Category Archives: Criminal Defense

Frequently Asked Questions About Going to Criminal Court

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You don’t have to be ashamed if you’re frightened after being charged with a crime. Almost everyone feels this way when facing criminal charges, especially if they are first-time offenders. Right now, you are asking yourself a mountain of questions that you cannot possibly answer on your own; and this only adds more anxiety and frustration. One of the topics that defendants have about their criminal case has to do with the court system. This is quite understandable since court policies and procedures differ greatly from city to city, and depend on the severity and type of crime.

To help put your mind at ease, talk to your trusted Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer for professional advice pertaining to your unique case. In the meantime, familiarize yourself with some common answers to some frequently asked questions about criminal court.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

What are the Types of Criminal Courts in Indiana?

The three main types of specialized criminal courts include major felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile court. Each court system deals with the specific charges and penalties under their category. However, this can also depend on the county in which your crimes originated. And in some cases, minors are tried as adults in felony or misdemeanor court if their crimes are severe.

What is a Preliminary Hearing?

Essentially, preliminary hearings are the beginning of the indictment process for many criminal cases. Prosecution will build a case against a suspected defendant, and then bring it to a judge for approval to move forward with filing formal charges against the defendant.

Is a Failure to Appear a Crime?

Yes. If a person misses a mandatory court hearing, they will be issued a bench warrant. This is a type of arrest warrant that demands a person’s presence on the judge’s bench. When a person has a bench warrant, they can be arrested and taken into custody at any time, whether during a routine traffic stop or at their front door. They can post bail and be released from police custody in most cases, but they will have to sit in jail for at least a few hours.

What Can I Expect From a Public Defender?

A public defender is a court-appointed attorney that is paid by the government to represent defendants that are incapable of affording private legal counsel. Generally, they are given to those facing jail time for misdemeanor or felony charges. Although they are fully-qualified lawyers, public defenders often carry a stigma implying otherwise. They have the equivalent training and licenses and extensive courtroom experience that private lawyers do. But this does not mean they should be a first choice for someone facing serious criminal charges.

Can I Represent Myself in a Criminal Case?

Yes, but you should never do this. You do not have the adept knowledge of the law, nor the long-standing professional relationships with the local courts, prosecutors, and judges. Furthermore, a licensed criminal defense lawyer has the competence to build an impactful and aggressive defense on your behalf to protect you from being sentenced to the maximum penalties if convicted.

What Will Happen at My Trial?

What happens at your trial will depend on several factors, including the type of court your case is being adjudicated in, your criminal history, the severity of crime, and your representing attorney. Talk to your lawyer to get a better understanding of what to expect at your trial. It is likely that you will have more than one hearing or trial.

How to Get Started on Your Defense

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

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

Call the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation and case evaluation. During this meeting, which is free of charge, you have the opportunity to sit down with Attorney David E. Lewis and discuss your Indiana criminal charges and the best strategies for your defense. Call as soon as today!

Attorney David E. Lewis Answers Your Questions About Criminal Defense!

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You don’t have to face your criminal charges alone. David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, is here to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms using every possible resource available. In fact, he is also here to answer all of your questions about criminal charges, criminal defense, court, and more!

Criminal Defense Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514


Continue below to review some of the common questions Attorney David E. Lewis receives from his clients about their criminal defense. If you do not see your particular question below, simply contact us directly for immediate assistance. All first-time clients are eligible for a free initial consultation to discuss the details surrounding their case, anytime.

Will I Go to Jail for My Charges?

There is no way of knowing the future. Even if the law says a certain crime is punishable by a certain amount of jail time, every case is different and courts may decide to reduce charges by eliminating jail time or entering into alternative sentencing agreements. In Indiana, community service is often substituted in place of serving jail time. It all depends on the skills of your defense lawyer and your criminal record.

Can My Charges Get Dropped?

It is vital to hire an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer directly after an arrest or investigation, BEFORE criminal charges can be filed, for any chance of them getting dropped. Once charges are filed, it is EXTREMELY rare for them to be dropped, but it is possible with the right defense.

