What Will Happen if I Get Caught With a Fake ID?

Fake identification cards, like drivers’ licenses and state I.D.’s, are a common ploy among minors, especially around college campuses. Although stigmatized as an age-old right of passage for late teens transitioning into life on their own, or just a silly, harmless thing that college students do, the truth is that getting caught with a fake I.D. can land a person in a lot of trouble; more trouble than they think.

Continue reading to learn the typical penalties and ensuing consequences for getting caught with a fake I.D. in Indiana, as well as who to trust for aggressive criminal defense if you are arrested on related charges.

Fake ID Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Fake ID Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Fake I.D. Crimes in Indiana

Many kids do not realize the long-term consequences of being caught with a fake drivers’ license or state identification card. They assume that any criminal activity that takes place in their life before the age of 21 doesn’t matter and will not have an impact on their future. But this is wrong. Those with a fake I.D. charge or conviction on their criminal record will be judged by both the government and future employers.

Not only does the crime of using a fake I.D. imply dishonesty, sneakiness, and lack of morals, but it also implies that a person has poor decision making skills and perhaps even impulse control issues. Employers will take one look at a criminal background check of a person who has been convicted of such an offense and immediately move onto the next candidate.

This can happen to a person their whole life when searching for employment; permanent records remain with you forever. A person convicted of such offenses can also forget about jobs in finance, technology, engineering, or related high-security fields.

Consequences for Using a Fake ID

The first and foremost consequence of using a fake I.D. in Indiana is arrest. Law enforcement can search you for reasons of their own, and if they find your fake, they will arrest you on the spot for Possession of False Identity (IC 7.1-5-7-3), False Statements of Age (IC 7.1-5-7-1), Furnishing False Evidence of Identification (IC 7.1-5-7-2), or Counterfeit Government Issued Identification (35-43-5-2.5), or a combination of these charges.

If you are caught by a bouncer or bartender, most likely they will just keep your fake or cut it up in front of you, and then let you go home; however, some will immediately notify a cop or security staff, who will then detain you and have you formally arrested. Excise police regularly conduct fake ID stings, generally targeting college students and campus areas.

If the judge and prosecutor believe there is enough evidence to charge you with Possession of False Identity, you will be formally charged, and a court hearing will be set for you. Possible consequences upon being convicted can range in severity depending on your criminal history.

Indiana Fake I.D. Penalties Upon Conviction:

Class C Misdemeanor
► Up to 60 Days in County Jail
► Up to $500 in Fines
► 1 Year Suspended Drivers’ License
► Permanent Marks on Driving Record

College students can also expect a notice of disciplinary action from their university, separate from their state or federal penalties.

Are you looking for a qualified crime attorney who can protect you against the maximum penalties for your fake ID charges in Indiana? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a skilled and aggressive criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We can also help you seal or expunge your arrest records!

Related Posts:

A Fake ID Charge is More Serious Than You Think
Can College Students Face Academic Consequences for DUI Charges?
Important Laws That Pertain to Parents of Teenagers

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

How to Find Good Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney

The most important job you have as a person who is facing criminal charges in Indiana is to hire a good defense lawyer to represent your case. The right attorney will make all the difference when it comes to your criminal case outcome. If you want any chance at avoiding the maximum penalties for your charges, you must hire a private criminal lawyer. Not sure how to choose among all the local law firms?

Continue reading to learn how to find a good Indianapolis criminal defense attorney you can trust and afford.

Criminal Attorneys Indianapolis IN 317-636-7514
Criminal Attorneys Indianapolis IN 317-636-7514

Not All Criminal Law Offices are Alike

When you begin your search for Indianapolis criminal law offices, you will find that there are plenty of options to choose from. But beware that not all criminal law offices are alike. It is important to find a criminal defense attorney who has the accolades and achievements that support their ability to obtain the best possible criminal case outcome. When narrowing down your search, look for law firms or lawyers who have experience, community establishment, client testimonials and case results, and much more.

This workload may feel overwhelming to you, so as a start, focus on these top considerations when searching for Indianapolis, defense attorneys:

Experience

Experience means all the difference in the industry of law. Not only is criminal law extremely complex, but it is ever-evolving. This includes the various members of magistrate, courtroom officials, jail staff, and more. For this reason, an experienced criminal defense lawyer will be more capable of rendering better case results, such as dismissal of jail time or sentence reductions, compared to a lawyer who has just started out.

A reputable and trusted Indianapolis criminal defense law firm will have at least 10 years of experience. In addition to experience, you want to also identify community establishment. You do not want to hire a lawyer who has relocated offices multiple times over the course of a few years. This can signify instability.

