

The complexities of drug addiction and usage are infinite, and unique to every individual, but when it comes to the law, it’s all across the board. Getting busted with heroin comes with some harsh penalties and consequences, as well as, some unexpected obligations. Continue reading to learn about heroin arrests and who you should talk to if you were recently charged with possession in Indiana.

Heroin Arrests

When a person is arrested for possession of heroin, or any opioid-related crime, it is critical to hire a heroin defense lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced criminal lawyer can build a strong defense against heroin charges, without passing judgement or entertaining rehabilitation. They are only there to get their clients’ charges dismissed or reduced, or obtain the best possible outcome to their case. Never be afraid to call a lawyer for help with your own criminal charges out of fear that they will judge you. This is not how they operate.

In Indiana…

All Heroin Arrests are Felony Offenses. Heroin is a Schedule 1 drug. Even possession under a few grams of heroin is a Level 6 felony. That comes with a potential penalty of 6 months to 2 1/2 years in jail, with an average of one year, as well as, fines probation, court orders, limited freedoms, and more.

Serious Heroin Charges for Trafficking and Possession Can Include Life Sentences. If a person is caught with hundreds of grams of heroin, or caught dealing equivalent amounts, they could face consecutive life sentences and spend
the rest of their natural lives in prison.

Heroin Possession Felonies Can Increase With Enhancements. If a person is arrested for one gram of heroin, they are facing a Level 6 felony, the least serious felony. But if that person was arrested near a school or park, the felony can be bumped to a Level 5 felony. There are several scenarios where enhancements apply.

Enhancements Include:

• Drug Manufacturing
• Possession of Firearm
• Children Present
• Near or On School Grounds
• Priors for Dealing
• Drug-Free Zones
• Dealing to Minors (or 3yrs’ one’s junior)
• 500 Feet of Park or School Bus

A Level 5 Felony for Heroin Possession Includes Jail Time. A person arrested with more than 6 grams of heroin faces a Level 5 felony or worse, depending on the total amount. If under 5 grams, a person can still face a Level 5 Felony or lower with enhancements. Without enhancements, standard penalties or heroin convictions look like this:

Possession Under 5 Grams:
Level 6 Felony
Min 6 Months in Jail – Max 2 ½ Years in Jail
Up to $10,000 in Fines
Probation Up to 2 ½ Years

Possession 5-10 Grams:
Level 5 Felony
Min 1 Year in Jail – Max 10 Years in Jail
Up to $10,000 in Fines
Probation Up to 8 Years

Possession 10-18 Grams:
Level 4 Felony
Min 2 Years in Jail – Max 12 Years in Jail
Up to $10,000 in Fines
Probation Up to 8 Years

Dealing Under 1 Gram:
Level 5 Felony
Min 1 Year in Jail – Max 10 Years in Jail
Up to $10,000 in Fines
Probation Up to 8 Years

Dealing 1-5 Grams:
Level 4 Felony
Min 2 Years in Jail – Max 12 Years in Jail

Dealing 5-10 Grams:
Level 3 Felony
Min 3 Years in Jail – Max 16 Years in Jail

Dealing Over 10 Grams:
Level 2 Felony
Min 10 Years in Jail – Max 30 Years in Jail

Additional Penalties for Heroin Convictions Include: community service, victim impact panels, revoked or suspended driving privileges, ignition interlock devices, ankle monitors, drug and alcohol education, addiction rehabilitation, and more.

Indianapolis Heroin Defense Lawyer

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

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 if you are facing heroin charges in Indianapolis, Indiana. Schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your arrest and charges with a seasoned lawyer you can trust. David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, fights hard to protect his clients’ rights and preserve their freedoms. He works around the clock to obtain the fairest possible outcome for your particular case. Call 317-636-7514 to learn more about heroin criminal defense in Indiana.

INDIANAPOLIS CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

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