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Crucial Steps to Take After Getting Arrested for a Felony in Indiana

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Facing a felony charge in Indiana can be a daunting and life-altering experience. Your decisions immediately following an arrest can significantly influence the course of your case. Understanding the steps to take can be pivotal in safeguarding your rights and building a strong criminal defense.

This blog aims to shed light on these essential steps and provide guidance to navigate the often complex landscape of felony charges and potential conviction. It’s crucial to remember that every situation is unique, and this advice should be seen as a general guide, not a substitute for professional legal advice.

Call 317-636-7514 When You Need a Felony Criminal Defense Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana
Call 317-636-7514 When You Need a Felony Criminal Defense Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana

How to Manage a Felony Arrest With Success

Seek Legal Representation Immediately

The first and most crucial step to take after getting arrested for a felony criminal charge in Indiana is to seek legal representation immediately. The state of Indiana has strict laws when it comes to felony charges, and without proper legal counsel, you could face severe consequences. A skilled criminal defense attorney will understand the nuances of the law and have experience defending against similar charges. They can advise you on the best course of action and protect your rights throughout the legal process.

Remain Silent

After being arrested, it’s essential to remain silent until your attorney is present. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so it’s crucial not to incriminate yourself by speaking without legal counsel present. This includes speaking with law enforcement, jail staff, or other inmates. It’s best to exercise your right to remain silent and wait for your attorney’s guidance.

Understand Your Charges

Understanding the specific felony charge brought against you is crucial in building a strong defense. In Indiana, felonies are classified into six levels, with Level 1 being the most severe and Level 6 being the least severe. The penalties for each level vary greatly, with Level 1 felonies carrying a prison sentence of up to 40 years and fines of up to $10,000. Your attorney can help you understand the charges against you and the potential consequences if convicted.

Attend All Court Appearances

It’s essential to attend all court appearances after being charged with a felony. Failure to appear can result in additional charges and penalties, including an arrest warrant being issued. Your attorney will advise you on when and where you need to appear, as well as how to conduct yourself in court. It’s crucial to remain respectful and follow any instructions given by the judge or courtroom staff.

Consider Bail Options

After your arrest, you may be able to post bail and be released from custody until your trial. There are various types of bail options available, including surety bonds, cash bonds, property bonds, and release on recognizance (ROR). Your attorney can help you understand the different options and determine which one is best for your situation. If unable to afford bail, your attorney can also argue for a reduction in bail amount or for you to be released on your recognizance.

Follow Your Attorney’s Advice

Throughout the legal process, it’s crucial to follow your attorney’s advice. They have your best interests in mind and will guide you through each step of your case. It’s important not to make any decisions without consulting with them first, as even seemingly insignificant actions could have severe consequences. Trust in your attorney’s experience and expertise to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Final Thoughts

Being arrested for a felony in Indiana is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. By following these crucial steps, you can protect your rights and work towards building a strong criminal defense with the help of an experienced attorney. Remember to remain calm, seek legal representation immediately, and follow your attorney’s advice throughout the process. With a strong defense and the right guidance, you can navigate this challenging situation and work towards a favorable outcome.  So if you or someone you know is facing a felony charge in Indiana, don’t hesitate to take these crucial steps and seek professional legal help as soon as possible.

If you are facing felony criminal charges, 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 felony criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm will get you the best possible outcome to your criminal case!

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What to Expect if Charged with a Felony in Indiana

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If you are facing felony charges in Indiana, it is important to understand what to expect throughout the criminal justice process. Being charged with a felony can be a very intimidating and frightening experience, so having knowledge of the legal process ahead of time can help ease your anxiety and give you an idea of what lies ahead. A criminal defense lawyer will provide invaluable assistance as you navigate through this difficult situation. With their guidance and expertise, they will strive to ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some key aspects of dealing with felony charges in Indiana – from initial arrest all the way through sentencing and appeals if necessary.

Call 317-636-7514 to Speak With a Felony Criminal Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana
Call 317-636-7514 to Speak With a Felony Criminal Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana

What is a Felony?

A felony is a serious crime that can result in severe consequences for those convicted. Some examples of felonies include murder, burglary, fraud, and drug trafficking. Felonies are distinguished from misdemeanors by their severity and potential for longer prison sentences and significantly higher fines.

In addition to these legal penalties, felony convictions can have a long-lasting impact on an individual’s personal and professional life, including the loss of voting rights, limited job opportunities, and restrictions on accessing certain types of government assistance. Understanding what constitutes a felony and its implications is crucial in avoiding legal trouble and safeguarding your future.

Procedures for Felony Criminal Charges

The Arrest and Initial Charges

If you have been charged with a felony in Indiana, you will likely be arrested. During this time, it is important to stay calm and remain silent – anything you say can and will be used against you in court. After the arrest, an initial hearing will be held where the judge will determine the formal charges placed against you. At this point, your criminal defense lawyer will begin to assess your case and develop a legal strategy for defending you.

