Are Breathalyzers Reliable at Proving Intoxication?

Breath testing has been the most common method of investigating and confirming a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Law enforcement and similar authorities typically use handheld electronic devices known as breathalyzers to test an individual’s breath and obtain a BAC reading. But are these breath testing devices actually reliable? Are they accurate? Do they really prove intoxication?

Continue reading to learn more about breath testing and breathalyzers, including what to do if you believe you have been wrongly arrested after failing a breathalyzer test in Indiana.

DUI Defense Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
DUI Defense Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Breathalyzer Testing

Breathalyzers are science-based electronic devices that are designed to read and compute blood alcohol levels based on breath. There are different types of breathalyzers. Some are designed with fuel cells that generate an electric current, while others use infrared light or chemical reactions.

The average person has no idea how these scientific electronic devices work, so many people tend to blindly trust whatever reveals. But like all manufactured commodities, especially electronic ones, design flaws and happen. In such a case, breathalyzers might incorrectly or inaccurately process the blood alcohol concentration in a person’s breath.

Breathalyzer Test Reliability

So, how reliable are these breathalyzers? Possibly not so much, at least not all the time. According to a post in the New York Times, thousands of people have been arrested based on flawed breath testing results over the years, and courts across the country have thrown out more than 50,000 tests.

As most fragile computer-based electronic devices go, breathalyzers require routine maintenance and care, including precise calibration. Not only must these devices be set up properly, but they must also be used correctly and by a certified operator. And the unfortunate truth is that the standards for proper breathalyzer usage and maintenance are not highly regulated.

Most law enforcement agencies are not monitored on how well they take care of or calibrate their BAC-measuring machines, how well they train their staff to use them, and how well they store their data. With all of these factors at play, there are many variables that can cause breathalyzers to compute inaccurately, and therefore, give unreliable BAC test results.

Get Yourself a Lawyer After Failing a Breath Test

Unfortunately, most law enforcement officials will take whatever reading the breathalyzer gives them and use it as just cause to arrest a person for public intoxication or drunk driving. For this reason, it is important to obtain professional and private criminal defense legal representation to fight your criminal charges. Good criminal defense attorneys have the resources, knowledge, and skills to reduce your charges or dismissed them entirely based on an unjust arrest.

Are you ready to preserve your freedom by getting started on your defense now? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for the best chance at reducing or dismissing your public intoxication or DUI charges in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients all throughout the state of Indiana.

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Facts About Aggravating Factors in a Criminal Case

Facing criminal charges is a confusing matter to experience. When aggravated factors are involved, it can be more challenging for a defendant to understand what’s at stake in terms of their rights and future freedoms. If you are concerned about defending aggravating factors in a criminal case, continue below to learn the right facts you need to know.

Indiana Criminal Defense Representation 317-636-7514
Indiana Criminal Defense Representation 317-636-7514

Aggravating Factors Make Criminal Charges Worse

Have you ever heard the phrases, “the straw that broke the camel’s back” or “the icing on the cake” before? Aggravating factors are certain details about a criminal act that make the crime more serious and the penalties much harsher. For instance, if a person is caught selling drugs out of their home, they would face certain charges and penalties. However, if that person is caught selling drugs near or on school grounds, they would face even higher charges and penalties since being at or within 500 feet of a school is an aggravating factor to the crime.

Common Types of Aggravating Factors

There are many types of aggravating factors, and a person can face multiple ones in their criminal case. Aggravating factors can enhance a criminal charge by many levels. They can bump a Class A misdemeanor to Level 6 Felony, or even a Level 5 felony. They can also bump low level misdemeanors to higher level misdemeanors. For instance, if a person with no prior criminal record gets busted for a DUI, they would face lighter charges and penalties compared to a person with no prior criminal record who gets busted for a DUI but also causes a car accident that results in bodily harm to a passenger or a driver.

Examples of Aggravating Factors:

Assault on a police officer or firefighter
Crimes involving minors
Crimes committed on or nearby schools or government buildings
Use of a deadly weapon
Causing bodily harm
Egregious recklessness or disregard
Battery causing death

Mitigating Factors Versus Aggravating Factors

Aggravating factors are opposite of mitigating factors, which are factors that can lessen the severity of a crime. For instance, if a person is caught in possession of a non-prescribed prescription narcotic, such as opioids or barbiturates, they would face a particular set of charges and penalties. However, if that person has no prior criminal record and is a good standing citizen within the community, such characteristics could be deemed as mitigating factors in their case, and therefore lessen their charge and penalties.

