How to Prepare for Going to Jail

Posted on December 14, 2022 by admin

In last week’s blog, we discussed the different costs and expenses associated with going to jail. But aside from portending a budget during your sentence, there are other ways you should be preparing for extended incarceration. Continue below to learn how to prepare for going to jail in Indiana, plus where to get trusted legal advice for criminal appeals in Indianapolis.

Call Our Indianapolis Criminal Appeals Lawyers at 317-636-7514 Today.

Preparing for a Jail Sentence is Strategic

Now that you have been sentenced and know when you will be going to jail, it is important to start preparing yourself mentally and emotionally. Going to jail is a daunting experience. It can be hard to know what to imagine, and even harder to prepare for it. But by knowing what to expect and preparing for it ahead of time, you can make the process much easier on yourself. Let’s discuss what you need to do both before and after you go to jail.

What to Do Before You Go to Jail

Before going to jail, you should make sure that all of your affairs are in order. You will need to have someone take care of your property and pets, and you may want to say goodbye to your loved ones. It is also important to prepare your finances; you will likely be unable to work while you are in jail, so you will need someone to help manage your money.

You will likely feel scared, anxious, or alone – but it is important to remember that there are people who care about you and want to help. Talk to someone about how you’re feeling, read books or articles about incarceration, and find a support group made up of people who have gone through the same thing as you.

One of the most important steps to take before going to jail is to hire a certified and experienced Indianapolis criminal appeals lawyer. A criminal appeals attorney may be able to build you a strong and impactful defense to reduce your jail sentence or have you released altogether. They are your best chance at reducing or avoiding jail time.

As You Approach the Day of Surrender

When the time comes for you to actually go to jail, try not to spend too much time worrying about what might happen. Jail can be unpredictable, so it’s best not to dwell on things that might not happen. Instead, focus on making the most of the situation and doing whatever it takes to get through it safely and successfully.

Once You Are in Jail

When you get to jail, be sure to follow all instructions and rules. Respect the guards and other inmates and do your best to avoid trouble. Follow the facility’s guidelines, obey orders, and don’t break any laws while you are in jail. It is also important to take care of yourself physically. Make sure you eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.

Jail is not meant to be a walk in the park for a reason, so there will be some hardships along the way no matter how much you have prepared yourself. Just remember: no matter how difficult your situation is, know that you are not alone. There are people out there who care about you and want to help. If you ever need someone to talk to or just need a friendly ear, reach out for help – it could make all the difference in getting through this experience safely and successfully.

Conclusion

Ultimately, going to jail can be a scary experience and it is important to prepare yourself both mentally and physically before you go. Make sure that your affairs are in order, talk to someone about how you’re feeling, stay out of trouble while in jail, and take care of yourself physically. With the right preparation, you can make the most of your time in jail and come out stronger on the other side.

It is important to remember that you don’t have to go through this process alone; there are many resources available if you need help. Whether it be an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer, mental health professional, or support group, do not hesitate to reach out for assistance. Additionally, it can be beneficial to talk to those who have been through similar experiences within the jail system. You don’t have to go through this alone and you can make it out a better person if you take the right steps.

Are you ready to appeal your conviction so that you may avoid jail time altogether? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis today at 317-636-7514 to book an appointment with our knowledgeable criminal appeals law firm in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer aggressive and intelligent criminal defense for appeals and can fight for your rights to a reduced or dismissed conviction. Whether you’d like a virtual or in-person meeting, we have your back from our Indy office!

Facts About Burglary Charges and Robbery Charges in Indiana

Posted on November 16, 2022 by admin

When you think of theft, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a person stealing something from a store. But in Indiana, there are different classifications of theft charges, and each one can carry serious penalties. If you are convicted of burglary, for example, you could face up to 30 years in prison. Robbery is another charge that can result in a long prison sentence; if you are convicted of robbery, you could spend up to 20 years behind bars. These are just two examples of the many theft charges that exist in Indiana. If you have been charged with any type of theft, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can advise you on your options and help protect your rights.

For now, continue below to dive deeper into the difference between burglary and robbery, including how their charges might render separate penalties in Indiana.

If Facing Robbery Charges in Indianapolis, Call 317-636-7514 Today!