Plea Bargain or Trial

At some point during the legal process, your criminal defense attorney may present a plea bargain as an option for resolving your case outside of trial. If accepted by both parties involved, this agreement will require you to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence or lesser charges. However, if no plea bargain is reached, your case will proceed to trial. During this portion of the process, your attorney will present evidence and witnesses on your behalf to prove your innocence.

Sentencing

If found guilty or after a plea bargain has been accepted, sentencing will be determined by the judge. Depending on the severity of the crime, this could involve jail time, fines, probation restrictions or any combination thereof. Your criminal defense lawyer can help explain all these possible outcomes prior to sentencing.

Appeal

In some cases where guilt was established at trial or through a plea agreement, an appeal may be filed in an attempt to reduce the sentence or overturn the conviction altogether. Your criminal defense lawyer can advise you on what steps should be taken if such a situation arises.

Act Fast and Hire a Felony Crime Lawyer

If you have been charged with a felony in Indiana, it is important to understand the legal process that lies ahead and ensure that your rights remain protected at all times. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side will make this difficult experience much easier to navigate and provide invaluable assistance throughout the entire process.  If you find yourself facing felony charges in Indiana, contact a qualified legal professional today for more information about defending your rights and moving forward.

Are you searching for a defense lawyer who can represent you in your felony case? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a seasoned felony defense criminal lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our criminal attorneys will get you the best possible outcome to your criminal case!

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Will I Be Tried in State or Federal Court?

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Are you facing criminal charges? It helps to know which court system you will be tried in before your initial hearing. State and federal court are the two primary court systems in which all other courts fit under. Between the two, there are several key differences that distinguish one court from the other. Continue reading to learn more.

Federal Court Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Federal Court Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

State Court System Versus Federal Court System

Establishment

The first difference between the two justice systems is their source of establishment. State courts are established by the state or local government. Under state-established courts, local courts are also recognized by cities, counties, and additional municipalities. In contrast, federal court systems are nationally established by the United States Constitution. Under this establishment, the cases that are contested involve the U.S. Constitution, national offenses and laws passed by congress.

Jurisdiction

Another primary difference between the two court systems is jurisdiction, or authority to rule on a case. The types of cases the two courts are permitted to oversee depend on their particular jurisdiction, which can vary depending on several factors. State courts, for instance, have a broad range of jurisdiction, and generally hear numerous types of state-level infringements like traffic violations, minor drug possession, theft, breach of contracts, domestic violence, custody disputes, and various other types of state-level cases and misdemeanor offenses.

Federal courts, on the other hand, only hear cases that involve crimes in violation of the United States Constitution or laws passed by Congress. These are generally more serious cases and felony offenses, such as sex crimes, drug trafficking, white collar crimes, aggravated or violent crimes, bankruptcy, copyright or patent infringements, maritime law cases, and lawsuits against the United States. Federal authority applies to the entire nation, including all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as the U.S. territories.

State courts are not allowed to rule on federal-level cases. However, although it is rare, it is possible for both court systems to have jurisdiction in a case. Similarly, federal courts may be permitted to rule on cases involving state laws if the dispute is about a state law potentially violating the Constitution.

Here is an example to better understand which crimes will fall under which category:

If a person robs a bank, they may be tried under state or federal law depending on how the reserves are insured. There are not very many federal laws about bank robbery, so most are tried at a state level. However, if the bank’s reserves are insured by a federal agency, the robber would face felony charges in the federal court system.

Are you looking for a skilled criminal defense lawyer who can fight your Indiana or Federal criminal charges? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a meeting with our experienced Indianapolis criminal defense law firm. We can hold meetings over the phone or in person at our Indy-based office.

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How to Successfully Fight Your Felony Criminal Charge in Indianapolis

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Do not think you will get off easy is you are facing a felony charge in Indiana. Felonies of any kind or category are serious criminal charges, and therefore require aggressive and skilled criminal defense to avoid the maximum penalties, like jail. If you are facing a felony criminal charge or felony arrest warrant in Indianapolis, it is vital that you act fast and retain the services of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer.

Continue below to learn exactly how you can be successful at reducing, or even dismissing, your felony charges in Indianapolis.

Indiana Felony Defense Lawyer
Indiana Felony Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Beat Your Felony With the Right Criminal Defense

Felony charges are serious. If convicted, defendants face a very stern and strict list of consequences. And these consequences can affect a person for the rest of their life. A felony conviction on your permanent record can hold you back from employment and better job opportunities, as well as, housing, professional licenses, relationships, and more.

Aside from a permanent record, you can face jail time, and will be obligated to pay hefty fines and fees. For these reasons and more, it is vital to hire an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer to represent you in court. They have the knowledge, skills, and resources to challenge your charges at every angle, and protect your from being sentenced the maximum punishment for your crime.

But Who Can You Trust to Represent Your Case the Best?
Trust none other than Attorney David E. Lewis!

