After you turn 18 years old in the United States, you are
legally an adult. However, even though you are deemed an adult in the eyes of
the law, you are still in fact, a minor, which means you are also still restricted
from partaking in certain activities, primarily consuming alcohol. Currently, the
legal drinking age is 21 years old, which means that anyone under the age of 21
years old is subject to arrest and underage drinking charges if caught by authorities.
As a result of being caught intoxicated or in possession of alcohol while under
the legal drinking age, many types of penalties can ensue; one of which could
be jail time.
Continue reading to learn how Indiana law penalizes underage
drinking, and what you can do to ensure you avoid the maximum sentence for your
underage drinking charge.
Indiana Underage Drinking Lawyer 317-636-7514
Indiana Underage Drinking Laws
You must be 21 years old to legally consume or purchase alcoholic
beverages in Indiana, and virtually all other states. If caught in possession
of, under the influence of, or consuming alcoholic beverages as a minor adult,
the law has a set schedule on how you are to be penalized.
Although judges have the discretion to modify the ultimate
sentence handed down for underage drinking as they see fit, the basic statute for
possessing, consuming, or transporting alcohol as an underage adult is a Class C Misdemeanor.
In Indiana, a Class C Misdemeanor is punishable by 0 to 60
days in jail, up to $500 in fines (§
7.1-5-7-7). Fines do not include court costs, filing fees, nor attorney
fees.
Potential Penalties for Underage Drinking:
⚠ Driver’s License Suspension – 0 to 12 Months ⚠ Alcohol Treatment Program ⚠ Community Service
How to Prepare for Underage Drinking Charges
If you were recently arrested for underage drinking, and you are 18 years old or older, you need to retain private legal counsel as soon as possible. Licensed criminal defense attorneys can build you a strong and impactful defense that will protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. Mostly, they can keep you out of jail. Just be sure to choose the right lawyer for your Indiana underage drinking charges, as it takes a motivated and aggressive attorney to fight your case.
Trust Indianapolis Criminal Attorney, David E. Lewis
Contact David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to start building a strong and impactful criminal defense against your Indiana underage drinking charges so that you have a chance at avoiding the maximum penalties for your suspected underage drinking. Our Indianapolis criminal defense law firm offers free initial consultations, so there are no out-of-pocket obligations to you.
When you are confronted by police, there are many things you
should and should not do in order to protect yourself. Not only can the right
knowledge regarding police dealings help you avoid self-incrimination, it can ensure
your freedoms are not taken away on the spot. For a start, continue reading to review
some frequently asked questions and answers about police interactions.
Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514
If a Cop Stops Me on the Street, Do I Have to Talk to Them?
If you are walking down the street or sitting on a bench,
and an on-duty police officer stops to speak to you or ask you a question, you
must comply. Even if you feel like their actions are illegal or they are harassing
you, you are still required to stop and cooperate with their orders, no matter
the circumstance. Furthermore, anything you say or do during this stop can be used
against you later on.
If a cop stops you, but does not tell you why, you can ask, “Am
I being detained?” Be sure to use this exact language. If the cop says no,
you can ask if you can now walk away. Do not just walk away, as this can create
confrontation. If the cop says yes, then you are immediately entitled to
a lawyer by law, and can refuse to answer any more questions without your
lawyer present. If you do this, be prepared to be arrested.
Can a Cop Search My Car Without My Permission?
The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution gives citizens the right to be free of unlawful or unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement officials. It means that police and other forms of law enforcement must have a good reason to legally search a person or their property, as well as, seize personal belongings or make an arrest. “Good reason” is established when police identify tangible evidence or facts that leads them to believe a person is committing, has committed, or intends to commit a crime. This is also referred to as probable cause.
If sufficient probable cause is present during a police encounter in a place where privacy is not expected, a search and seizure is not deemed unreasonable, therefore, it is not illegal. However, police have the authority to make this determination. So, the answer to this question is, yes, a cop can search your car if they want to. There is very little chance that they are found guilty of an illegal search later on.
Is it Against the Law to Insult a Cop?