Are you currently facing criminal charges with aggravating factors in Indiana? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a skilled and aggressive criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Act fast so that you may avoid the maximum penalties for your probation violation.

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8 Ways You Can Be Charged With Intoxicated Driving

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
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!

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The Pros and Cons of Taking a Plea Deal

If you are currently facing criminal charges, you will likely be given the opportunity to take a plea deal. What does this mean for you and your freedoms? A lot. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about plea deals, including pros and cons, before you decide to accept one.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Law Firm
Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Plea Deal Basics

A plea deal is a bargaining tactic used by the state to make defendants plead guilty to their charges. Under a plea deal arrangement, the defendant is sentenced to a lesser charges or penalties. There are pros and cons to taking a plea deal, so it is important to learn what you can about them before choosing to move forward with such an arrangement. Furthermore, it is possible for judges to reject plea deals even though the prosecution offers them up. Although rare, this might happen if the judge explicitly and fully disagrees with giving the defendant a lesser charge or more lenient penalties.

Advantages of Plea Deals

The top advantage of accepting a plea deal is avoiding more serious criminal charges. Typically, defendants are convicted of a lesser crime, spend less time in jail (or none at all), and sentenced to lighter penalties, including fines and license suspensions. Also, defendants to not have to risk going to trial. There are also some administrative benefits to taking a plea deal. For instance, you can save a lot of money and time avoiding lengthy trials, attorney bills, and court costs. It also helps clear out some court system traffic, allowing more time for more serious cases.

Disadvantages of Plea Deals

There are some downsides to taking a plea deal. As mentioned, the judge could reject it if they do not believe it aligns with the best interests of justice. Secondly, plea deals do force a defendant to admit guilt, even if they are not guilty. It is important to understand that plea deals also waive certain constitutional rights, like self-incrimination and jury trial. The worst disadvantage is the risk of it all. Although the state can offer a plea deal, they can revoke it or decide to not grant leniency in sentencing.

Common Types of Pleas:

Guilty Plea – Defendant admits guilt and accepts the charges.

Not Guilty Plea – Defendant maintains innocence and disputes the charges.

No Contest Plea (nolo contendere) – Defendant neither admits to nor disputes the criminal charges and accepts a guilty conviction.

Alford Plea – Defendants do not admit guilt but accept the punishment under a guilty conviction after acknowledging that the evidence against them will most likely have a jury convict them.

Are you looking for a qualified criminal defense attorney who can fight your Indiana criminal charges? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm will get you the best possible outcome to your criminal case!

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Do I Need a Permit to Carry a Handgun in Indiana?

A recent change to Indiana handgun law has many Hoosiers confused. To clarify, House Bill 1296 was signed into state law by Governor Holcomb on March 21, 2022. This new bill allows Indiana handgun owners to carry their handguns on them in public without a permit.

However, not all Hoosier handgun owners qualify. Continue below to learn what you need to know about the new House Bill 1296 Indiana Handgun Law, and what to do if you are arrested for being in violation of this law.

Gun Charge Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Gun Charge Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

The New Indiana Handgun Law
(IC 35-47-2-3)

Until last month, all Hoosiers were required by law to have and carry a valid handgun license on them if they brought their handgun with them in public. But with House Bill 1296, which takes affect July 1st, 2022, Hoosiers who own handguns are now legally allowed to carry their handguns with them, on their person or in their vehicles, and without a permit.

The law specifically states, “A person who is at least 18 years of age and is not otherwise prohibited from carrying or possessing a handgun under state or federal law is not required to obtain or possess a license or permit from the state to carry a handgun in Indiana (…).”

But like most things in life, and especially in law, there are limitations and exceptions to the regulation. Not every who has a handgun is protected under this law. There are circumstances that can revoke this legal right, leaving some prohibited from carrying a handgun in public without a valid license.

