How to Change Criminal Defense Lawyers Midstream

Posted on February 17, 2020 by admin

Any relationship can start off on the right foot, but eventually begin to show signs of incompatibility. When it comes to professional relationships, like the one with your criminal defense lawyer, the same possibility can apply. In fact, many clients find themselves longing for new legal representation, whether because their current lawyer is not meeting certain professional expectations, or for the simple fact that they do not feel a solid lawyer-client connection.

If you are currently a client of a criminal defense attorney who is just not feeling like the right fit for your legal matters, you do have the option of switching counsel. However, there are some factors that can affect the circumstances of making such a switch, from the amount of time your case has been active, to the cooperation of your soon-to-be former lawyer.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about changing criminal defense lawyers, midstream.

Switching Criminal Defense Lawyers

Changing criminal defense lawyers will not harm your case, overall. It is common for clients to switch legal representation midstream for a number of reasons. Lack of communication, unprofessional behavior, disagreements in case direction, and similar inadequacies are frequent reasons why this happens.

Finding a Reputable Replacement

When you are ready to move on to a new criminal defense lawyer, your first step is to find a reputable replacement in your city. See our blog, “How to Choose the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer” to learn how to get started on the right track. Once you have found a new criminal defense law firm to take your case, you can relish in relief, as they will take on the duty of arranging the change.

Your new lawyer will contact your former lawyer to notify them of the switch. From there, the two lawyers will set a time to complete the handoff of client information and all other related data. Afterwards, a new meeting is scheduled for all three parties (you and the two lawyers) to sit down and discuss payment owed to the former lawyer, if any at all.

Paying Your Former Lawyer

The amount of money you will owe to your former criminal defense lawyer will depend on several factors, many of which are influenced by state laws. Common factors that will affect this amount include the current stage of the case, how many hours they have already spent working on the case, and how much you have already paid. If money is owed to your former criminal defense lawyer, you will have to pay them in full. To ensure payment, some states allow criminal defense attorneys to put a lien on the proceeds they are owed. This will usually take place in small claims court as a civil matter.

Get Started ASAP to Protect Yourself

If you are not happy with your current criminal defense, whether a private paid lawyer or a public defender, it is vital that you make a switch as soon as possible. Your future and your freedom depend on the quality of your criminal defense attorney. Be sure to hire a seasoned and aggressive Indiana criminal defense lawyer who can protect your rights and preserve your freedom, and obtain the best possible outcome for your case. Without a lawyer on your side, you have a severe and massive risk of being sentenced to the maximum penalties for your criminal charges, including major fines and long-term jail time.

An Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney Who Will Fight For You

Call 317-636-7514 to discuss your issues with your current legal representation with David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law. He is an aggressive and experienced Indianapolis criminal defense attorney who will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. With decades of hands-on experience, you can trust Attorney David E. Lewis to help you through the process of changing lawyers, and then build you a stronger and more impactful defense against your Indiana criminal charges. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation for Indianapolis criminal defense, today.

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

How Long Will I Go to Jail for Oxycodone Possession?

Posted on February 11, 2020 by admin

Oxycodone is a serious drug. Known as an opioid, it is used mostly as a base substance to make a large number of powerful pain medications, such as Oxycontin, which is just a time-release version of oxycodone. Oxy is meant to be used solely for treating severe and chronic pain in patients with extensive injuries, or debilitating illnesses that cause life-long pain. It is highly regulated and only available (and legal) through prescription by a licensed physician.

That is because oxycodone is highly addictive and can quickly lead to dependence, and therefore, abuse. The problem with non-medically supervised, illegal oxy use is the very serious and real risk of death. You see, oxy medications cause respiratory distress, and in many cases, leads to death when taken in large or continuing doses. The risk of death is even more likely when oxy meds are also taken with other narcotics, especially alcohol.

For these reasons, being caught in possession of oxycodone without a valid prescription can land you in a lot of trouble. Continue reading to see how Indiana statute penalizes those arrested and charged with oxycodone possession.