Burglary Versus Robbery in Indiana

In Indiana, robbery and burglary are two separate crimes with different elements and punishments. Burglary is defined as the illegal entry into a building or other structure with the intent to commit a crime inside it, while robbery involves theft by force or threat of force.

Burglary Crimes

Burglary in Indiana can be charged as either a Class D felony or a Class A misdemeanor. The felony charge applies when the burglar enters the building with an intent to commit a crime inside, such as theft. A Class D felony is punishable by up to three years in prison and/or fines of up to $10,000.

Robbery Crimes

Robbery is a more serious crime than burglary and is treated as a Level 3 felony in Indiana. This means that if convicted, the individual will face up to 16 years in prison and/or fines of up to $10,000. Robbery occurs when someone takes something belonging to someone else by force or threat of force, such as through violence or intimidation.

Theft Charges in Indiana are Serious Criminal Cases

It is important to remember that burglary and robbery are both serious offenses in Indiana and can result in significant jail time, fines, and other penalties. If you have been charged with either of these crimes, it is important to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights and the legal process, as well as identify any potential defenses you may have. Don’t risk going through the legal system alone; make sure to protect your rights and get the help of an experienced attorney.

This blog was written for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. If you have been charged with burglary or robbery in Indiana, contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak to a seasoned Indianapolis theft lawyer you can trust. Our law firm will get you the best possible outcome to your criminal case!

What are the Legal Repercussions of Check Fraud?

Posted on October 13, 2022 by admin

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, white collar crime “is a term that generally refers to nonviolent crimes committed by business and government professionals.” These crimes are typically motivated by financial gain, and can include embezzlement, fraud, money laundering, and bribery. In the United States, white collar crime costs businesses and taxpayers billions of dollars each year. While white collar crime is often thought of as victimless, the reality is that it can have devastating consequences for both individuals and businesses. Victims of white collar crime can suffer financial ruin, and the loss of their reputation and livelihood. Businesses can be forced to close their doors, and innocent employees can lose their jobs.

One of the most prevalent types of white collar offenses committed in the United States is check fraud. Check fraud is a type of fraud that occurs when someone uses a counterfeit, altered, or otherwise unauthorized check to pay for goods or services. Check fraud can also occur when someone writes a check without having sufficient funds in their account to cover the amount of the check, which is known as “bouncing” a check.

If you believe you are someone you love is guilty of writing, cashing, or receiving fraudulent checks, it is important to educate yourself on how the law penalizes those accused and convicted. Continue below to learn some helpful facts about check fraud, including the common legal repercussions that come along with the crime itself.

Check Fraud Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Facts About Check Fraud

Check fraud is a type of financial crime that involves the use of fraudulent checks to illegally obtain funds from a bank or other financial institution. Check fraud can be perpetrated in a number of ways, including using stolen checks, forging signatures, altering check amounts, and using counterfeit checks. check fraud is a serious problem for both businesses and individuals, as it can lead to significant financial losses.

Penalties for Check Fraud

Check fraud is a serious crime that can result in significant fines and even jail time. The lowest level of check fraud is a Class A misdemeanor, which can lead to imprisonment for up to 1 year and a fine of $5,000. If the amount on the check was between $750 and $50,000 however, you will instead be charged with a Level 6 felony. The potential sentence for this is 6 months to 2.5 years in jail as well as up to a $10,000 fine.

If you have been charged with check fraud, it is important to consult with an experienced Indiana criminal d efense attorney who can help you understand the fraud charges against you and mount a strong defense.

How to Prevent Check Fraud

There are a number of ways to prevent check fraud, including using security features on checks, such as watermarks and microprinting, and keeping track of checks to ensure that they are not stolen or altered. businesses can also institute policies to verify the identity of individuals who attempt to cash checks, and to require that checks be signed in the presence of a company representative. individuals can take steps to protect themselves from check fraud by keeping track of their checks and being aware of the signs of fraudulent activity.

Check fraud is a serious problem that can lead to significant financial losses. There are a number of ways to prevent check fraud, including using security features on checks and keeping track of checks to ensure that they are not stolen or altered. businesses can also institute policies to verify the identity of individuals who attempt to cash checks, and to require that checks be signed in the presence of a company representative. individuals can take steps to protect themselves from check fraud by keeping track of their checks and being aware of the signs of fraudulent activity.