Restrictions

As IC 35-47-2-3 states, you must be at least 18 years old to be protected under this law. Aside from this obvious rule, IC 35-47-2-1.5 Subsection (b) decrees that certain individuals are banned from carrying a handgun in public without a permit, regardless of the law. If these disqualified individuals are caught violating this law, they will be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor, unless they are near a school or school bus, in which case, they would be charged with a Felony.

A Person is Prohibited if They Are or Were:

□ A Fugitive
□ A Felon
□ An Illegal Immigrant
□ Dishonorably Discharged
□ Convicted of a State-Level Offense Punishable By 1 Year in Jail
□ Convicted of Domestic Violence/Battery
□ Convicted of Criminal Stalking
□ Under Indictment
□ Restrained Under an Order of Protection
□ Ruled Dangerous By IC 35-47-14-6
□ Ruled Mentally Defective
□ Committed to a Mental Institution
□ 23 Years Old With a Ruling of a Delinquent Act (as described by IC 35-47-4-5)
□ Person Who Renounced U.S. Citizenship (as described in 8 U.S.C. 1481)

Are you currently facing criminal charges for illegal handgun possession or firing in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for superior and aggressive Indianapolis criminal defense you can count on. We can meet over the phone, via online video conference, or in person at our office.

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What You Need to Know About Indiana Tax Fraud

If you are a small business owner who is preparing to file your company’s tax return, you have until tomorrow to do so. If you are an individual filing your personal tax returns, you have until Monday, April 18th. Either way, it is important to protect yourself against tax errors because you do not want to mistakenly be charged with tax fraud.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about Indiana tax fraud before Tax Day is upon us this year, plus who to trust for aggressive legal defense if ultimately indicted on any type of white-collar criminal charge.

Tax Fraud Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Tax Fraud Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Important Tax Fraud Facts

Tax fraud is also known as tax evasion. A person can be indicted and charged with tax evasion if they intentionally or knowingly neglect to file their taxes, pay their taxes in full, or provide dishonest data (or omit required data) on their returns for the purpose of evading payment. In order to be convicted of tax evasion, the IRS must prove that you deliberately and knowingly demonstrated one of these fore-mentioned acts.

Most Common Types of Tax Fraud Crimes:

▷ Under Reporting Income
▷ Falsifying Tax Return Data (inflating business expenses, overstating size of household, etc.)
▷ Underpaying Taxes
▷Not Paying Taxes
▷ Deceiving the Department of Revenue (DOR)
▷ Misrepresenting Economic Circumstances

Indiana Tax Fraud Penalties Upon Conviction:

Those who are convicted of Indiana tax fraud will be sentenced depending on the severity of their crimes. Penalties range from jail and prison time to fines, restitution, loss of certain freedoms, and more. Most Indiana tax fraud convictions are sentenced as Class A misdemeanors or Level 6 felonies.

Level 6 Felony = Six Months to 2 ½ Years in County Jail – Fines up to $10,000

Class A Misdemeanor = Up to 12 Months in County Jail – Fines up to $5,000

Tax Errors Do Not Make You a Criminal

If you mistakenly underpaid your taxes, provided incorrect information on your return, or forgot to file your tax return altogether, you are not committing a crime of fraud. In such cases, you would simply need to contact the proper IRS authorities and notify them of your mistake. From there, they will give you the instructions you need to follow to correct your error. You will likely have to pay a small penalty fee, generally $100 to $300.

Are you looking for qualified criminal defense that can reduce or dismiss your white collar crime or fraud charges in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a meeting with an Indianapolis fraud crime lawyer you can trust. We represent all white collar crime cases in Indiana.

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Can Traffic Violations Be Used Against Me in Criminal Court?

After being arrested and charged with a crime in Indiana, it is common to be filled with all sorts of questions. Oftentimes, defendants begin thinking about their legal history. Many criminal defendants question if previous traffic violations and driving-related offenses will affect the outcome of their current criminal case. Fortunately, there is a pretty clear cut answer to this common inquiry.

Continue reading to learn when past traffic violations might be used against a criminal defendant during their trial, plus how to avoid the maximum penalties for your criminal charges.

Criminal Attorney Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Criminal Attorney Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

The Difference Between Civil Court and Criminal Court

When it comes to understanding how previous traffic offenses and violations might be used against a defendant in criminal court, it is important to understand the difference between civil and criminal laws and court systems.

