How to Avoid a DUI After Drinking Craft Beer

Posted on December 4, 2018 by admin

Breweries are a popular trend that is continuing to expand all across the city and state. In fact, there are more than 160 craft beer breweries here in Indianapolis alone! If you plan on enjoying some specially-crafted beers on your next night out, there are some important considerations you need to know first.

Continue reading to learn why craft beers pose a certain danger on the road, and what you can do to avoid such trouble in the future.

Indianapolis Drunk Driving Attorney 317-636-7514

Craft vs. Draft

Back in the day, most people drank draft beers, such as Coors™ or Budweiser™, since those were the primary options available on tap at the local bars. But now, beer-drinking patrons have the option of choosing from a vast selection of local breweries, whose owners craft their own unique styles of beer. As for comparing drafts to crafts, the major differences are fermentation style, taste, and price. However, one critical difference that is commonly overlooked is alcohol content. This happens to also play a major role in terms of drunk driving.

Craft Beers and Alcohol By Volume

Traditional draft beers, like Budweiser™ and Miller Light™, have a much lower Alcohol By Volume (ABV) content than the average craft beer. Draft beers range between 4 and 6 percent alcohol content, whereas craft beers can range between 7 and 18 percent alcohol content. So what does this mean for your next night out? It means that you should not drive home after consuming more than 1 craft beer.

For example, the Four Day Ray Brewery in Fishers offers a craft beer on tap called FALA Scotch Ale, which has an ABV of 7.8% per pint. They offer another called Grapefruit Track Jumper IPA India Pale Ale, which has an ABV of 6.8% per pint. Similarly, Mashcraft Brewing in Greenwood carries a Double IPA called 18th Street Overlords Revenge that has an ABV of 8% per pint.

Avoiding DUI’s

If you are a craft beer drinker, you should understand that the risk of being arrested on a drunk driving charge is much higher because they will get you more drunk than traditional beers on tap. For instance, the popular “1 drink per hour” rule would not work the same with craft beers as it would with domestic beers. One or two domestic beers might keep you within the legal limits to drive, but the same amount of craft beers will likely render you intoxicated under state law.

In Indiana, a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or more is strictly illegal. If you are pulled over by police, and your breathalyzer test reads more than 0.08 percent, you will be arrested on drunk driving charges. To avoid a DUI, be sure to inquire about ABV’s and keep track of how much you drink. Also, imagine that for each craft beer you drink, it is equal to two or three. When in doubt, even just a little, call a ride.

*******In Indiana, a criminal defense attorney has only 10 days to save your driving privileges. So if you are facing DUI charges from a recent arrest, you need to get in touch with a licensed crime lawyer ASAP!

An Indianapolis DUI Lawyer You Can Trust

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

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for aggressive DUI criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss the best strategies of defense for your case. Avoid the maximum penalties for your misdemeanor criminal charges by calling David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, today!

Can I Get Arrested for CBD Oil?

Posted on November 9, 2018 by admin

Although there are many United States local governments that have legalized medical and/or recreational cannabis use under state law, Indiana is not yet one of them. However, on July 1st earlier this year, the Indiana General Assembly did approve the possession and usage of cannabidiol oil, more commonly known as CBD oil, for recreational use or dietary consumption under Indiana Code (IC) 35-48-1-17.5.

So it can’t get you in trouble with the law anymore, right? WRONG. Continue reading to learn why.

Indianapolis OWI Attorney 317-636-7514

It is Legal to Have CBD Products, However…

So what does this mean in common language? Well, it is now legal to possess “low THC hemp extract” products, such as CBD oil or those that contain it, which the state defines as, “products that are derived from Cannabis sativa L.”, or contain no more than 0.3% delta-9-THC (including precursors).” Such products that fit this description are no longer considered controlled substances in the eyes of Indiana.

BEWARE: Indiana is a Metabolite State

With this new legal language in place for Hoosiers, you can have CBD oil products on your person without the risk of any legal prosecution. However, this does not mean you are in the clear. You see, Indiana is known as a “Metabolite State” when it comes to OWI charges. Basically, if a person is arrested under the suspicious of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, they may be given a blood test to confirm their alcohol toxicity levels. If the person’s blood work shows any metabolites (leftover traces) of a foreign substance with an observable drug-based chemistry, they can be charged with a DUI with a controlled substance (or its metabolite). This includes cannabidiol oil.