Whether or not it is illegal to insult a cop depends on the
circumstance. In all cases, if you insult a cop, you are taking on the risk of
being stopped, questioned, searched, and if found partaking in criminal activity
or wanted by warrant, arrested on the spot. Under law, it is illegal to
interfere with a police investigation, and to use “fighting words” towards an
officer. If your insults fit into one of these two categories, then you can be
arrested.
Can a Cop Arrest a Child?
Juveniles between the ages of 11 and 17 years old can be
arrested by a police officer if they are caught breaking the law. If a child
under the age of 10 years old commits a crime, they are not tried in the
juvenile court system. Instead, they are entered into a state-run or
government-administrated social services program. Here, they are evaluated and
rehabilitated by professionals in the social service and childcare industries.
If a Cop Doesn’t Read Me My Rights, Will My Charged Be Dropped?
The rules and regulations regarding Miranda warnings and
what police officers must say to people under arrest differ among jurisdictions
within the United States. It is important to understand that Miranda warnings
are not meant for every police interaction, and may not always be read to a
person. The only situation in which law enforcement is required to read a
person their Miranda rights is if custodial interrogation is going to take
place. This means if police officers intend to interrogate and question a
suspect for the purpose of making an arrest, they must read the suspect their
Miranda warnings first before questioning them.
Can a Park Ranger Arrest Someone?
Park rangers can (and will) arrest a person who breaks the
law, whether it’s a state law, federal law, or park rule. Misunderstanding the
role of a park ranger has cost many people a night in jail. If you are a
frequent camper, hiker, fisher, or park visitor, be sure to fully understand
that park rangers are the boss. In fact, park rangers are not the only
authorities you might come across. Individuals like park police, game wardens,
and other park officials are also in charge of enforcing rules.
Can a Security Guard Arrest Someone?
A security guard has a lot of authority in terms of guarding
and protecting, but their authority to arrest a person is limited. Although they
cannot actually arrest a person like police can, they do have the right to make
a citizen’s arrest, just as we all do. However, a citizen’s arrest can only
take place under these specific circumstances: 1) the offender committed a
felony, or 2) the offender attempted to commit, or did commit, a misdemeanor in
their presence. In the case of a felony, the offense must have actually been
committed for a security guard to make a citizen’s arrest. In the case of a
misdemeanor or infraction, the crime must have been made or attempted in the
presence of the security guard.
Where to Get Trusted Criminal Defense in Indiana
Call the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with aggressive Indiana criminal defense lawyer who will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. With decades of hands-on experience, you can trust Attorney David E. Lewis to build you a strong and impactful defense against your Indiana criminal charges.
Any relationship can start off on the right foot, but
eventually begin to show signs of incompatibility. When it comes to
professional relationships, like the one with your criminal defense lawyer, the
same possibility can apply. In fact, many clients find themselves longing for
new legal representation, whether because their current lawyer is not meeting certain
professional expectations, or for the simple fact that they do not feel a solid
lawyer-client connection.
If you are currently a client of a criminal defense attorney
who is just not feeling like the right fit for your legal matters, you do have
the option of switching counsel. However, there are some factors that can
affect the circumstances of making such a switch, from the amount of time your
case has been active, to the cooperation of your soon-to-be former lawyer.
Continue reading to learn what you need to know about
changing criminal defense lawyers, midstream.
Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514
Switching Criminal Defense Lawyers
Changing criminal defense lawyers will not harm your case,
overall. It is common for clients to switch legal representation midstream for
a number of reasons. Lack of communication, unprofessional behavior,
disagreements in case direction, and similar inadequacies are frequent reasons
why this happens.
Finding a Reputable Replacement
When you are ready to move on to a new criminal defense lawyer,
your first step is to find a reputable replacement in your city. See our blog,
“How
to Choose the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer” to learn how to get started on
the right track. Once you have found a new criminal defense law firm to take
your case, you can relish in relief, as they will take on the duty of arranging
the change.