Prescription Drug Possession Attorney 317-636-7514

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Here in Indiana, those caught with oxycodone without a legal prescription have committed the crime of possession of a controlled substance. Indiana Code 35-48-4-7 clearly states: “A person who, without a valid prescription or order of a practitioner acting in the course of the practitioner’s professional practice, knowingly or intentionally possesses a controlled substance (pure or adulterated) classified in schedule I, II, III, or IV, except marijuana, hashish, salvia, or a synthetic cannabinoid, commits possession of a controlled substance (…).”

Indiana Drug Schedules

In Indiana, a classification system is used to categorize and define all drugs and controlled substances according to their abuse potential and addictive nature. These classifications are called “schedules”, and were developed by Federal government and Indiana legislature. They range in number, from 1 to 5, and can also be influenced by other factors, including the level of acceptance for medical treatment, physical dependence, and psychological dependence.

Oxycodone is a Schedule II drug. 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. A drug can be classified as a Schedule II if it has high abuse potential, is either medically accepted or has severe medical restrictions, and causes physical and psychological dependence. Other Schedule II drugs include cocaine, crack, PCP (phencyclidine), opium, raw opium, opium extracts, methamphetamines, amphetamines, methylphenidate, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, methadone, and more.

Penalties for Schedule II Drug Possession

Possession of a Schedule II drug is a Class A Misdemeanor, which is punishable by:

? O – 1 Year in Jail
? O – 1 Year of Probation
? Fine Up to $5,000

After being charged with possession of drugs, it is important to start learning what you are up against. Such charges can cause an instant ripple effect in your life. On top of the immediate damage to your reputation and hefty fines, drug possession charges can lead to loss of employment, driving privileges, child custody, financial aid benefits, housing, and much more. Most importantly, you can lose your freedom. For this reason, it is critical to have an aggressive defense attorney behind you all the way.

Trust an Experienced Indiana Drug Possession Lawyer

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law at 317-636-7514 to get help with your Indiana drug crime charges, today. Whether charged with possession, dealing, or prescription fraud, our Indianapolis criminal defense law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss the best strategies of defense for your case. Avoid the maximum penalties for your misdemeanor or felony criminal charges by calling David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, today!

The Law Office of David E. Lewis Has Moved to a New Location!

Posted on February 3, 2020 by admin

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 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.

Facts About Immunity in Criminal Cases

Posted on January 29, 2020 by admin

Our country’s Constitution gives every United States Citizen various liberties and freedoms. One of which that has to do with criminal charges is our 5^th amendment, which protects criminal suspects from self-incrimination. What does that mean for those facing criminal charges? Mostly, it means that you cannot be forced to reveal certain information that will a) directly incriminate you, or b) indirectly incriminate you by giving investigators information of incriminating evidence. In some cases, prosecutors can work their way around this amendment by offering immunity.

Continue reading to learn more about immunity in a criminal case, including the types of immunity, their potential restrictions, and who to trust for superior criminal defense advice near you.

Immunity Basics

In the case that a prosecutor suspects a person of criminal activity, but cannot get any usable information out of them as a result of their constitutional rights, they may instead offer them immunity in exchange for their testimony against another suspect or criminal group. This type of prosecution bargain is most common in cases that can lead investigators to stopping much larger, organized criminal operations, such as drug and sex trafficking, black market businesses, white collar crimes, and more.

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. Keep in mind that, under this arrangement, prosecution can still bring charges against an immunized suspect, so long as the charges are based on entirely independent matters unrelated 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. Essentially, this situation renders the same result as a person invoking their 5^th amendment right.

Deciding on Immunity

Because there is more than one type of immunity, it is vital to your future and your freedom to fully understand the deal being offered to you before agreeing to it and signing any documents. In fact, it is strongly encouraged to have your Indiana criminal defense lawyer review such offers and help you make the best decisions for your case. Furthermore, there are several limitations to immunity, which can also confuse or mislead you. For instance, once you agree to an immunity, you must comply and go through with the deal. If you do not, you will face various penalties, including hefty fines and jail time.