What’s the Penalty for Such a Charge?

Under IC 9-30-5-1, a person charged with an OWI with a controlled substance or its metabolite may face a Class C Misdemeanor, which includes up to 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500. Even in the case that the discovered metabolite in their blood is an inactive compound (or a type that wouldn’t cause intoxication if it were in their system), a defendant can still be charged and convicted of the crime.

Facing DUI or Drug Possession Charges in Indiana?

If you are facing DUI or drug possession charges, you need a skilled Indianapolis criminal defense attorney working your case. 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.

How to Get Started on Your Defense

David E. Lewis Criminal Defense Attorney

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!

You Have Only 10 Days to Save Your Driving Privileges After a DUI Arrest

Posted on May 14, 2018 by admin

In Indiana, a criminal defense attorney has only 10 days to save your driving privileges. So if you are facing DUI charges from a recent arrest, you need to get in touch with a licensed crime lawyer ASAP! You may still have a chance at maintaining a reliable and consistent means of transportation.

Indianapolis Drunk Driving Attorney 317-636-7514

Were you recently arrested for a drink driving charge?

If you didn’t refuse a chemical test, and it hasn’t been 10 days since the arrest, you may qualify to have your driving privileges saved from suspension! What was once called a “hardship” or “probationary” license is now referred to a “specialized driving privileges” (SDP) in Indiana. It is important to contact Attorney David E. Lewis as soon as possible following an OWI charge to see if you have a chance at being granted specialized driving privileges.

Depending on several factors, a judge can choose to grant a wide spectrum of driving authorizations for an offender. They may only allow a person to drive to and from school or work, or simply allow offenders to drive during specified times of the day. They may also assign an ignition interlock device on their vehicle to prevent future intoxicated driving if they are a habitual offender.

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.

Attorney David E. Lewis Can Help You

Attorney David E. Lewis can be reached at his office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. He offers a wide range of criminal defense, from DUIs and drug charges, to felonies, expungements, and more. You can count on his aggressive representation to preserve your rights and protect your freedoms.

Call TODAY!

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

If you do not already have a licensed Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer working on your DUI defense, 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 Attorney David E. Lewis for Aggressive DUI Criminal Defense You Can Afford

Posted on December 19, 2017 by admin

A DUI conviction doesn’t have to ruin your life. Choose a seasoned criminal lawyer to fight for your rights and preserve your freedoms by building you an aggressive and impactful defense against your alleged drunk driving charges. Choose Attorney David E. Lewis, today.

Indianapolis DUI Lawyer 317-636-7514

DUI Charges Call For Serious Representation

There’s not just one DUI crime in Indiana. There are actually several types of DUI charges a person can face; none of which are penalized the same way. Furthermore, “driving under the influence” doesn’t just pertain to alcohol; it also describes controlled substances or a combination of substances that cause a person to be intoxicated. No matter which DUI charge you are arrested for, if convicted, they can all have serious effects on your life if you do not choose qualified and aggressive private legal counsel. T

rust experienced DWI lawyer, David. E. Lewis, to craft an impactful and strong defense on your behalf, and relieve you of all the stress and worry that comes with a DUI charge. He can secure your constitutional rights and fight for a sentence that preserves employment, limits unjust license suspensions, and caters to the unique needs of your home and family circumstances.

Avoid Max Penalties for DUI Convictions

If convicted of a DUI in Indiana, you could be facing a wide range of penalties based on the specifics of your case. Standard consequences often include jail time, license suspension, probation, fines, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. But there are additional penalties defendants can as well depending on their individual circumstances and criminal history. These include substance abuse education courses, mandatory attendance at victim impact panels, routine urine tests, ankle monitors, ignition interlock devices, and more.

Indiana is an Implied Consent State

In Indiana, every driver that is legally licensed automatically agrees to a legal obligation called “implied consent.” This means licensed drivers agree to surrender to alcohol testing by a law enforcement officer if requested. Refusal to submit to alcohol testing is an offense that results in an automatic 1 year drivers’ license suspension, effective immediately at the time of arrest, and then will also subject them to SR22 high risk auto insurance for 3 years following the arrest. This happens whether a person is guilty or not of intoxicated driving.