Your new lawyer will contact your former lawyer to notify
them of the switch. From there, the two lawyers will set a time to complete the
handoff of client information and all other related data. Afterwards, a new
meeting is scheduled for all three parties (you and the two lawyers) to sit
down and discuss payment owed to the former lawyer, if any at all.
Paying Your Former Lawyer
The amount of money you will owe to your former criminal
defense lawyer will depend on several factors, many of which are influenced by
state laws. Common factors that will affect this amount include the current
stage of the case, how many hours they have already spent working on the case,
and how much you have already paid. If money is owed to your former criminal
defense lawyer, you will have to pay them in full. To ensure payment, some
states allow criminal defense attorneys to put a lien on the proceeds they are
owed. This will usually take place in small claims court as a civil matter.
Get Started ASAP to Protect Yourself
If you are not happy with your current criminal defense,
whether a private paid lawyer or a public defender, it is vital that you make a
switch as soon as possible. Your future and your freedom depend on the quality of
your criminal defense attorney. Be sure to hire a seasoned and aggressive
Indiana criminal defense lawyer who can protect your rights and preserve your
freedom, and obtain the best possible outcome for your case. Without a lawyer
on your side, you have a severe and massive risk of being sentenced to the
maximum penalties for your criminal charges, including major fines and
long-term jail time.
An Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney Who Will Fight For You
Call 317-636-7514 to discuss your issues with your current legal representation with David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law. He is an aggressive and experienced Indianapolis criminal defense attorney who will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. With decades of hands-on experience, you can trust Attorney David E. Lewis to help you through the process of changing lawyers, and then build you a stronger and more impactful defense against your Indiana criminal charges. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation for Indianapolis criminal defense, today.
Oxycodone is a serious drug. Known as an opioid, it is used mostly as a base substance to make a large number of powerful pain medications, such as Oxycontin, which is just a time-release version of oxycodone. Oxy is meant to be used solely for treating severe and chronic pain in patients with extensive injuries, or debilitating illnesses that cause life-long pain. It is highly regulated and only available (and legal) through prescription by a licensed physician.
That is because oxycodone is highly addictive and can quickly lead to dependence, and therefore, abuse. The problem with non-medically supervised, illegal oxy use is the very serious and real risk of death. You see, oxy medications cause respiratory distress, and in many cases, leads to death when taken in large or continuing doses. The risk of death is even more likely when oxy meds are also taken with other narcotics, especially alcohol.
For these reasons, being caught in possession of oxycodone without a valid prescription can land you in a lot of trouble. Continue reading to see how Indiana statute penalizes those arrested and charged with oxycodone possession.
Prescription Drug Possession Attorney 317-636-7514
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Here in Indiana, those caught with oxycodone without a legal
prescription have committed the crime of possession of a controlled
substance. Indiana
Code 35-48-4-7 clearly states: “A person who, without a valid prescription
or order of a practitioner acting in the course of the practitioner’s
professional practice, knowingly or intentionally possesses a controlled
substance (pure or adulterated) classified in schedule I, II, III, or IV,
except marijuana, hashish, salvia, or a synthetic cannabinoid, commits
possession of a controlled substance (…).”
Indiana Drug Schedules
In Indiana, a classification system is used to categorize
and define all drugs and controlled substances according to their abuse potential
and addictive nature. These classifications are called “schedules”, and were
developed by Federal government and Indiana legislature. They range in number,
from 1 to 5, and can also be influenced by other factors, including the level
of acceptance for medical treatment, physical dependence, and psychological
dependence.
Oxycodone is a Schedule II drug. Schedule two drugs are
considered to be any drug less dangerous than Schedule I drugs. They may have
legitimate medical uses, but with a high risk of abuse. A drug can be
classified as a Schedule II if it has high abuse potential, is either medically
accepted or has severe medical restrictions, and causes physical and psychological
dependence. Other Schedule II drugs include cocaine, crack, PCP
(phencyclidine), opium, raw opium, opium extracts, methamphetamines,
amphetamines, methylphenidate, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, methadone, and
more.