To learn everything that you need to know about your current check fraud or bank fraud charges and how they might affect your future, contact an experienced criminal defense law firm in Indianapolis. Call the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with an aggressive and experienced white collar crime charge lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We can hold meetings over the phone, via online conferencing, or in person at her Indianapolis office.

Where to Get Aggressive Criminal Defense in Indianapolis

Posted on September 20, 2022 by admin

Don’t get stuck with the maximum penalties for your suspected crimes. Talk to a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis about possibly dismissing or reducing your Indiana criminal charges. But who can you trust to have compassion for your life, and work around the clock to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms? Choose the criminal defense attorney that so many other Hoosiers have in the past, David E. Lewis.

Criminal Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Attorney David E. Lewis Will Get You the Best Possible Legal Outcome

When you are charged with a crime in Indiana, trust an aggressive and experienced Indianapolis criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. Attorney David E. Lewis is the only professional authority for the job. He has decades of experience working in the criminal law field and has successfully defended thousands of offenders all over the state. He has been able to recover reduced sentences and even have charges dismissed for several of his past clients and will do everything in his power to provide the same results for you!

Your Case is His Top Priority

Attorney David E. Lewis will work around the clock to build a strong and impactful defense against your criminal charges, all while remaining a constant advocate for you during the entire legal process. He truly has his clients’ best interests in mind at all times, and never passes judgement on anyone that calls or comes through his doors. He strongly believes you are innocent until proven guilty! Don’t let a novice criminal defense attorney lead your case. They may not have the evolved knowledge from years of hands-on experience; an attribute that sets David E. Lewis apart from other entry-level criminal attorneys.

Your Chance at a Better Future

You have a realistic chance at avoiding jail time, thousands of dollars in fines, and other extreme penalties for drug crimes when you have an experienced Indianapolis defense attorney behind you. David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, is fully equipped to take on your criminal case and fight for your rights. With him and our professional legal team on your side, you will have the professional guidance and knowledge it takes to remain strong and emotionally intact during your criminal legal proceedings.

Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a meeting with our experienced Indianapolis criminal defense law firm. We can hold meetings over the phone or in person at our Indy-based office.

Will I Be Tried in State or Federal Court?

Posted on September 9, 2022 by admin

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

Federal Court Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

State Court System Versus Federal Court System

Establishment

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

Jurisdiction

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have You Been Charged With Felony Drunk Driving in Indiana?

Posted on September 6, 2022 by admin

Felony drunk driving or intoxicated driving charges are very serious in Indiana. Be sure you have the aggressive and reputable legal representation you need in order to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. Continue below to learn how to get the best possible outcome after being charged with a felony DUI in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties.

DUI Attorneys Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Drunk Driving Felonies are Serious in Indiana

Second and third DUI offenses, or multiple DUI offenses are classified as various Levels of Felonies in Indiana. Felonies are divided into 7 categories in Indiana: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Level 6, and Murder. Level 6 felony crimes are the least serious type of felony, and are commonly referred to as “wobblers” since they can most often be reduced to Class A Misdemeanors. Level 6 felonies are punishable up to 3 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, and several other court-ordered penalties. Level 1 and 2 felony crimes are the most serious levels, excluding murder. Each level of felony is assigned a separate statute regarding penalization.

You Can Face Felony DUI Charges If:

■ You Have a Prior DUI Conviction/s within the Past 5 to 10 Years
■ You Have Two Prior DUI Convictions
■ You Have Three Prior DUI Convictions
■ You Receive a Fourth DUI Charge
■ DUI Involving Manslaughter
■ DUI Involving Child Endangerment
■ Fleeing from the Scene of the Crime
■ DUI Involving Severe Property Damages
■ DUI Involving Bodily Harm to Another Person

How to Get Ahead of Felony Drunk Driving Charges in Indiana

People make mistakes, and just one extra glass of Cabernet can put a person over the set 0.08 BAC state alcohol limit. More significantly, a drunk driving charge is always serious, but pair a DUI with additional aggravated offenses or prior convictions, and you have a DUI felony on your hands. These types of DUI charges can be very difficult on you and your family and create a troubling ripple effect on your life and future.