Indianapolis DUI Defense

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

Here at The Law Office of David E. Lewis, we understand just how upsetting a DUI charge can be for a person and their family. That is why we are firmly committed to making our clients our top-priority, guiding them through this difficult time with care and compassion. We never back down when it comes to fighting our client’s DUI charges, because we are determined to get them the fairest results no matter how much time and effort it takes.

Furthermore, we don’t just concentrate on reducing or dismissing our clients’ charges, we also make available the necessary resources that will help rebuild their lives and their health after a drunk driving conviction. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your DUI criminal charges, today.

FAQS About DUI Checkpoints

Posted on September 11, 2017 by admin

Catch up on some important sobriety checkpoint facts by reading these frequently asked questions and answers!

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

What is a DUI checkpoint?

A DUI checkpoint is more appropriately called a sobriety checkpoint, since that is the umbrella purpose. They are tools intended to check a person’s sobriety to ensure they are not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Sobriety checkpoints are controlled and conducted by law enforcement, and can be set up on any public roadway or intersection in the city.

Where are DUI Checkpoints?

In many cases, there is more than one DUI checkpoint underway at one time, and they can be spread all over different parts of the city. You can never know where they will pop up, as their locations and times are chosen at random under the discretion of local law enforcement agencies. Generally, they are put into action on regular weekends, or during busy events like festivals, parades, races, game days, concerts, and more.

Are DUI Checkpoints Legal?

Many drivers think they do not have to stop at a DUI checkpoint, or that they can refuse to roll down their window and talk to police due to their rights protected by the 4th Amendment. But in 1990, the United States Supreme Court affirmed that sobriety checkpoints do not violate our right against unreasonable search and seizure. This means that DUI checkpoints are legal, and furthermore, mandatory by law for anyone who has a drivers’ license. However, law enforcement is legally obligated to adhere to strict criteria to ensure safety and legality standards are met.

Do I Have to Take a Sobriety Test?

You do not have to take a field sobriety test, as they are not mandatory by law; however, chemical tests are different. Indiana is an implied consent state, which means that by having a drivers’ license you automatically consent to chemical testing (breath, urine, or blood). If you refuse to take a chemical test, you will automatically lose your driving privileges for one year. And you will still go to jail and face criminal charges.

What Rights Do I Have at a Sobriety Stop?

If you pull up to a sobriety checkpoint, your rights are the same as they would be with any other routine traffic stop. You are required to cooperate with law enforcement, and give them your name, drivers’ license, and registration. You do, however, have the right to remain silent. You don’t have to answer additional questions outside of your name, address, and driving documents. You should not offer more information than you need to, and never admit to guilt.

What Do I Do if I Am Facing DUI Charges?

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

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for aggressive DUI criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss the best strategies of defense for your case. Avoid the maximum penalties for your misdemeanor criminal charges by calling David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, today!

Current Law Enforcement Trends for Detecting High Driving

Posted on December 6, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Drug Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514

Many states with the U.S. are moving toward some form of legalization for cannabis, or marijuana. However, Indiana is not one of those states. Driving high will render you the same legal consequences as driving drunk here in the Hoosier state. But how do cops know a person is under the influence of marijuana? Testing for alcohol is a much easier process, but law enforcement is finding new ways every day to monitor and regulate the increasing amounts of high drivers.

Driving Drunk

When is a driver is suspected of being under the influence, cops simply use a variety of tests to read gauge their level of intoxication, otherwise known as blood alcohol level (BAC). This includes breathalyzer tests, which have been used since the early 1930’s, as well as, field observation tests and blood tests. Having a blood alcohol level higher than 0.08% will get you a drunk driving charge, which is a serious criminal offense in Indiana. Sadly, the majority of fatal car crashes are alcohol-related. Regulating blood alcohol levels is easy to do, and has been for quite some time, however, the story is not so similar in terms of driving high.