Penalties for Schedule II Drug Possession
Possession of a Schedule II drug is a Class A Misdemeanor, which is punishable by:
? O – 1 Year in Jail ? O – 1 Year of Probation ? Fine Up to $5,000
After being charged with possession of drugs, it is
important to start learning what you are up against. Such charges can cause an
instant ripple effect in your life. On top of the immediate damage to your
reputation and hefty fines, drug possession charges can lead to loss of
employment, driving privileges, child custody, financial aid benefits, housing,
and much more. Most importantly, you can lose your freedom. For this reason, it
is critical to have an aggressive defense attorney behind you all the way.
Trust an Experienced Indiana Drug Possession Lawyer
Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law at 317-636-7514 to get help with your Indiana drug crime charges, today. Whether charged with possession, dealing, or prescription fraud, our Indianapolis criminal defense law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss the best strategies of defense for your case. Avoid the maximum penalties for your misdemeanor or felony criminal charges by calling David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, today!
Our country’s Constitution gives every United States Citizen
various liberties and freedoms. One of which that has to do with criminal
charges is our 5th amendment, which protects criminal suspects from
self-incrimination. What does that mean for those facing criminal charges?
Mostly, it means that you cannot be forced to reveal certain information that
will a) directly incriminate you, or b) indirectly incriminate you by giving
investigators information of incriminating evidence. In some cases, prosecutors
can work their way around this amendment by offering immunity.
Continue reading to learn more about immunity in a criminal
case, including the types of immunity, their potential restrictions, and who to
trust for superior criminal defense advice near you.
Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514
Immunity Basics
In the case that a prosecutor suspects a person of criminal activity, but cannot get any usable information out of them as a result of their constitutional rights, they may instead offer them immunity in exchange for their testimony against another suspect or criminal group. This type of prosecution bargain is most common in cases that can lead investigators to stopping much larger, organized criminal operations, such as drug and sex trafficking, black market businesses, white collar crimes, and more.
Types of Immunity
There are two common types of immunity offered by prosecution in criminal cases: Total Immunity and Use and Derivative Use Immunity. Total immunity, also known as transactional immunity, refers to an arrangement that gives a suspect complete protection against being charged at any point in the future based on matters related to their testimony. Keep in mind that, under this arrangement, prosecution can still bring charges against an immunized suspect, so long as the charges are based on entirely independent matters unrelated to their testimony.
Use and derivative use immunity is a similar arrangement to
total immunity, but with more restriction, which is why it is the more common
type offered in criminal cases. A person who is granted this type of immunity will
be protected against being charged by prosecution based on statements, or any
evidence uncovered from their statements, given in their immunized testimony. Essentially,
this situation renders the same result as a person invoking their 5th
amendment right.
Deciding on Immunity
Because there is more than one type of immunity, it is vital
to your future and your freedom to fully understand the deal being offered to
you before agreeing to it and signing any documents. In fact, it is strongly
encouraged to have your Indiana criminal defense lawyer review such offers and
help you make the best decisions for your case. Furthermore, there are several limitations
to immunity, which can also confuse or mislead you. For instance, once you agree
to an immunity, you must comply and go through with the deal. If you do not,
you will face various penalties, including hefty fines and jail time.
Get Trusted Criminal Defense Advice in Indiana
Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you have been charged with a crime in Indianapolis or anywhere else within Central Indiana. He offers aggressive and experienced criminal defense for anyone facing criminal charges in Indiana. Don’t settle for an attorney that doesn’t have the drive. Attorney David E. Lewis will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. We also offer criminal record expungement services to help clean up your criminal history and improve your quality of life!
When someone intentionally sets fire to something of value by
means of fire, explosives, or destructive device, and property damage results,
they have committed the crime of arson. Arson is NOT the crime of intentionally
setting fire to cause bodily harm. That would be considered murder, manslaughter,
or some other form of violent crime. But because arson has the potential to cause
both property damage and bodily harm, it is a very dangerous act, and therefore,
considered a very serious offense. Accordingly, each state serves to set an
example of those who are convicted.