Not only do you face jail time, but you can also lose your driving privileges, child custody, student aid benefits, employment, job promotions, and more. It is critical to have the guidance and knowledge of a skilled Indiana DUI criminal defense lawyer on your team to prevent your constitutional rights from being violated. DUIs exclude no one, but a tough drunk driving lawyer can exclude you from jail time and other harsh drunk driving penalties if you choose the right one.

Hire an Aggressive and Experienced DUI Lawyer in Indianapolis

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

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

Your Next Step After Being Charged With Drunk Driving Vehicular Manslaughter

Posted on July 13, 2022 by admin

Drunk driving is illegal for a very good reason. Vehicles, after all, are comparable to a 3,000 pound missile at speeds as low as 10 miles per hour. Under that, they are still heavy machinery that can cause a devastating amount of damage or bodily injury. Many drunk driving accidents result in the fatalities of other innocent drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Such accidents generally lead to a DUI vehicular manslaughter charge against the intoxicated driver. As a type of homicide crime, vehicular manslaughter is a very serious criminal charge that can end with long lasting consequences, including a lengthy stint in prison.

If you are facing drunk driving vehicular manslaughter in Indiana, continue below to learn the most valuable and critical step you need to take to avoid the maximum penalties for your charges.

Vehicular Manslaughter Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Homicide and Involuntary Manslaughter

DUI vehicular manslaughter is a homicide and occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle while intoxicated, and in doing so, unintentionally causing an accident that kills another person. Although it is not considered murder since it was not a deliberate, malicious, or premeditated act, the offense is categorized as a homicide because a person loses their life.

There are different types of homicides, including involuntary and voluntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, negligent homicide, and vehicular homicide.

A homicide is not always a crime, as is the case with self-defense. Criminal homicide, on the other hand, is causing the death of another, either by means of negligence, such as drunk driving, or willful intent, such as spontaneously killing a person that you catch sleeping with your spouse. This would be charged as voluntary manslaughter, which is aptly called the heat of passion crime.

Vehicular Manslaughter Laws

Vehicular manslaughter laws are divided into 3 distinct levels: vehicular manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and aggravated vehicular homicide. Vehicular manslaughter is when a driver causes the death of another person or their unborn child as a result of a misdemeanor traffic violation. Vehicular homicide is the same as vehicular manslaughter, but in two specific scenarios: as a result of driving negligence or speeding through a construction zone.

Aggravated vehicular homicide is also the same as vehicular manslaughter, but in three specific scenarios: as a direct result of A) operating a vehicle while intoxicated; B) operating a vehicle recklessly; or C) committing a reckless traffic offense in a construction zone.

DUI Manslaughter Charges and Penalties

Drunk driving vehicular manslaughter is charged as an involuntary manslaughter homicide, which is a DUI felony offense. Upon conviction, a defendant can be punished by up to 6 years in prison, with an advisory jail sentence of 3 years, plus suspended drivers’ license for 2 to 5 years and fines up to $10,000.

If you have been charged with drunk driving manslaughter, your next step is the most important one you will make in your life: hire a skilled and experienced Indiana criminal defense lawyer for aggressive DUI defense. They can preserve your rights and protect you from the maximum sentence.

Are you worried about your pending DUI charges in Indiana? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with a seasoned DUI lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana who will put your mind at ease with a strong and impactful defense. We also represent defendants charged in Indiana but who live in another state.

Can I Get in Trouble for Mailing Weed in Indiana?

Posted on July 5, 2022 by admin

Marijuana is legal for medicinal and recreational use in an increasing number of states across the country, but not Indiana. In the Hoosier state, cannabis is still illegal in all regards. Yet, there is a buzzing confusion among Indiana residents on shipping or transporting legal marijuana back home. As a result, many cannabis users continue to find out the hard way that mailing weed or weed products in and out of Indiana is a recipe for trouble, legal trouble to be specific.

Scroll below to review some facts about what happens if you get caught shipping marijuana in Indiana, as well as the consequences for transporting legally-purchased cannabis products back to Indiana.

Marijuana Criminal Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Marijuana Shipment is Illegal in Indiana

Not only is the shipping of marijuana and cannabis products illegal in Indiana, but it is also a violation of Federal law seeing as though the United States Postal Service (USPS) is a branch of federal government. This means that the consequences for committing such offenses are more serious for those charged and convicted. Having a misdemeanor on your permanent record is one thing but a felony can have lasting negative effects on your overall quality of life.