Driving High

Indianapolis Drug Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514

Currently in Indiana, there is not an accurate, roadside equivalent test for marijuana, but there is a zero tolerance policy for driving high. And although it is more difficult to test for cannabis during a routine traffic stop, it may be possible. Officers are trained to look for a wide range of visual, physical, and behavioral signals that are known indicators of intoxication. This includes impaired speech, bloodshot eyes, lack of focus, odd behavior, residual marijuana smell (or smoke), and more. They can also implement standardized field sobriety tests (horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk and turn test, one-leg stand) to gauge a person’s reflexes and agility.

There are a variety of roadside oral fluid testing devices being tested by select law enforcement departments. These devices basically swab a person’s saliva, but they are not yet proven or even approved methods of measuring THC in Indiana. In states where recreational or medicinal marijuana are legal, it is allowed to drive with a certain, pre-determined level of THC, or Tetrahydrachloride (the chemical in cannabis that appears on drug screens). For example, Colorado allows up to 4 nanograms of THC in a drivers system, legally. Anything higher is considered intoxicated driving.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer

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

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you are facing marijuana drug charges in Indiana. Our law firm works day and night to develop a strong and impactful defense for your case. We do everything in our power to protect your rights, preserve your freedoms, and obtain the fairest outcome possible for your case. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer who will fight for you.

How to Find a Great DUI Lawyer

Posted on October 25, 2016 by admin

Criminal Defense Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

DUI cases are challenging. It takes a really good lawyer to get you a better outcome than the maximum penalties for your crime. If you were recently arrested and now facing drunk driving charges, don’t trust a public defender to do the job you’re looking for them to do, and don’t trust just any lawyer. You need a criminal defense attorney that retains the qualities and credentials that make them great. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips for finding a great DUI lawyer.

What to Look For:

✤ Experience

Experience says a lot about a lawyer. The more experience they have, the more knowledge they have about the local criminal processes, procedures, laws, ordinances, and all other aspects of the criminal justice system in your town. You want to look for criminal defense attorney that have at least 10 years of experience in your state. This generally indicates they know which arguments are successful in court, and most likely, have long-standing relationships with the local court houses and prosecutors.

✤ Testimonials and Reviews

Look around online for local criminal defense lawyers, and then research their client testimonials and customer reviews. This will give you a good idea of which lawyers are reputable in your area in which are not so popular or experienced quite yet. Aside from online testimonials and customer reviews, you one also ask around. Ask friends, family members, and coworkers if they have any recommendations for a good criminal defense attorney. Only ask people that you trust since DUI charges are a sensitive topic that is usually kept confidential, especially at work.

✤ Consultations

It is recommended to look around for law firms that offer consultations to discuss their services and your case. It is a good sign if you find a lawyer who is willing to meet face-to-face, and an even better sign that they offer to do so for free. In fact, free consultations is a common service offered by most criminal defense law firms. Ones that don’t offer free consultations may be questionable.

✤ Cases Won

Track records are important to look for when looking for criminal defense representation. Choose an attorney with a good track record, one with multiple DUI cases won. If they don’t have some case history available for clients to see, or they refuse to provide such information, they may be questionable to work with.

✤ Website

Is a criminal defense lawyer is serious about their career, they usually have a website. Look at websites to learn more about lawyers and their practice. Websites generally have information about office locations, contact information, practice areas, case history, testimonials, pictures, and much more. This is helpful when deciding on a criminal defense attorney to represent your drunk driving case.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you need a DUI lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. He has decades of experience representing clients in DUI cases, and works around the clock to ensure your rights are protected in your freedoms are preserved. Regardless if you are criminal charges are misdemeanor or felony DUI offenses, he is eager to help you avoid the maximum penalties for your crime. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with a trust in Indianapolis criminal defense attorney, today.

Can College Students Face Academic Consequences for DUI Charges?

Posted on October 3, 2016 by admin

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

When a regular person is pulled over and arrested on a drunk driving charge, they are likely to face a long list of criminal and civil penalties. These penalties commonly include a generous combination of the following reprimands: fines, court costs, community service, probation, drug screening, victim impact panels, ignition interlock devices, ankle monitors, diversion programs, substance abuse rehabilitation, and more.