How Much Does a Criminal Attorney Charge?

When your life and freedom are on the line, don’t let money get in the way. It is important to never establish your decision on a criminal attorney based on price. Some law firms charge more than others, while some charge less than they should. If the price quote seems too good to be true from a defense attorney, it may be because they are inexperienced and trying to build their practice. Choose David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law to get you the fairest possible outcome for your case; not an attorney with a cheap retainer fee. After all, your future and freedom depends on it!

What Will a Criminal Lawyer Do that a Public Defender Can’t Do?

Public defenders often work for larger firms, and do not do the investigation and research on their cases themselves. Instead, paralegals and investigators do most of the work, leaving the public defender out of the loop on details about the case circumstances. This leaves them unqualified and unequipped to effectively fight a person’s criminal charges. A criminal lawyer does all the investigative research themselves, and personally commits to every detail of the case. This is just one reason why they are the most promising choice for defense.

Do I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?

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

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

Yes, if you want to avoid jail or have your charges dropped or reduced. Although you can choose to use a public defender, a stronger chance at dismissing criminal charges or entering into alternative sentencing agreements is by hiring a licensed defense lawyer. They have the experience, litigation skills, and acute knowledge of the law to effectively build a defense that challenges your criminal allegations and pursue a more favorable outcome for your case. Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for
personalized legal representation you can trust.

The Basics of Criminal Discovery

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When a person is accused of a crime, they have several rights according to our country’s Constitution. Of these rights, a common criminal process called discovery is not necessarily one of them. However, it is a process that can be highly pertinent to a criminal case.

Continue reading to learn more about the criminal discovery process and who to trust for professional legal advice regarding your criminal charges.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514


The United States Constitution gives all criminal defendants the right to face their accuser in trial, but it does not provide them the right to know details of all the evidence the prosecution has against them. Although the U.S. Constitution does not decree this as a citizen right, there is a process known as criminal discovery that allows a defendant to have knowledge of the evidence that will be presented in trial in support of the prosecuting attorney’s case.

Most states do not give criminal defendants the automatic right to discovery, but many will still allow it depending on a range of factors. Each state has their own unique set of procedures for criminal discovery, all of which are contingent on timing, method, time frame, and more. Regardless of state legislation, all defendants have a particular constitutional right to exculpatory evidence, also known as “Brady Evidence” (Brady v. Maryland case). If a state fails to comply with this right, it is known as a “Brady violation.”

Civil vs. Criminal Discovery

The discovery process is a likely opportunity for both parties in civil cases, such as tort claims and divorces. That is because most states have rules that give all civil parties the automatic right to request any type of information or evidence. In criminal cases, however, the process is much different. In contrast to civil cases, the prosecution does not have to obtain evidence the defense would like to have; instead, they must disclose the evidence they already have against the defendant.

Similarly, state agencies have rules that govern how a defendant can get information about the evidence against them, including when they can obtain it and to what extent. Because a defendant must make a written motion to formally request criminal discovery, as well as, appear at a hearing to acquire a ruling approving discovery, it is strongly recommended to hire a licensed Indianapolis criminal defense attorney who can implement all the legal paperwork and defend your rights.

Criminal Defense That Doesn’t Stop Fighting For You

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

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

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for Indianapolis criminal defense that never stops fighting to preserve your rights and your freedoms. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your charges and the best strategies for defense. Contact us today to learn your rights and how to get started on your defense.

Attorney David E. Lewis Offers Impactful Criminal Defense for Theft Crime Offenses in Indiana

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Theft Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Theft Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

There are several types of theft crimes a person can face in Indiana. Whether charged with petty shoplifting, or arrested for auto theft, theft crimes can come with lasting consequences and serious legal penalties. If you were arrested for a theft crime in Indiana, it is vital to your case to learn your rights and the penalties you face. You could be sentenced to prison, extreme fines, and more if you do not take action fast. The only way to protect yourself from receiving the maximum penalties for theft charges is to hire a tough and experienced criminal lawyer.