Civil law is the area of the American legal system that manages disputes or wrong-doings between private parties. Accordingly, civil court, also known as small claims court, deals mostly with civil cases disputing small amounts of money. Cases typically adjudicate claims regarding property damage, family law, divorce, property disputes, breach of contracts, landlord cases, wrongful terminations, personal injuries, and similar legal matters.

There are two primary types of criminal courts in the United States, state court and federal court. State courts are established by the state and may include local courts as well. Local courts are usually established by individual cities, counties, townships, or other types of common municipalities. They adjudicate cases that involve crimes that break laws set and enforced by the state (also known as state laws). In contrast, federal courts are established under the United States Constitution, and adjudicate cases that involve crimes that break laws passed by Congress.

Will Your Traffic and Driving History Have an Impact?

When it comes to traffic violations and offenses, the majority of them will fall under civil law, and therefore be dealt with in civil court. In most cases, traffic violations are dealt with at the county clerk’s office, courthouse, or the local BMV. Most of the time, violators simply need to mail in paperwork or fines to remedy any offenses. If you are somebody who has traffic violations on the record, it is not likely that they will be used for making any legal determinations during your criminal trial or sentencing.

When a Civil Case Can Become a Criminal Case

there are some traffic violations and offenses that can lead to criminal charges. In most cases, this includes offenses like, inebriated driving, drunk driving, pedestrian hit and runs, cyclist hit and runs, and causing a car accident as a result of punitive reckless driving. Not only can an offender face civil fines and penalties, but they can also be arrested and criminally charged for a DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, and more.

Are you worried about your pending criminal charges in Indiana? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with a seasoned Indianapolis IN criminal defense lawyer you can trust. We also represent defendants charged in Indiana but who live in another state.

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Are Federal Courts Different From State Courts?

Here in the United States of America, we have two separate types of court systems: state and federal. These two court systems are different in many ways; ways that might be important for you to know if you are currently facing misdemeanor or felony charges. Continue reading to learn how Federal court differs from state court, plus what you need to do if you are preparing to go to trial for your Indiana criminal charges.

Federal Crime Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Federal Crime Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Federal Court Versus State Court

Federal court and state court are established quite differently. State and local court systems are established by the state. This may include cities, townships, counties, and municipalities. Federal courts were, and continue to be, established under the United States Constitution. They deal with laws that are passed by Congress and debates related to the Constitution.

Court Jurisdiction

State and federal court do not hear the same types of cases; more specifically, they are limited to which kinds of cases they are authorized to adjudicate. State courts are authorized to hear virtually all cases, except those that pertain to crimes against the United States and cases that involve certain Federal laws, such as felony offenses, Bankruptcy, immigration, copyrighting, and maritime law. These kinds of cases are heard in Federal court. Common cases heard by state and local courts include misdemeanor crimes, traffic violations, civil disputes, and similar lower-level legal matters.

Although state and Federal courts hear different types of cases, there are some cases in which both are authorized to hear. In such cases, the party has the discretion of choosing which court they wish to pursue their legal matters in.

Facing Criminal Charges?

If you are facing misdemeanor criminal charges, you are going to be tried in a local court under state law. Examples of common misdemeanor offenses adjudicated in the local court system include traffic violations, drug possession, public intoxication, drunk driving, and shoplifting. If you are facing felony charges, you will likely be tried in Federal court under Federal law. Examples of federal-level offenses include white collar crimes, trafficking, sex crimes, violent crimes, kidnapping, homicide, and terrorism.

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.

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Do I Have to Let Police in My House if They Show Up With a Search Warrant?

Law enforcement can certainly be intimidating. Even if you are compelled to oblige by all their commands and requests, do you legally have to? This is a common conundrum for those who are faced with a search warrant at home. Are you required under law to let the police inside your house if they have a search warrant? What might happen if you refuse? Do you have the right to refuse and later appeal a search warrant in court?

Continue reading to learn what you should do if the cops show up at your place of residence with a valid search warrant signed by a judge or magistrate.