Continue reading to learn how Indiana penalizes arson
crimes, and what you need to do if you were recently charged with a similar
crime.
Indianapolis Felony Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514
Indiana Arson Charges and Penalties
Here in Indiana, arson is a felony. The type of felony
depends on the level of arson committed. For instance, arson crimes are
penalized as low as a Level 6 felony, to as high as a Level 2 felony. Here are
the Indiana penalization and sentencing schedules for them:
Level 6 Felony ➢ 6 months to 2 ½ years in jail with an advisory sentence of 1 year; Up to $10,000 in fines.
Level 6 felony arson charges are often referred to as “wobblers”
by criminal defense lawyers because they can usually be reduced to a Class A misdemeanor,
which is less severe in terms on penalties. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable
by 0 to 1 year in jail and up to $5,000 in fines.
Level 5 Felony ➢ 1 to 6 years in jail with an advisory sentence of 3 years; Up to $10,000 in fines.
Level 4 Felony ➢ 2 to 12 years in jail with an advisory sentence of 6 years; Up to $10,000 in fines.
Level 3 Felony ➢ 3 to 16 years in jail with an advisory sentence of 9 years; Up to $10,000 in fines.
Level 2 Felony ➢ 10 to 30 years in jail with an advisory sentence of 17 ½ years; Up to $10,000 in fines.
Under Indiana’s arson laws, an act of arson that harms multiple
victims counts as individual offenses. This means that if an arson defendant injured
5 people as a result of their fire, they would be charged with 5 counts of
arson, with each count adding up in penalties. See Indiana
Code Section 35-43-1-1 to view the full list of laws and penalties for
arson.
Are You Facing Indiana Arson Charges?
If you do not already have a licensed Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer working on your felony arson case, you need one right away. Contact David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to start building a strong and impactful defense against your Indiana arson charges so that you have a chance at avoiding the maximum penalties for your suspected felony crimes. Our law firm offers free initial consultations, so there are no out-of-pocket obligations to you.
Illinois has joined the various other states in their 2019
ballot initiative to legalize recreational and medical marijuana consumption. This
means that Illinois residents, 21 years and older, are legally permitted to
possess, transport, consume, and even cultivate cannabis. As a bordering state
to Indiana, many Hoosiers want to know if they can visit Illinois, purchase marijuana
products, and then bring them home to Indiana for personal use. This is a very
relevant and predictable inquiry, as marijuana laws are constantly changing
around the country every day.
Continue reading to learn what you need to know as an
Indiana resident visiting Illinois.
Indianapolis Marijuana Lawyer
317-636-7514
Before Illinois enacted their cannabis legalization laws, possession of marijuana was a misdemeanor crime, punishable by 1 year in jail and $2,000 in fines. Trafficking and cultivation rendered even more serious penalties. But in June 2019, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the bill after the ballot to legalize recreational adult marijuana use was approved by voters. So, Illinois state law now permits the consumption and possession of marijuana, whether with or without a medical marijuana card.
For Illinois residents, this means that, at any time, the state laws regarding marijuana can be overturned by Federal legislation. Right now, residents of the state can possess up to 30 grams of cannabis. The legal limit for cannabis concentrate is 5 grams, while the limit for cannabis-infused products, such as edibles or tinctures, is 500 milligrams of THC (the chemical that produces a high).
Indiana Marijuana Laws
As for Indiana residents who are visiting the Illinois, the law allows you to possess up to half of the amounts of Illinois residents. This means you can have up to 15 grams of marijuana, 2.5 grams of concentrate, and 250 milligrams of infused products. As for taking Illinois marijuana back home to Indiana, the law will stand in your way. Cannabis is illegal in Indiana across the board, and there is zero talk of legalization. This means that if you decide to visit Illinois and purchase marijuana, you CANNOT legally bring it back across Indiana borders. If you do, you are instantly breaking the law.
If you are caught by law enforcement, you will be arrested.