Marijuana in all forms is illegal in Indiana, including flower form, plant form, THC oil, edible and drinkable cannabis goods, and seeds. The only exception is low THC level oil obtained from industrial hemp, which is legal to ship in Indiana and under Federal law.

Common Penalties for Mailing Weed and Cannabis Products

So, what happens if you mail marijuana and get caught? Well, let’s start by noting that Indiana Drug Trafficking Laws are among the strictest, and mailing marijuana is considered trafficking. Whether you knowingly or intentionally mailed marijuana or received it in the mail from another party, you face serious penalties if caught and convicted.

No Previous Drug Convictions, Under 30 Grams:

□ Class A Misdemeanor
□ Up to 1 Year in Jail
□ Up to $5,000 in Fines
□ Miscellaneous Court Orders
□ Probation

No Previous Drug Convictions, 30 Grams to 10 LBS:

□ Level 6 Felony
□ 6 Months to 2.5 Years in Jail
□ Up to $10,000 in Fines
□ Miscellaneous Court Orders
□ Probation

Previous Drug Conviction Under 30 Grams:

□ Level 6 Felony
□ 6 Months to 2.5 Years in Jail
□ Up to $10,000 in Fines
□ Miscellaneous Court Orders
□ Probation

Previous Drug Conviction Under 30 Grams:

□ Level 5 Felony
□ 1 to 6 Years in Jail
□ Up to $10,000 in Fines
□ Miscellaneous Court Orders
□ Probation

What to Do if You are Arrested For Mailing Drugs in Indiana

Whether you have just been released on bond after being arrested for mailing illegal substances in or out of Indiana or simply suspect that you soon will be, your best option is to contact a licensed criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis. They can take full control of your case, protecting your rights and preserving your freedoms.

Ready to speak with a skilled and qualified lawyer about your case? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for aggressive and experienced criminal defense for drug crimes in Indianapolis, Indiana. We can hold meetings over the phone, via online conferencing, or in person at her Indianapolis office.

Can a Person Be Arrested for Blackmailing?

Posted on June 22, 2022 by admin

Blackmail is a crime. Crimes come with penalties of all kinds, from fines and restitution to community service, house arrest, probation, and even jail time. And like all crimes, blackmailing another person, business, or organization will lead to these same consequences. Continue below to learn more about blackmail laws, including the common charges and penalties, plus what to do if you are being blackmailed by another.

Blackmail Criminal Defense Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Blackmailing Laws in Indiana

Blackmailing can be a state or federal crime depending on the circumstances or nature of the offense. Most people wrongly assume that blackmail is the act of forcing someone to do something they don’t want to do by means of threat or ultimatum (not by bribery or intimidation). But the true, universally accepted legal definition of blackmail describes a very serious offense that causes significant damage to one’s reputation, finances, or quality of life, all of which can subject a victim to extreme psychological and emotional traumas. For this reason, blackmail is deemed as a very serious offense under criminal law, and therefore, renders major penalties, including jail time.

West’s Encyclopedia of American Law, (2d Edition, 2008), defines blackmail as: “[t]he crime involving a threat for purposes of compelling a person to do an act against his or her will, or for purposes of taking the person’s money or property.

Forms of Blackmail

Blackmail crimes come in all forms. A blackmailer could threaten a person to do something they don’t want to do by threatening physical violence, or threatening to harm their 1) reputation, 2) employment status or privileges, 3) school admissions, 4) child custody rights, 5) social status, 6) membership status, 7) finances, 8) property, 9) loved ones, and much more. A blackmailer may even threaten to reveal secrets that can cause harm to all of these elements of life and more.

Typically, the person doing the blackmailing is someone that has a level of authority or power over the victim, such as an employer, computer hacker, spouse, parent, guardian, conservatorship representative, lawyer, agent, teacher, school administrator, and similar authorities. However, this is not always the case. A blackmailing victim can be blackmailed by their best friend, romantic partner, neighbor, or even a minor.

Blackmail Versus Extortion

The terms blackmail and extortion are sometimes used interchangeably to describe the same type of crime. However, blackmail is typically reserved to describe crimes of threat, while extortion is more like blackmail that results in actually receiving funds, money, payment, or some other reward. Basically, when blackmail is successful, it turns into the crime of extortion.