Arrest Warrant Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Arrest Warrant Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Search Warrant Facts

In order to get a search warrant, police must submit an affidavit to a judge explaining in great detail the property to be searched, what they are looking for within the property, which property they intend to seize, which type of crime is related to the location of the search, and more. Upon approval of probable cause, a judge will sign a search warrant, which is a court order giving law enforcement authority to explore whatever property stated within the warrant decree.

Any property or areas of the home that are not specifically listed in the search warrant cannot be legally searched by police. However, there is an exception to this rule. It is known as the plain view doctrine. Basically, if something illegal is in plain sight during the process of executing a search warrant, police can further investigate that area under reasonable suspicion.

Police may have a court order to search vehicles, homes, computers, cell phones, storage units, sheds, barns, greenhouses, safes, and more. Once approved and signed by a judge, police have ten days to execute a search warrant, and they can choose to execute a search warrant any time of day or night, including times they know the property will be vacant or unsupervised.

You see, one important fact you need to know about search warrants is that most of them give police permission to search the property without the owner’s permission. Some will have a “knock and announce” rule, but most judges eliminate this rule these days. Even with the rule, there are exceptions.

So, what does all this mean for you if police show up to your home with a search warrant signed by judge? It means that you must comply or else face additional legal consequences.

Consequences of Obstructing a Search Warrant

There are serious consequences that come with obstructing a search warrant. Most often, those who refuse to allow police to come inside their home or behave in a way that is disruptive to the execution of a search warrant, can be arrested for criminal offenses like disorderly conduct, obstruction of due process, contempt of court, and much more.

If this has happened to you recently, or if you are dealing with any type of arrest or bench warrant, it is important to retain a licensed Indiana criminal defense attorney who can fight your charges and help you avoid the maximum penalties you are facing.

Are you facing criminal charges or an arrest warrant? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our legal team can help you obtain the best possible outcome to your criminal matters!

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How a Pretrial Diversion Program May Reduce Your Sentence

If you have recently been arrested in Indiana on drug-related criminal charges, whether on a state or federal level, you can bet on one thing: the penalties will be harsh. Indiana has zero tolerance for drug crimes, so if you are facing drug charges right now, you can expect to be sentenced to jail time, fines, community service, random drug screening, probation, and more. You might even be court ordered to attend a drug rehabilitation clinic or substance abuse program.

However, you may be able to reduce your drug crime. Criminal sentence by doing a pretrial diversion program. Continue reading to learn more about pretrial diversion programs, including how to determine your eligibility in Indiana.

Pretrial Release Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Pretrial Release Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Pretrial Diversion Programs in Indiana

What is a pretrial diversion program? Well, it is an effective and beneficial alternative to the harsher criminal penalties that are traditionally handed down for drug crimes in Indiana. Although pretrial diversion programs may be offered to all sorts of defendants facing a wide range of criminal charges, they are particularly helpful for those facing drug charges in Indiana.

Someone facing drug charges is likely somebody wrapped up in the illicit drug world, whether as a recreational user, abuser, addict, or trafficker. People in these situations are not in a place, neither financially or, mentally, to take on legal obligations like heavy fines and jail time.

The state recognizes this problem by offering legal alternatives to such penalties. In cases that qualify, a pretrial diversion program can be offered to a drug charge defendant as an alternative to going to jail and paying thousands of dollars in fines. In return, the defendant must comply and complete the program with flying colors.

How a Pretrial Diversion Program Works

A defendant (and their lawyer) works with the state prosecutor to come up with an alternative plan of punishment for committing a drug crime in Indiana, known as a pretrial diversion program. In most cases of pretrial diversion programs, some form of rehabilitation or treatment is included as part of the agreement. Additional elements of a pretrial diversion program will vary from case to case, but most include:

▢ Routine Probation Officer Meetings
▢ Random Drug/Alcohol Testing
▢ House Arrest/GPS Ankle Monitoring
▢ Mandatory Curfew
▢ Court-Ordered Therapy

Although every pretrial diversion program is different depending on the defendant and the unique circumstances of the criminal charges, most will come to an end between one and three years. It is important to have a skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis on your side when fighting for your chance at entering into a pretrial diversion program after being charged with a drug crime in Indiana.

Looking for a criminal defense lawyer to fight your drug charges in Indiana right now? 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.

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Criminal Attorney David E Lewis Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Criminal Attorney David E Lewis Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514