Attorney David E. Lewis has represented numerous theft crime cases, and can save you from unfair penalization for theft charges. He is the theft lawyer that is known for aggressive and powerful defense, using his thorough understanding of courtroom procedures and tactics from his hands-on experience to win the most favorable outcome possible for his clients. Look below at all of the different cases our law firm handles here in Indiana.

Our Theft Crimes Defense Practice Areas Include:

☑ AUTO THEFT
☑ CREDIT CARD THEFT
☑ BURGLARY
☑ FRAUD
☑ SHOPLIFTING
☑ ACCEPTING STOLEN GOODS
☑ MISDEMEANOR THEFT
☑ FELONY THEFT
☑ ROBBERY
☑ AND MORE

Auto Theft Charges

The act of stealing a vehicle is called auto theft. Although portrayed differently in the media, car theft is not the glamorous and exciting crime as seen on television, but rather a serious Indiana felony crime that comes with lasting consequences. If you have been charged with auto theft in Indiana, it is vital to your future and your freedom to retain competent legal services. David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, has extensive trial and litigation experience in the criminal law field and knows how to position you in front of the courts in a way that’s most favorable to your case.

Robbery and Burglary Charges

Burglary, also referred to as “breaking and entering”, is a serious felony crime that often results in multiple criminal charges since more than one crime is usually committed. A person can be charged with the crime of burglary if they illegally enter any type of structure, not just homes. This includes businesses, schools, trailers, campers, houseboats, tents, campsites, and more. Robbery is the crime of taking another person’s money or property by either instilling fear in them, or using force, violence, or intimidation.

Depending on whether or not a weapon was used to commit the crime, robbery is generally charged as either Level 6 or Level 5 felony offenses. In Indiana, the penalties for robbery and burglary charges are at felony levels, and can affect several aspects of your life, both instantaneously and long-term. To avoid prison sentences and over-penalization, you need a theft attorney who knows burglary and robbery criminal law. David E. Lewis is the tough and driven criminal lawyer that will work around the clock to and protect your best interests and secure your freedom!

Shoplifting Charges

Taking merchandise from a commercial store or business without paying for it is a shoplifting crime. But for objects of high value, a person can potentially face grand larceny charges, an offense that comes with a much more serious conviction. Although not the most serious of misdemeanor and felony theft crimes, shoplifting is still penalized harshly in Indiana, and can subject a person to jail time and expensive fines. With competent legal counsel, however, those charged with shoplifting have a stronger chance at dropping or reducing their charges and avoiding strict penalties!

An Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney You Can Trust

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

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

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your theft 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! Call 317-636-7514 to get started, today.

The Difference Between Affirmative and Negating Defenses

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There are various types of defenses in criminal law. However, all defenses can be categorized as either affirmative or negating. Continue reading to learn the difference between these two defenses, and who to trust for professional legal advice regarding your current criminal charges.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Affirmative Defenses

In the case that a defendant admits guilt to a particular crime, but also offers additional evidence and information in attempt to justify, excuse, or explain their actions, they are using what’s called an affirmative defense. If you have ever watched a crime television show, you may have seen examples of such defenses in a fictional courtroom.

Common affirmative defenses include self-defense, alibis, infancy (a child or youth), mental illness, intoxication, and insanity. Additional examples include being framed, error of fact, diminished capacity, duress, and similar types of circumstances or conducts. If an affirmative defense is successful, it usually means that the defendant’s liability for the crime is reduced or absolved.

Negating Defenses

In contrast to affirmative defenses, negating defenses are used to scrutinize or question an indispensable element of the criminal charge brought forth by the prosecution. This can be a useful strategy for defense since the prosecutor carries the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Negating defenses help create doubt surrounding the evidence that the prosecution is using to convict the defendant.

However, in order for a negating defense to have a chance at being successful, sufficient evidence must be presented to support the element of the criminal charge in question. This must include physical evidence, such as video surveillance, voice recordings, eye witnesses, alibis, and other forms of tangible proof.