Get Trusted Criminal Defense Advice in Indiana

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you have been charged with a crime in Indianapolis or anywhere else within Central Indiana. He offers aggressive and experienced criminal defense for anyone facing criminal charges in Indiana. Don’t settle for an attorney that doesn’t have the drive. Attorney David E. Lewis will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. We also offer criminal record expungement services to help clean up your criminal history and improve your quality of life!

Indiana Penalties for Arson Crimes

Posted on January 24, 2020 by admin

When someone intentionally sets fire to something of value by means of fire, explosives, or destructive device, and property damage results, they have committed the crime of arson. Arson is NOT the crime of intentionally setting fire to cause bodily harm. That would be considered murder, manslaughter, or some other form of violent crime. But because arson has the potential to cause both property damage and bodily harm, it is a very dangerous act, and therefore, considered a very serious offense. Accordingly, each state serves to set an example of those who are convicted.

Continue reading to learn how Indiana penalizes arson crimes, and what you need to do if you were recently charged with a similar crime.

Indianapolis Felony Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514

Indiana Arson Charges and Penalties

Here in Indiana, arson is a felony. The type of felony depends on the level of arson committed. For instance, arson crimes are penalized as low as a Level 6 felony, to as high as a Level 2 felony. Here are the Indiana penalization and sentencing schedules for them:

Level 6 Felony
➢ 6 months to 2 ½ years in jail with an advisory sentence of 1 year; Up to $10,000 in fines.

Level 6 felony arson charges are often referred to as “wobblers” by criminal defense lawyers because they can usually be reduced to a Class A misdemeanor, which is less severe in terms on penalties. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by 0 to 1 year in jail and up to $5,000 in fines.

Level 5 Felony
➢ 1 to 6 years in jail with an advisory sentence of 3 years; Up to $10,000 in fines.

Level 4 Felony
➢ 2 to 12 years in jail with an advisory sentence of 6 years; Up to $10,000 in fines.

Level 3 Felony
➢ 3 to 16 years in jail with an advisory sentence of 9 years; Up to $10,000 in fines.

Level 2 Felony
➢ 10 to 30 years in jail with an advisory sentence of 17 ½ years; Up to $10,000 in fines.

Under Indiana’s arson laws, an act of arson that harms multiple victims counts as individual offenses. This means that if an arson defendant injured 5 people as a result of their fire, they would be charged with 5 counts of arson, with each count adding up in penalties. See Indiana Code Section 35-43-1-1 to view the full list of laws and penalties for arson.

Are You Facing Indiana Arson Charges?

If you do not already have a licensed Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer working on your felony arson 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 arson charges so that you have a chance at avoiding the maximum penalties for your suspected felony crimes. Our law firm offers free initial consultations, so there are no out-of-pocket obligations to you.

Is it Legal to Buy Marijuana in Illinois and Bring it Back to Indiana?

Posted on January 21, 2020 by admin

Illinois has joined the various other states in their 2019 ballot initiative to legalize recreational and medical marijuana consumption. This means that Illinois residents, 21 years and older, are legally permitted to possess, transport, consume, and even cultivate cannabis. As a bordering state to Indiana, many Hoosiers want to know if they can visit Illinois, purchase marijuana products, and then bring them home to Indiana for personal use. This is a very relevant and predictable inquiry, as marijuana laws are constantly changing around the country every day.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know as an Indiana resident visiting Illinois.

Indianapolis Marijuana Lawyer 317-636-7514

Before Illinois enacted their cannabis legalization laws, possession of marijuana was a misdemeanor crime, punishable by 1 year in jail and $2,000 in fines. Trafficking and cultivation rendered even more serious penalties. But in June 2019, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the bill after the ballot to legalize recreational adult marijuana use was approved by voters. So, Illinois state law now permits the consumption and possession of marijuana, whether with or without a medical marijuana card.