However, if a college student is arrested for drunk driving, they are likely to face additional consequences. Not only will they face criminal and civil penalties, they are at risk of being penalized academically as well. Continue reading to learn which consequences a college student may face after being arrested on a DUI charge.

Academic Penalties for Drunk Driving Charges

The academic penalties for college students arrested on drunk driving charges vary among universities, with consequences ranging in severity from non-existent to major. Some colleges do not punish at all for criminal charges acquired inside or outside of campus, while others only penalize students if their DUI took place on campus grounds. But there are also handfuls of colleges that do reprimand students for drunk driving convictions. Many of these universities require students to be judged at an academic court hearing first, at which their penalties will be decided and handed down. Such penalties commonly include one or more of the following:

✏ Academic Probation
✏ Suspension
✏ Drug Counseling
✏ Campus Community Service
✏ Alcohol Education Classes
✏ Diversion Programs
✏ Fines
✏ Expulsion

Penalties That Can Go Beyond College

Criminal charges of any kind can also have life-long consequences for college students in terms of future and career as well. Depending on the type and severity of the crime, a student’s ability to obtain a certain professional licenses can be impacted or even revoked. Careers such as teaching, certified education, law enforcement, health care professionals, legal professionals, and more could be impossible or difficult to achieve with a criminal record. For this reason, it is critical to retain private legal representation to defend your criminal charges.

Defense for Academic Penalties

If you are a college student that was arrested for a DUI, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer at your academic hearing to help you avoid the maximum penalties. If you know your university reprimands students for criminal convictions, namely drunk driving, it is important to retain legal counsel as soon as possible so your criminal lawyer has time to build you a strong and impactful defense before your academic court hearing.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer

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

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you are facing DUI charges in Indianapolis, Indiana. He will work around the clock, using every resource in his power, to build you the strongest defense against you pending criminal charges. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss your drunk driving charges and the best strategies for defense. Call us at 317-636-7514 to schedule an appointment with an Indianapolis DUI lawyer you can trust.

Indiana’s Specialized Driving Privileges May Be Your Solution to a Suspended License

Posted on July 6, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Was your license suspended by the court? Or perhaps the DMV? For whatever reason your licensed was temporarily suspended, you may still have a chance to get your driving privileges back. What was once referred to as “hardship” or “probationary” licenses, is now called “specialized driving privileges (SDP). This change takes place under Indiana Code 9-30-16. Continue reading to learn what SDP really is, and how to find out if you qualify.

What is SPD?

Specialized driving privileges can be given to those whose drivers’ licenses have been suspended for a temporary amount of time. They can only be granted by a court, and vary depending on a judge’s discretion. A judge will decide the limits and extent of a person’s SDP’s by taking into consideration their past records and current traffic or driving infractions. Habitual traffic offenders and serious violators will be less likely to have lenient driving authorization, whereas a person who’s been charged with their first DUI may be given more rights. If your license has been permanently revoked, you would not be eligible for SDPs in Indiana.

Limitations

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Specialized driving privileges can include a wide spectrum of driving consents. But again, the extent of permission is entirely up to the court. A judge may allow a person to drive to and from work, to and from school, to and from daycare, or simple drive during certain specified times of the day. They may also allow you to drive anywhere and anytime you like, with the condition of an ignition interlock device (IID), which prohibits drivers from starting their vehicles under the influence of alcohol.

Qualifying

Specialized driving privileges, when granted, are usually given for at least 180 days. Those who qualify and do not qualify for SDPs include a broad range of people. For instance, the legislature decided that SDPs do NOT apply to those who have never had a valid drivers’ license, who have a commercial drivers’ license (CDL), and who have refused a chemical test (IN 9-30-6).

However, those who DO qualify include:

• Habitual Traffic Violators (HTV)
• DUI Suspensions
• OWI Suspensions
• OVWI Suspensions
• Insurance Suspensions
• Court-Ordered Suspensions
• BMV Suspensions
• Unpaid Traffic Tickets
• And More

Criminal Defense in Indiana

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for aggressive criminal defense in Indiana. He will fight around the clock to build a strong and impactful defense against your criminal charges, all to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. He offers free initial consultations to discuss your criminal charges and determine the best route for defense. Call 317-636-7514 today to schedule your appointment, and get started on a path to a better future.