Talk to Your Lawyer

The permitted use of affirmative defenses vary from state to state. In most states, two types are generally accepted: excuses and justifications. In cases where a defendant denies guilt altogether, the alibi affirmative defense is common. Talk to your trusted Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer for help understanding the best strategy for defense to fight your criminal charges. They can build you a strong and impactful case to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Law Firm

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

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

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for aggressive criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss the best strategies of defense for your case. 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. Call 317-636-7514 to get started, today.

Common Questions About Criminal Defense Attorneys

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When a person is arrested and charged with a crime, the first thought that usually comes to mind is to hire a lawyer. A criminal defense lawyer is an offender’s best opportunity at avoiding the maximum penalties for their criminal charges, including jail time. Every case is different, and varies among people and counties. But in all criminal cases, the most important step you can take as an offender facing jail time is to hire the right criminal defense lawyer. This is a critical to protecting your rights, preserving your freedoms, and securing a happy future.

Continue reading to learn some important answers to common questions about criminal defense attorneys, so that you can make the best decision for your legal defense and pending criminal case.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Do I Really Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you want to avoid jail or have your charges dropped or reduced, you need to hire a criminal lawyer. You can opt for a public defender, but you have a stronger chance at dismissing criminal charges or entering into alternative sentencing agreements by using private defense.

What Will a Criminal Lawyer Do that a Public Defender Can’t Do?

Public defenders often work for larger firms, and do not do the investigation and research on their cases themselves. Instead, paralegals and investigators do most of the work, leaving the public defender out of the loop on details about the case circumstances. This leaves them unqualified and unequipped to effectively fight a person’s criminal charges. A criminal lawyer does all the investigative research themselves, and personally commits to every detail of the case. This is just one reason why they are the most promising choice for defense.

All Criminal Defense Attorneys are the Same; Right?

No. There are many unqualified and inexperienced lawyers that may claim to have knowledge of a certain area of law, but not extensively enough to beat federal or state criminal charges. It is important to find an attorney that has several years of experience and that has represented cases similar to yours, successfully. Be sure the lawyer you hire is proficient in the particular area of law that your charges fall under.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Criminal Attorney?

When your life and freedom are on the line, don’t let money get in the way. It is important to never establish your decision on a criminal attorney based on price. Some law firms charge more than others, while some charge less than they should. If the price quote seems too good to be true from a defense attorney, it may be because they are inexperienced and trying to build their practice. Choose an experienced attorney that will get you the fairest possible outcome for your case, not an attorney with a cheap retainer fee. Your future depends on it!

Who Can I Talk to About My Case?

Never discuss your case with anyone except your defense lawyer or legal team. This is critical to the outcome of your case. Everything discussed among your defense team is confidential, but with anyone else, it’s not. It is especially important to not discuss your case with law enforcement officers. They are not your friends and anything you tell them can be and will be used against you in a court of law. If anyone tries to ask you about your case, including insurance adjusters, cellmates, coworkers, friends, family, and strangers. Simply remain silent, and if they persist, tell them you refuse to discuss anything without your lawyer present.

Call Criminal Defense Attorney, David E. Lewis

David E. Lewis Criminal Defense Attorney

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

If you do not already have a licensed Indianapolis 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 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. Call 317-636-7514 and get started protecting your future, today.

Don’t Let a Criminal Charge Scare You Away From Fighting for Your Freedom

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When facing a criminal charge, your life suddenly becomes up for debate. You just don’t know what the future holds until you receive that final verdict. For this reason, you need to ensure you have skilled and aggressive legal defense to protect your future and your freedom.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514


Defense Attorney, David E. Lewis, Will Fight Your Indiana Criminal Charge Using Every Resource in His Power! When it comes to representing clients, he is the skilled Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer who has what it takes to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms! You can avoid the maximum penalties for your charges with his aggressive legal representation!

What He Can Do For You

David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, provides aggressive criminal defense for anyone charged with a crime in Indiana. His office is based out of Indianapolis, but his legal services are available for all cities and counties within the state. He is a licensed defense lawyer with more than 25 years of experience practicing criminal law, and has developed an extensive understanding of the how the justice system works in Indiana.