For Illinois residents, this means that, at any time, the state laws regarding marijuana can be overturned by Federal legislation. Right now, residents of the state can possess up to 30 grams of cannabis. The legal limit for cannabis concentrate is 5 grams, while the limit for cannabis-infused products, such as edibles or tinctures, is 500 milligrams of THC (the chemical that produces a high).

Indiana Marijuana Laws

As for Indiana residents who are visiting the Illinois, the law allows you to possess up to half of the amounts of Illinois residents. This means you can have up to 15 grams of marijuana, 2.5 grams of concentrate, and 250 milligrams of infused products. As for taking Illinois marijuana back home to Indiana, the law will stand in your way. Cannabis is illegal in Indiana across the board, and there is zero talk of legalization. This means that if you decide to visit Illinois and purchase marijuana, you CANNOT legally bring it back across Indiana borders. If you do, you are instantly breaking the law.

If you are caught by law enforcement, you will be arrested. However, there is some hope. Recently, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office declared that it will no longer prosecute petty marijuana cases. Here’s what Prosecutor Ryan Mears had to say, “Too often, an arrest for marijuana possession puts individuals into the system who otherwise would not be. That is not a win for our community. (…) The enforcement of marijuana policy has disproportionately impacted people of color, and this is a first step to addressing that. (…) Our priority is violent crime. (…) We are not going to mess around with these small possession of marijuana cases.”

Get Help With Marijuana Charges in Indiana

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you have been charged with a marijuana crime in Indianapolis or anywhere else within Central Indiana. He offers aggressive and experienced criminal defense for anyone facing criminal charges in Indiana. Don’t settle for an attorney that doesn’t have the drive. Attorney David E. Lewis will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. We also offer criminal record expungement services to help clean up your criminal history and improve your quality of life!

Can I Be Arrested for Setting a Fire on My Property?

Posted on January 15, 2020 by admin

Whether it’s a pile of leaves, your ex’s forget-me-nots, or simply a curious science experiment in the works, there are many of reasons why you might be asking about the legalities of setting a fire on your property. As it turns out, it is a very important and responsible inquiry to ask since Indiana does have certain regulations that restrict outdoor burning practices, known as open burning laws.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about such laws before stepping outside and igniting something into flames.

Indiana Open Burning Laws

Here in Indiana, the law defines open burning as burning materials in a way that results in the release of smoke and harmful emissions. Because such by-product doesn’t pass through a chimney or vent, it directly pollutes the air, and thus, harms both the environment and our health. For these reasons, the state imposes certain limitations on open burning appositely called open burning laws.

Burning trash and other materials for the purpose of disposal in an open-style fashion is illegal here in Indiana. However, there are certain exemptions that allow opening burning known as exempt burning activities. If your particular burning need falls within the boundaries of these exceptions, opening burning is likely legal. Examples of such exemptions include boy and girl scouting training, recreational fires, ceremonial fires, fire pits, barbecues, and similar things that involve lighting an outdoor fire.

Keep in mind, there are still certain terms and conditions for even exempt burning activities, so be sure to always check with the local municipality for the rules on these activities. Furthermore, even if your state or local ordinances permit open burning, you have to adhere to any active fire bans that might be in place at the time. When it comes to operations like fireman training, disaster debris management, land clearing, and prescribed burns, authorities must first require approval from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). View a comprehensive list of Indiana’s open burn laws and rules.

Getting Arrested for Starting a Fire

If you are reported or caught in the act of breaking any open burn laws in Indiana, you will face hefty fines and potential bans from certain areas. As for being arrested, it is very unlikely that you will go to jail for burning something outside on your property unless the activity directly results in damage to another person or property. In such a case, you could be arrested and charged with a type of arson, which is a federal-level crime.

Federal crimes are more serious than state crimes, or misdemeanors, and generally come with heftier fines and penalties, including jail time. In fact, a felony crime is one that is punishable by up to one year in a federal prison. See our blog, “How Indiana Classifies Felony Offenses” to learn more about felony criminal charges and penalties.