What You Should Do if You are Pulled Over for a DUI

Posted on March 1, 2016 by admin

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

If you are ever out on the town and have had at least two alcoholic beverages, you could very well be over the state legal limit for drinking and driving. This of course depends on several variables, including your weight, the type of alcohol imbibed, the amount of alcohol consumed, the time period in which the alcohol was consumed, and more. In Indiana, any driver that has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more is considered legally intoxicated and guilty of drunk driving. The legal limit drops to 0.04% for commercial drivers, and even lower to 0.02% for underage drivers.

If a police officer suspects that a driver is intoxicated, they will proceed to pull them over and investigate. In other instances, a person may be pulled over for something entirely unrelated, but if the officer observes any visual cues that are indicative of intoxication, they will proceed with a spontaneous DUI investigation. Either way, if you are ever pulled over by law enforcement, and you have been drinking, be sure you know what to do and how to behave for the sake of protecting your rights and preserving your freedoms.

When You See the Red and Blue Lights Come On…

Pull Over Appropriately. Do not panic or make any sudden jerking movements. Just signal your light and slowly pull over out of the way of traffic. In Indiana, you must always pull over the right side of the road. If you pull over on the left, law enforcement will immediately suspect you may be impaired.

Stay Inside Your Car. Once you are pulled over to the side of the road, turn your engine off and remain in the car. Put on your blinkers, and if it is dark out, turn on your interior light. Now that you have done all this, place your hands on the steering wheel and keep them there until the officer arrives. This process demonstrates behaviors that are least likely to raise concerns for a cop. It is honest and normal behavior, not suspicious. Only get out of the vehicle if the officer asks.

Avoid Suspicious Behaviors. You are always being observed on a traffic stop, it is part of law enforcement training. Everything you do is being noted mentally or by video surveillance. Do not do anything that looks as though you are attempting to hide or conceal something. For example, a cop can search you and your vehicle if he sees you lean forward after he pulls you over. This indicates you are trying to hide something under the seat. Small behaviors like this can raise suspicion in law enforcement. Do not spray anything to mask smell, insert eye drops, chew gum, eat a mint, or fidget for paperwork and other items. These are all cues that you are perhaps hiding or guilty of something.

Be Respectful and Obedient. Do everything that the officer asks of you and be polite. Remember, they are in complete control. Do not talk back, argue, or ask questions. Use relaxed and non-offensive body language. Any impression of stubbornness or aggression is detrimental to your outcome.

Do Not Volunteer Information. Never over share information to a cop when being pulled over and questioned. Answer their questions without volunteering any additional information and keep a respectful tone. Talking too much can get you into more trouble. Not only can you mix up or contradict your story, you can allow an officer to get a whiff of any alcohol on your breath.

Do Not Say How Much You Have Had to Drink. When an officer asks you, and he will, how much you have had to drink, be careful what you say. Do not offer “underestimations” of how much you drank. This can be detrimental to your defense when it is time for your trial. Instead of saying, “I had one or two drinks” or some other under-estimation (especially if it’s untrue), simply remain silent, or say you don’t recall what you had to drink. You don’t want to blatantly lie to a police officer. And the judge for your hearing will know you lied if your BAC turned out to be higher than that of a person who has had “one or two” drinks.

Do Not Refuse BAC Testing. Indiana is an “implied consent” state. This means if you have a drivers’ license, then you automatically consent to BAC testing anytime. It is the law. If you refuse, your license will be automatically suspended for 12 months, and you will still be arrested. If an officer asks to perform a field sobriety test, politely ask if it is voluntary. If not, ask if you can have a breathalyzer instead. Although you should avoid asking questions, in this case it is okay since it could help you defense later on.

DUI Defense in Indiana

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 for DUI charges in Indiana. He is a licensed DUI defense lawyer that fights for his client’s rights and the preservation of their freedoms. Schedule a free initial consultation to learn the next steps after being arrested for drunk driving in Indiana. Act fast so that Attorney David E. Lewis can begin building a strong and impactful defense for your case to reduce or dismiss criminal charges. Call 317-636-7514 for DUI defense in Indianapolis, IN you can trust.