He is Always Present for His Clients

He has a passion to reunite his clients with their loved ones so they can get back to leading a happy and law-abiding life after a distressing criminal case. Call his office at 317-636-7514 if you have been charged with a crime in Indianapolis. Whether your case is small or highly complex, Attorney David E. Lewis treats all cases as if they are his own charges, and maintains an unbreakable respect for his clients.

How to Get Started

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

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

For a more in-depth look at the Law Office of David E. Lewis, call our Indianapolis criminal defense law firm at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation and case evaluation. During this meeting, which is free of charge, you have the opportunity to sit down with Attorney David E. Lewis and discuss your Indiana criminal charges and the best strategies for your defense. Call as soon as today!

How Much Will it Cost to Hire a Defense Attorney?

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If you are facing criminal charges, it is in your best interest to get in touch with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Not only will this better protect your rights and preserve your freedoms, it is the best strategy to avoid the maximum penalties for your offense. Many people are turned off, or stressed out, by the idea of having to hire a private lawyer because of budgeting reasons.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514


The U.S. constitution may give you the right to public counsel, but this is not a great idea for anyone facing moderate to serious charges. Private Counsel is the best way to go if you want a better outcome and future for yourself. Don’t let money hold you back from moving forward with a happy and healthy, stress-free life. You simply cannot put a price on security and contentment. Continue reading to learn how lawyer costs are arranged, and what to expect to pay for your defense.

Variables That Influence Lawyer Costs

There are several factors that influence the amount of money it will cost to retain criminal defense. These factors are further varied depending on the state you live in and the local jurisdiction. Here are the primary factors, but not all, that impact the final cost of legal representation:

✦ Client’s Income – Your personal income determines whether or not you are eligible for public, court-ordered legal representation. However, sometimes your income can also influence how much a private criminal defense lawyer chooses to charge you for their service. You never know unless you ask.

✦ Investigatory Process – Depending on the severity of the crime and the seriousness of the case, your criminal defense lawyer may need to implement a certain level of investigation, including hiring experts, psychologists, doctors, researchers, chemical testing, travel expenses, and more. These costs will be added to a final bill.

✦ Lawyer Fees – A criminal defense attorney’s private rates are a key part of the total cost of legal representation. These fees will vary from law firm to law firm, as well as, lawyer to lawyer. They will also vary depending on several other factors, such as the skills and experience of the attorney, the severity of the crime, the complexity of the case, whether the case goes to trial or not, and more. Very few criminal defense lawyers charge a flat-rate fee for their services, unless it is a quick, open and close case, such as a traffic ticket.

Average Costs

Most criminal defense lawyers charge hourly, meaning every hour they spend on your case is billed to you. With all of the above-mentioned factors, you can expect your total cost of legal representation to range between $1000 and $4000, give or take. For more serious, lengthy cases, it can exceed $20,000 or more. Your criminal lawyer will be happy to discuss the expected total costs of their services upfront. Use an initial consultation to learn this information and prepare yourself for criminal defense.

An Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney You Can Trust

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

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

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your 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! Call 317-636-7514 to get started, today.

Social Media Tips to Avoid Incriminating Yourself

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Your social media accounts are more than just a portal to connect to the rest of the world, they are admissible evidence in a court of law. Protect yourself with these tips.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

The word, “social” in “social media” is too often overlooked. Users forget just how “social” their accounts can be. Just like your criminal history, your social media accounts are permanent play-by-play records of your life. Whatever you post to a social media platform is public to the entire internet world forever, even if you delete something after it’s been posted. Organizations like law enforcement can access these records anytime, including Twitter, Facebook, Snap Chat, Instagram, and more.

For this reason, it is important to instill safe and appropriate social media use onto our youths, and to teach them how to protect themselves from abusers, predators, hackers, and even from themselves. You see, many people unintentionally incriminate themselves by using their social media accounts irresponsibly. Whether facing a minor traffic penalty, or 10 years in prison for drug trafficking, a court can and will use social media accounts to prove their case against you.