If you are facing felony charges for arson in Indiana, it is vital that you contact a seasoned criminal defense lawyer to get started in your defense before it’s too late. You have a much higher chance at avoiding the maximum penalties, including jail time, for an Indiana arson conviction if you have the right attorney on your side.

An Indiana Criminal Defense Lawyer You Can Trust

Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a consultation with aggressive criminal defense attorney, David E. Lewis regarding your felony crimes. 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.

Tips for Being Deposed for a Criminal Case

Posted on January 10, 2020 by admin

A Notice of Deposition is simply a legal phrase that describes a formal meeting that involves a recorded interview under oath. If you received one, it means that you are being asked to provide answers under oath as a witness to a case. It is a formal, recorded, interview session that is used for two primary reasons: to learn what you know pertaining to the case in question, and as evidence for later use. Either parties in a lawsuit can have anyone provide a deposition 20 days after the lawsuit is filed. Even if you have nothing to do with the lawsuit or the parties involved, you can still be asked to come in for a deposition since the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure allows authorities to do so.

Continue reading to learn some tips on how to prepare to give a deposition regarding a criminal case.

Deposition Tips

Depositions are not meant to be comfortable. In fact, you can expect to feel a bit of discomfort while being interviewed during a deposition session. However, if you follow these simple tips, it can relieve some of the pressure and anxiety you might feel prior to and during your interview.

Prepare Yourself – Meet with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer who can guide you through the process and provide you with the information you need to fully defend your deposition.

Be Honest – Always be 100% honest and tell the truth. Remember, you are under oath and can be penalized under law if caught telling a lie.

Remember the Transcript – While being deposed, keep in mind that every word is being transcribed. Avoid using slang words and short, inaudible responses such as “uh huh” and “yea.”

Only Answer the Given Question – When being asked a question, only answer that question. Do not volunteer additional information related to subjects in the question.

Do Not Guess or Speculate – In addition to telling the truth, be sure to only provide the information that you know when being asked a question. Never make guesses or speculations.

Do Not Offer Assistance – During the interview process, do not offer the examiner any sort of assistance in collecting additional evidence or information related to the questions being asked of you.

Don’t Tolerate Bullying – Do not tolerate being bullied or intimidated. Examiners do not have the right to use aggressive or inappropriate methods to get information from those being deposed.

Remain Calm – During a deposition, remain relaxed to show that you are in control of your emotions. Erratic behaviors and aggravation can cause examiners to doubt the veracity of your answers.

Questions About Your Indiana Criminal Case?

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your Indiana criminal charges with a seasoned Indianapolis criminal defense attorney you can trust. We work around the clock to ensure your rights are protected and your freedoms are preserved. You can avoid the maximum penalties for your charges with our aggressive legal representation!

Penalties You Might Face for Computer Crimes in Indiana

Posted on January 6, 2020 by admin

Every single day, new technologies and innovative advancements in the world of computer science has given criminals a wider scope of offenses to commit, known as “cyber crimes.” From piracy and fraud, to hacking, spam, viruses, and more, there are exponentially infinite ways a person can break the law on a computer. If you are one such individual unlucky enough to get caught committing a computer-based crime, there are also several types of penalties you might face if found guilty.

Continue reading to learn the levels of offenses surrounding computer crimes, and the common types of penalties that might result following a conviction in Indiana.

Indiana Computer Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514

Here in Indiana, the state government has set forth certain statutes that protect individuals, companies, and organizations from damages caused by computer crimes. Not only can the offender be convicted and penalized under criminal law, the victim of the crime can pursue a civil lawsuit against an offender seeking restitution for their losses.

Overall, being charged with a cyber crime is a serious situation. Those arrested face either misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the scope and severity of their offense. For instance, most misdemeanor computer crimes are charged as a Class A Misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 1 year in jail, up to $5,000 in fines, and several other types of court-ordered penalties, such as probation, restitution, community service, and addiction rehabilitation.