However, there is some hope. Recently, the Marion
County Prosecutor’s Office declared that it will no longer prosecute petty marijuana
cases. Here’s what Prosecutor Ryan Mears had to say, “Too often, an arrest
for marijuana possession puts individuals into the system who otherwise would
not be. That is not a win for our community. (…) The enforcement of marijuana
policy has disproportionately impacted people of color, and this is a first
step to addressing that. (…) Our priority is violent crime. (…) We are not
going to mess around with these small possession of marijuana cases.”
Get Help With Marijuana Charges in Indiana
Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you have been charged with a marijuana crime in Indianapolis or anywhere else within Central Indiana. He offers aggressive and experienced criminal defense for anyone facing criminal charges in Indiana. Don’t settle for an attorney that doesn’t have the drive. Attorney David E. Lewis will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. We also offer criminal record expungement services to help clean up your criminal history and improve your quality of life!
Whether it’s a pile of leaves, your ex’s forget-me-nots, or simply a curious science experiment in the works, there are many of reasons why you might be asking about the legalities of setting a fire on your property. As it turns out, it is a very important and responsible inquiry to ask since Indiana does have certain regulations that restrict outdoor burning practices, known as open burning laws.
Continue reading to learn what you need to know about such
laws before stepping outside and igniting something into flames.
Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514
Indiana Open Burning Laws
Here in Indiana, the law defines open burning as burning
materials in a way that results in the release of smoke and harmful emissions.
Because such by-product doesn’t pass through a chimney or vent, it directly
pollutes the air, and thus, harms both the environment and our health. For
these reasons, the state imposes certain limitations on open burning appositely
called open burning laws.
Burning trash and other materials for the purpose of disposal in an open-style fashion is illegal here in Indiana. However, there are certain exemptions that allow opening burning known as exempt burning activities. If your particular burning need falls within the boundaries of these exceptions, opening burning is likely legal. Examples of such exemptions include boy and girl scouting training, recreational fires, ceremonial fires, fire pits, barbecues, and similar things that involve lighting an outdoor fire.
Keep in mind, there are still certain terms and conditions
for even exempt burning activities, so be sure to always check with the local
municipality for the rules on these activities. Furthermore, even if your state
or local ordinances permit open burning, you have to adhere to any active fire
bans that might be in place at the time. When it comes to operations like fireman
training, disaster debris management, land clearing, and prescribed burns,
authorities must first require approval from the Indiana Department of
Environmental Management (IDEM). View a comprehensive list of Indiana’s open burn laws
and rules.
Getting Arrested for Starting a Fire
If you are reported or caught in the act of breaking any open burn laws in Indiana, you will face hefty fines and potential bans from certain areas. As for being arrested, it is very unlikely that you will go to jail for burning something outside on your property unless the activity directly results in damage to another person or property. In such a case, you could be arrested and charged with a type of arson, which is a federal-level crime.
Federal crimes are more serious than state crimes, or misdemeanors,
and generally come with heftier fines and penalties, including jail time. In
fact, a felony crime is one that is punishable by up to one year in a federal
prison. See our blog, “How
Indiana Classifies Felony Offenses” to learn more about felony criminal
charges and penalties.
If you are facing felony charges for arson in Indiana, it is vital that you contact a seasoned criminal defense lawyer to get started in your defense before it’s too late. You have a much higher chance at avoiding the maximum penalties, including jail time, for an Indiana arson conviction if you have the right attorney on your side.
An Indiana Criminal Defense Lawyer You Can Trust
Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a consultation with aggressive criminal defense attorney, David E. Lewis regarding your felony crimes. He will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms after being charged with invasion of privacy in Indianapolis. With decades of hands-on experience, you can trust Attorney David E. Lewis to build you a strong and impactful defense against your criminal charges.
A Notice of Deposition is simply a legal phrase that
describes a formal meeting that involves a recorded interview under oath. If
you received one, it means that you are being asked to provide answers under
oath as a witness to a case. It is a formal, recorded, interview session that
is used for two primary reasons: to learn what you know pertaining to the case
in question, and as evidence for later use. Either parties in a lawsuit can
have anyone provide a deposition 20 days after the lawsuit is filed. Even if
you have nothing to do with the lawsuit or the parties involved, you can still
be asked to come in for a deposition since the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure
allows authorities to do so.