Here at the Law Office of David E. Lewis, we offer free initial consultations, so there are never any out-of-pocket fees to discuss the best strategies for your criminal defense. As a longtime professional in the industry, Attorney David E. Lewis has what it takes to build a strong and impactful defense on your behalf. He never uses confusing legal jargon, which ensures that you fully understand everything you need to know.

Are you ready to get started with a free consultation to meet Attorney David E. Lewis? Contact us at 317-636-7514 to schedule a meeting with an Indianapolis IN felony criminal defense lawyer you can trust. Our law firm also offers Indiana criminal record expungement and appeal representation.

You Might Also Read:

Indiana Incarceration Times for Misdemeanor and Felony Convictions
How Can I Get a Job if I Have a Felony?
Information About State Felony Appeals and Criminal Defense

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

How Can I Get a Job if I Have a Felony?

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People make mistakes. But this is what makes us human. Fortunately, we also have the ability to learn from our mistakes. Perhaps this is the reason why the law gives past offenders an opportunity to clean up their criminal record for the purpose of achieving a better quality of life. If you have a felony charge or conviction on your criminal record, it will certainly have an impact on your day to day life, as well as your long-term goals. Not only will your employment opportunities be affected, your personal life, such as child custody, dating, and social groups, can also be affected in some way or another.

Whether you were recently convicted, convicted years ago, or currently facing felony criminal charges, you may have some options to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms when it comes to employment and much more. Continue reading to learn what you can do to get a job with a felony looming around on your personal record.

Felony Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514
Felony Criminal Defense and Expungement Lawyer 317-636-7514

Getting a Job as a Felon

If you have a felony conviction on your criminal record, getting a job can be tough. Unless you start your own business from the ground up (which by the way is a great idea and highly viable for past felons), or work in the fast food industry, your options for employment can be severely restricted. Fortunately, you might qualify for criminal record expungement, which can make all these job obstacles disappear.

Felony Criminal Record Expungement

Here in Indiana, a law was recently passed that gives certain relief to those with a criminal record. These laws are known as Indiana Second Chance laws, and they allow those who qualify to have their criminal records sealed or destroyed from public records. It is Indiana’s first comprehensive criminal record expungement law.

Once criminal expungement is granted to a person, the criminal record is removed from court files, police records, department of correction files, drivers’ license branch files, substance abuse counselor records, and more. Additionally, it is ILLEGAL FOR ANY INSTITUTION OR EMPLOYER to suspend, expel, refuse employment, deny permits or licenses for occupational or professional activity, or discriminate in any way.

Qualifying for Expungement

Although this is a significant opportunity that will open several doors for the previously convicted, not all applicants will qualify because there are various stipulations. Furthermore, and for obvious reasons, there are several felony convictions that cannot be expunged in Indiana. These charges include, but are not limited to, the following:

☒ Murder
☒ Sex Crimes
☒ Reckless Homicide
☒ Manslaughter
☒ Human Trafficking
☒ Assisting or Causing Suicide
☒ Registered Sex Offenders
☒ And More

Felony Criminal Defense and Expungement in Indiana

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law at 317-636-7514 to learn more about felony expungement in Indiana, and for Indianapolis felony criminal defense you can trust. He is eager to help you get the fresh start in life that you deserve! Best of all, his services start as low as $850, so you can afford to clean up your record just as much as the next guy. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation, today.

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

The 3 Parts of the Federal Government

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Whether facing criminal charges, preparing for a citizenship exam, or simply curious about our country’s governmental workings, you are wise to learn the three parts of our federal system. Continue reading to review some basic facts surrounding each part of our federal government, as well as, what you should do if facing felony charges.

Felony Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514
Felony Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Our Federal Government System

The 3 parts of our federal government are Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. The headquarters for all three branches are located in Washington D.C., our Country’s Capital. Although it borders Virginia and Maryland, Washington D.C. is inside the District of Columbia (DC), which is a federal district not a part of any one state. Here is a brief explanation of each branch, including what they do and who is in charge of their procedure.

? Executive

As you might have already deduced simply by the name, the executive branch is the highest branch in the federal government, and therefore, has the most power and influence. This branch of government includes the President of the United States, and around 5 million additional employees who are in charge of enforcing laws set forth by Congress, which makes up the next branch of government.

? Legislative

Also known as Congress, the Legislative branch of the federal government includes the Senate and the House of Representatives. There are 2 senators for each state, making 100 total in the Senate, and 495 representatives. This branch is in charge of creating laws, which are then enforced by the Executive branch, and interpreted by lower court systems and judges in civil and criminal cases.

? Judicial

The judicial branch of the federal government is in charge of interpreting the laws set forth and enforced by the upper branches of the government, and then applying their interpretations to rule on civil and criminal cases. This branch includes the Supreme Court, as well as nine U.S. Justices. A Justice is a superior, specialized judge who only interprets cases and laws that pertain to the U.S.  Constitution.

Facing Felony Criminal Charges?

Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a consultation with aggressive Indiana felony crime lawyer, David E. Lewis. He 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 criminal charges. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation for Indianapolis criminal defense, today.