In another example, computer tampering is a level 4 felony offense if it involves terrorism, or a Level 3 felony if the crime resulted in bodily harm to another person. Level 3 felonies are punishable up to 16 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, and several other court-ordered penalties like the ones mentioned above. Some felony computer crimes are even punishable by up to 20 years in prison or more.

Some of the most common types of computer crimes include:

? Hacking into Secure Networks
? Large-Scale Spam Operations
? Using a Computer to Defraud
? Corrupting Programs or Data
? Stealing Information
? Launching a Virus into a Computer System
? Falsifying Email Source Information
? Using Encryption to Assist a Crime

What To Do if You are Facing Cybercrime Charges in Indiana

If you do not already have a qualified and experienced criminal defense lawyer working on your cybercrime 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 computer crime charges so that you have a chance at avoiding the maximum penalties for your suspected cyber crimes. Our Indianapolis criminal defense law firm offers free initial consultations, so there are no out-of-pocket obligations to you.

When You Might Go to Jail for a DUI

Posted on December 26, 2019 by admin

Drunk driving and intoxicated driving charges are very serious, and the law uses such cases to set an example. But not all drunk driving convictions result with a jail sentence. In fact, with a good Indiana criminal defense lawyer representing your case, it is more likely that you will be ordered to alternative penalties in lieu of jail time. However, there are still plenty of DUI cases that do end up with a person spending some time in jail, which means it could happen to you if the circumstances are right. If you are ordered to serve time in jail or prison, the length of time served will depend on various factors; the same factors that out you in jail to begin with.

Continue reading to learn what these factors are so that you can better understand when a DUI arrest might send you to jail in Indiana.

Indianapolis DUI Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

What is a DUI?

There are many acronyms to describe driving a motorized vehicle under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance. These acronyms include “DUI”, which stands for “driving under the influence”, “DWI”, which means driving while intoxicated”, and “OWI”, which means “operating while intoxicated.” The important thing to know about these three acronyms is that they all represent the same criminal charge: operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This includes wine, beer, liquor, street drugs, and controlled drugs like prescription medication.

DUI Enhancements

The penalties and laws surrounding such charges vary from state to state, as do the possible enhancements that can increase the severity of the charges. Enhancements are factors and circumstances of a DUI that increase the severity of the crime. Potential enhancements depend on several factors, but the most common types of enhancements to drunk driving charges include operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.15% or higher, drunk driving with a minor as a passenger, drunk driving that causes another person bodily injury, and drunk driving that causes the death of another person. These enhancements will lead to a person serving time in jail.

Going to Jail for a DUI

When DUI charges reach the felony level, there is mandatory jail time involved. You might also go to jail or prison for a DUI if you are a repeat offender, and have added enhancements to your case, like the ones mentioned above. This would be known as an aggravated DUI. Aggravated DUI charges are the same thing as Felony DUI charges, which is the term used in Indiana. Additional aggravated DUI offenses include DUI in a school zone, operating a school bus under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving intoxicated without a valid license, having multiple convictions within a short time frame, and more. An aggravated DUI conviction will result in some jail time in almost all cases.

In Indiana, DUI-related car accidents are labeled as Felony DUI charges, and come with severe penalties. So, if you cause bodily harm to another person, or worse, kill someone as a result of your intoxicated driving, you will spend a lengthy amount of time in jail, and quite possibly, prison. When DUI accidents end with fatalities, the charges increase to DUI manslaughter. Although the fatalities in these cases are unintentional, the charge still come with very severe penalties in Indiana. DUI manslaughter is a Level 5 Felony, which is a very serious charge.

Current Indiana DUI Jail Sentence Schedules for Basic Convictions:

Class C Misdemeanor – Up to 60 Days in Jail
Class A Misdemeanor – Up to One Year in Jail
Level 6 Felony – Six to 30 Months in Prison
Level 5 Felony – One to Six Years in Prison
Level 4 Felony – Two to 12 Years in Prison

Contact an Indianapolis DUI Lawyer Today

Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a consultation with aggressive Indianapolis DUI defense 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 Indiana drunk driving charges. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation for Indianapolis criminal defense, today.