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

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

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

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

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?

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

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?

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.

Indiana Has a Zero Tolerance Law for Underage Drinking

Underage Drinking Lawyer 317-636-7514

Underage Drinking Lawyer 317-636-7514

Teenagers face peer pressure every day. Whether on television, in the movies, at school, or among friends, teens are constantly influenced by what they see and hear around them. As a minor, one of the most common influences at this age is alcohol. It can be easy for them to give in to the adolescent theory that underage drinking is acceptable and there are no real consequences to worry about. But in Indiana, this is far from the truth.

There are real consequences to underage drinking in various aspects of life, including the law. Indiana retains a Zero Tolerance Law against underage drinking, so parents and guardians should do their best to educate their pre-teens on these laws to protect them from making dangerous choices with their peers.

Continue reading to learn more about the Indiana Zero Tolerance Law, and who to call if your teenager is facing criminal charges for underage drinking in Indianapolis.

Underage Drinking in Indiana

Teenagers under the age of 17 who are caught committing an alcohol-related offense will be tried in the juvenile court system. Consequences for possessing, consuming, purchasing, or transporting alcohol under the age of 18 generally include fines, restitution, probation, community service, substance abuse treatment, drug screening, victim impact panels, alcohol and drug education courses, counseling, and more.

Teenagers are not the only ones subject to criminal consequences for underage drinking. In Indiana, an individual must be 21 years of age to lawfully purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. For those who are 18, 19, and 20 years old, this can feel quite trivial since there doesn’t seem to be much separating them from lawful drinkers except a year or two of age. But the reality is, the law is the law, and underage drinking is set at a certain limit to protect people. Even if you are a few months away from being 21 years old, it is still against the law to consume, possess, transport, and purchase alcohol. And if you are caught, the legal consequences are worse than if you were 15 years old.

Defendants over the age of 18 can be charged with a Class C Misdemeanor, which is punishable by a $500 fine, 1 year license suspension, and up to 60 days in jail. Additional consequences may apply too, depending on priors, enhancements, and jurisdiction. That is why it is vital to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to represent your case. They have the experience, knowledge, and resources to help you avoid the maximum penalties for your criminal charges.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Law Firm

David E. Lewis Criminal Defense Attorney

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

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for aggressive and experienced criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss the best strategies for defense against your criminal charges. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule your consultation with a trusted Indianapolis criminal lawyer, today.

Choose The Law Office of David E. Lewis for Aggressive Criminal Defense Representation

No Other Criminal Attorney Will Work Around the Clock to Build You a Strong and Impactful Defense Against Your Indiana Criminal Charges.

Seasoned Criminal Defense in Indianapolis

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

The Law Office of David E. Lewis is your solution to avoiding the maximum penalties for your Indiana criminal charges. He is a seasoned criminal defense lawyer who retains extensive trial and litigation experience. But there is much more that separates himself from his industry competitors. For instance, his expert knowledge of criminal law, his sincere passion for helping those in need, and his commitment to maintaining affordable rates for everyone are just a few qualities that make the Law Office of David E. Lewis a top-choice for criminal
defense in Indianapolis.

The Crime Doesn’t Matter

Regardless of which criminal charges you face, there is never any judgement when you walk through our law firm’s doors. We strongly believe everyone is innocent until proven guilty. And you will be treated like part of the family as our client. But more importantly, you can trust Attorney David E. Lewis and our legal team to work non-stop in order to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. Your best interests are a top-priority, and work hard to ensure they are defended.

Schedule a Free Consultation

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

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

Here at the Law Office of David E. Lewis, we gladly offer free initial consultations to discuss your criminal charges, the case against you, and the best strategies for defense. That means there is no out-of-pocket obligation to sit down with an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer and talk about your case. Just call 317-636-7514 and speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable legal secretaries who can walk you through the consultation process effortlessly.

Can a Security Guard Arrest Me?

The basic job description of a security guard is to observe, monitor, guard, and patrol a premises in order to prevent crimes and violence. Although arrests are not mentioned in their general job description, security guards can make arrests, or rather, detainment’s, but not in the same way as police officers can, and only under certain circumstances. Continue reading to learn more about security guards and the limits of their arresting authority.

The Job of a Security Guard

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Here are the general duties required of a security guard:

• Patrol and guard commercial premises;
• Prevent unlawful intrusions or trespassing;
• Circulate among patrons to maintain order;
• Write reports of daily activities and indiscretions they observe;
• Answer to and investigate sounded alarms;
• Monitor and authorize the coming and going of employees and patrons;
• Contact police or fire department in the case of emergencies and when crimes occur;
• Answer phones and take messages after-hours, or when switchboards are turned off;
• Operate detecting devices on patrons and employees to prevent unauthorized passage of materials into restricted areas;

Citizens Arrests

As you can see, a security guard has a lot of authority in terms of guarding and protecting, but their authority to arrest a person is limited. They are a private citizen just like the rest of us, just in uniform. So they cannot actually arrest a person like police can, but they do have the right to make a citizen’s arrest, just as we all do. However, a citizen’s arrest can only take place under certain, specific circumstances.

In contrast to police, who can arrest anyone they choose to arrest as long as they have reasonable cause to believe that person committed a public offense, security guards can only restrain and detain a person by citizen’s arrest if: 1) the offender committed a felony, or 2) the offender attempted to commit, or did commit, a misdemeanor in their presence. In the case of a felony, the offense must have actually been committed for a security guard to make a citizen’s arrest. In the case of a misdemeanor or infraction, the crime must have been made or attempted in the presence of the security guard.

On top of these circumstances, a security guard must also verbalize specific information to the offender while making the citizen’s arrest. This includes clearly explaining to the person that they are being arrested, why they are being arrested, and their authority to make the arrest. These are colloquially referred to as the magic words that must be used for a lawful citizen’s arrest. And the last stipulation for a security guard who makes a citizen’s arrest is to contact the police immediately after apprehending an offender and turn them over.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Law Firm

David E. Lewis Criminal Defense Attorney

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

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to speak with an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer who cares about your rights and your freedom. Our criminal defense law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss your criminal charges and the best strategies for avoiding the maximum penalties for them. Call 317-636-7514 to get started, today.