Helpful Tips to Protect Yourself

It is important to understand that whatever you post is permanent, and that your page settings have no influence over the capacity for law enforcement and the government to access them at any given time. You must also understand that these groups and organizations retain innovative technologies that allow them to identify IP addresses, dates, times, locations, coordinates, and more, making it easy to prove their cases in court. Your internet use is never private to the government, no matter what your privacy settings say or do. Accepting these truths is the first tip.

It is also important to know that courts can use the data they collect from your social media accounts as evidence to build a case against you. For instance, if you are a suspect in a petty theft operation, and you tell police that you were at home with your family at the time the crime occurred as your alibi, but later, police find a Facebook post that was posted around the time you claimed to be at home. So then they use their technology to identify the coordinates of where the post was made, and they discover that the post was made from the parking lot of the store that was shoplifted from. This post puts you at the scene of the crime, therefore contradicting and nullifying your alibi. They can use this as evidence against you in a court of law.

If you are facing criminal charges, and you fear that your social media account may influence the court’s decision over your case, it is important to tell your criminal defense lawyer at your first meeting. They need all the information they can get to build a strong and impactful defense on your behalf. It is also imperative that you stop using all social media accounts during your legal process. In conclusion, you must understand that nothing you post is private. All of your internet use can be traced by high-security technology used by government organizations and law enforcement, including your location and more. And it can all be used as evidence to convict you of a crime.

Get Aggressive Criminal Defense

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

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

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for aggressive criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. We work around the clock to ensure your rights are protected and your freedoms are preserved. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss your case and the best strategies for defense. Call 317-636-7514 to speak with an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer who cares.

Can I Represent Myself in a Criminal Case?

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Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

When you are facing criminal charges, you have the vital responsibility to do what you need to do in order to avoid the maximum penalties for your offenses. Not only is it important for you to cooperate with the legal system, appear for all your court hearings on time, pay all fees by their deadlines, and file the necessary paperwork as requested, you also have the responsibility of learning about the charges you face and the seriousness of the associated consequences.

For this reason, it is vital to your future and your freedom to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to defend you in court. It is never recommended to represent yourself under any circumstances, unless you are appealing a minor traffic infraction. Continue reading to learn some information about representing yourself in your criminal case, and why an attorney is the best method for avoiding the maximum penalties for your criminal charges.

First Offense?

Many people wrongly assume that first time offenders are always let off easy, so they can simply represent themselves in court and save a few hundred dollars. But this is a risky gamble to take, especially since it is not true. First time offenders are not always let off the hook that easy. There are infinite factors that play a role in the type of penalties a person is sentenced to in court; it all depends on the offense, the county, the personal discretion of the presiding judge, and much more. Anyone can be penalized to the fullest extent, and under any circumstances, unless they have aggressive and experienced criminal defense.

The Complexities of Law

To represent yourself in court, you would need a full understanding of the law. There is just too much to know and too much to learn for someone with no experience in the field. The law is very complex and convoluted. It takes an experienced attorney to protect a defendant in court because they have years of experience and knowledge of the law. Aside from understanding the law, you would also need to be an expert in legal defense and know which strategies to use, how to use them, and when to use them. It is an art form and talent that takes years of commitment on a learning curve. An experienced criminal lawyer retains all of these skills and more.

The Less Obvious Penalties

Aside from the standard penalties you face under law for your criminal charges, there are also subsequent consequences that many offenders do not prepare themselves for. For instance, some offenses can result in losing professional licenses, driving privileges, fines, restitution, and more. A qualified criminal defense attorney can help their clients navigate these residual obstacles after being charged with a crime.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to get the aggressive Indianapolis criminal defense you need to avoid the maximum penalties for your charges in Indiana. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your charges and the best strategies for defense. Don’t fall victim to the maximum penalties for your criminal charges. Let our law firm fight for your rights and protect your freedoms.