Continue reading to learn some tips on how to prepare to
give a deposition regarding a criminal case.
Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514
Deposition Tips
Depositions are not meant to be comfortable. In fact, you
can expect to feel a bit of discomfort while being interviewed during a
deposition session. However, if you follow these simple tips, it can relieve
some of the pressure and anxiety you might feel prior to and during your
interview.
Prepare Yourself – Meet with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer who can guide you through the process and provide you with the information you need to fully defend your deposition.
Be Honest – Always be 100% honest and tell the truth. Remember, you are under oath and can be penalized under law if caught telling a lie.
Remember the Transcript – While being deposed, keep in mind that every word is being transcribed. Avoid using slang words and short, inaudible responses such as “uh huh” and “yea.”
Only Answer the Given Question – When being asked a question, only answer that question. Do not volunteer additional information related to subjects in the question.
Do Not Guess or Speculate – In addition to telling the truth, be sure to only provide the information that you know when being asked a question. Never make guesses or speculations.
Do Not Offer Assistance – During the interview process, do not offer the examiner any sort of assistance in collecting additional evidence or information related to the questions being asked of you.
Don’t Tolerate Bullying – Do not tolerate being bullied or intimidated. Examiners do not have the right to use aggressive or inappropriate methods to get information from those being deposed.
Remain Calm – During a deposition, remain relaxed to show that you are in control of your emotions. Erratic behaviors and aggravation can cause examiners to doubt the veracity of your answers.
Questions About Your Indiana Criminal Case?
Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your Indiana criminal charges with a seasoned Indianapolis criminal defense attorney you can trust. We work around the clock to ensure your rights are protected and your freedoms are preserved. You can avoid the maximum penalties for your charges with our aggressive legal representation!
Every single day, new technologies and innovative advancements
in the world of computer science has given criminals a wider scope of offenses
to commit, known as “cyber crimes.” From piracy and fraud, to hacking, spam,
viruses, and more, there are exponentially infinite ways a person can break the
law on a computer. If you are one such individual unlucky enough to get caught committing
a computer-based crime, there are also several types of penalties you might
face if found guilty.
Continue reading to learn the levels of offenses surrounding
computer crimes, and the common types of penalties that might result following
a conviction in Indiana.
Indiana Computer Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514
Here in Indiana, the state government has set forth certain
statutes that protect individuals, companies, and organizations from damages
caused by computer crimes. Not only can the offender be convicted and penalized
under criminal law, the victim of the crime can pursue a civil lawsuit against an
offender seeking restitution for their losses.
Overall, being charged with a cyber crime is a serious situation. Those arrested face either misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the scope and severity of their offense. For instance, most misdemeanor computer crimes are charged as a Class A Misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 1 year in jail, up to $5,000 in fines, and several other types of court-ordered penalties, such as probation, restitution, community service, and addiction rehabilitation.
In another example, computer tampering is a level 4 felony offense if it involves terrorism, or a Level 3 felony if the crime resulted in bodily harm to another person. Level 3 felonies are punishable up to 16 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, and several other court-ordered penalties like the ones mentioned above. Some felony computer crimes are even punishable by up to 20 years in prison or more.
Some of the most common types of computer crimes include:
? Hacking into Secure Networks ? Large-Scale Spam Operations ? Using a Computer to Defraud ? Corrupting Programs or Data ? Stealing Information ? Launching a Virus into a Computer System ? Falsifying Email Source Information ? Using Encryption to Assist a Crime
What To Do if You are Facing Cybercrime Charges in Indiana
If you do not already have a qualified and experienced criminal defense lawyer working on your cybercrime case, you need one right away.
Contact David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to start building a strong and impactful defense against your Indiana computer crime charges so that you have a chance at avoiding the maximum penalties for your suspected cyber crimes. Our Indianapolis criminal defense law firm offers free initial consultations, so there are no out-of-pocket obligations to you.