Penalties for Blackmailing

Here in Indiana, if the defendant is charged with blackmail or extortion, they will face a long list of penalties, with the possibility of jail time. In most cases, a first offender convicted of a blackmailing crime will be sentenced to fines. In other cases, a defendant might be sentenced to fines and imprisonment. Aside from criminal penalties, a person convicted of blackmail or extortion may also face a civil lawsuit brought on by the victim. The victim could seek damages from the blackmailer in the form of compensation or settlement.

What to do if you’re being blackmailed: Immediately contact the police and give a full report. Never take matters into your own hands.

Are you currently facing criminal charges for bribery, blackmail, or extortion in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for aggressive criminal defense for misdemeanor or felony criminal charges in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent adults, minors, and juveniles all across the state.

8 Ways You Can Be Charged With Intoxicated Driving

Posted on May 4, 2022 by admin

Intoxicated driving charges are very serious, and the law is designed to use such cases as a means to set an example for the rest of the public. The laws surrounding OWI charges vary from state to state, as do the possible enhancements that can increase the severity of the charges. There are several ways you can be charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Continue below to learn the 8 types of DUI charges, what they mean, and how you can beat them with skilled legal representation.

DUI Lawyers Near Me Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Types of OWI Enhancements

Potential OWI enhancements depend on several factors, but the most common types of enhancements to drunk driving charges include operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15% or higher, drunk driving with a minor as a passenger, drunk driving that causes another person bodily injury, and drunk driving that causes the death of another person.

Aggravated DUI

An aggravated DUI is any average DUI charge, but with enhancements. See enhancement examples above. Aggravated DUI charges are the same thing as Felony DUI charges, which is the term used in Indiana. Additional aggravated DUI offenses include DUI in a school zone, operating a school bus under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving intoxicated without a valid license, having multiple convictions within a short time frame, and more.

Drugged Driving (DUID)

Alcohol is not the only substance that can lead to a DUI arrest. Operating a vehicle while under the influence of Schedule I or Schedule II drugs, whether legal or illegal, can lead to a DUID charge in Indiana, which stands for “driving under the influence of drugs.” A police officer can legally arrest you for a DUID charge simply based on a reasonable suspicion that such drugs are in your system.

DUI Accidents

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious crime in itself; but couple it with an accident and the charges get worse. In Indiana, DUI-related accidents are labeled as Felony DUI charges, and come with severe penalties.

DUI Manslaughter

When DUI accidents end with fatalities, the charges increase to DUI manslaughter. Although the fatalities in these cases are unintentional, the charge still come with very severe penalties in Indiana. DUI manslaughter is a Level 5 Felony, which is a very serious charge.

Felony DUI

First-offense DUI charges are generally misdemeanors. But with enhancements or previous convictions, DUI charges turn into a felony very fast. Such factors include multiple convictions, fatalities, presence of children, bodily harm, property damage, and more. With the help of a tough defense lawyer, felony DUI charges can sometimes be reduced to lower felonies or misdemeanors.

Misdemeanor DUI

A typical DUI charge in Indiana is a misdemeanor crime, unless there are enhancements involved, or a person has prior DUI convictions within a certain time frame (usually 5 to 10 years). First time DUI offenses are Class C misdemeanors, but with BAC levels higher than 0.15%, they jump to Class A misdemeanors. With the help of a tough defense lawyer, Level 6 felony DUI’s can often times be reduced to DUI misdemeanors.

Property Damage DUI

When a DUI accident ends with property damages, the penalties and fines increase dramatically. A person can expect longer jail time, harsher sentencing agreements, and extreme fines. And although these are considered aggravated DUI’s, they are not always charged as felonies. However, if property damages are extensive, the charge is likely to increase to a felony.

Underage DUI

Indiana has a “per se” stance on underage drinking and driving. This means there is a zero-tolerance rule for underage drinking. Any person under the age of 21, the national legal drinking age, is forbidden to consume or purchase alcoholic beverages. Underage drinking is a crime in itself, but combined with driving and DUI charges, underage drinkers face serious penalties. Standard penalties include license suspension, jail time, probation, hefty fines, community service, and diversion programs.

Are you looking for criminal defense attorney who can help you reduce your OWI criminal charges in Indiana? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer about your Indiana DUI charges. Our legal team can help you obtain the best possible outcome to your criminal matters!