Client Testimonials and Case Results

After you have confirmed that a law office has the experience you are looking for, your next focus should be their client testimonials and case results. Knowing what previous clients have posted about their experience working with a particular lawyer can tell you a lot. Knowing the outcome of the cases they’ve represented before can tell you even more. Keep in mind that case results do not need to be extravagant to prove a lawyer’s skill. Case results should show improvement, not pardons and dismissals.

Attorney Pricing and Payment Arrangements

Private criminal defense attorneys are not free, nor do they all charge the same. But that does not mean you have to overpay for criminal defense. When performing your search for criminal defense law firms in Indianapolis, place attorney pricing at the top of your priority list. You must be fully-informed of a lawyer’s hourly rates, related fees, and any other costs you might incur as their client. Furthermore, it is important to discuss payment plans and arrangements in full transparency. If a lawyer seems like they do not want to talk much about pricing, it may be a sign that they charge too much or use unethical business practices.

Would you like to skip the stressful task of looking for the right crime lawyer for your case and go straight to a trusted professional in Indy? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for skilled criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. We can hold meetings over the phone, via online conferencing, or in person at her Indianapolis office.

Related Posts:

How to Determine if You Need to Hire a Criminal Attorney or Not
Can I Change Criminal Defense Lawyers?
Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer if I Am Subpoenaed?
Should I Hire a Lawyer to Expunge My Criminal Records?

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Police Breathalyzers

If you have ever been administered a breathalyzer test, you are familiar with how it works. Simply blow into the tube until you hear the beep. Then after a minute, a reading will appear. If a person is over the legal limit for alcohol, they will be arrested and detained for intoxicated driving. If they are not over the legal limit, they are generally issued a warning, or the police officer may choose to investigate further. Either way, it is important to know what a breathalyzer is and its purpose in law enforcement. Many people have questions about chemical tests, understandably, and are curious to find the right answers.

Continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions about breathalyzer testing, and who to trust for DUI criminal defense in Indiana.

DUI Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
DUI Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Indiana Breathalyzer Testing FAQS

What is a Chemical Breath Test and What are They Used For?

If you are a licensed driver, you should be aware of Indiana DUI laws. When a person is pulled over for suspicion of intoxicated driving, one of the first things a police officer will administer is a chemical test, also known as a breath test. And these tests are implemented with a device called a breathalyzer.

Although they are likely to perform field sobriety tests as well, it is the breathalyzer that truly defines a driver’s toxicity levels, which is why they are used so predominantly in the force. In fact, the Indiana legislature has an entire administrative code (260 IAC 2-1) section drafted specifically for chemical testing. It addresses everything from how they are certified and how they should be administered, to who can administer them and more.

What are the Legal Limits for Alcohol and Driving in Indiana?

There are three specific limits to alcohol levels in the system when operating a motor vehicle, but one of them is not legal at all. For minors, a driver is considered legally intoxicated if they test over 0.02% blood alcohol level. If they test below this number, they are still breaking the law since they are not old enough to drink. But they cannot be charged with a DUI since they did not blow over the 0.02% limit. As for adults, the legal limit is 0.08% and under, and for commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04 percent.

Who Can Order and Administer a Breathalyzer Test?

Although as a driver under investigation for drunk driving, you can certainly request a breath test over a field sobriety test, but this does not mean the officer will always oblige. The only authority that is allowed to order and administer a chemical test is a police officer or someone employed by the police academy.

How are Qualified Authorities Trained in Breath Testing?

In order for officers and other authoritative figures to be certified in breath and chemical testing, they must pass a training program that covers several topics. Topics include the legal aspects of breath testing, the pharmacology and toxicology of ethanol, the operation, maintenance, and theory of breath testing equipment, and the ethanol-water and ethanol-gas industry standards for using chemical testing instruments. Authorities must be re-certified every two years and maintain good-standing employment.

Who Should You Talk to About Your Breathalyzer Rights?

Contact an experienced and trusted Indiana criminal defense attorney in your city for accurate information regarding your rights under law enforcement detainment. If your breathalyzer was administered improperly or unjustly, it could be thrown out of trial. A licensed criminal lawyer can help you protect your rights and your freedoms after being pulled over for drunk driving in Indiana.

Are you facing OWI charges in Indiana and wish to dismiss or reduce them? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a skilled and aggressive DUI defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Act fast so that you may avoid the maximum penalties for your charges!

Related Posts:

FAQS About DUI Checkpoints
Possible DUI Penalties for Commercial Drivers
What to Do if You are Charged With a DUI Felony in Indianapolis

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

What to Expect if Your Indiana Criminal Case Was Suspended

Criminal case suspensions were not always a routine legal motion. But due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Indiana criminal cases are continuing to be suspended as workloads and staff availability remain exponentially incompatible. If you were recently notified that your Indiana criminal case has been suspended until further notice, it’s important to educate yourself on what this means to your pending charges and bail bond conditions, and how the law expects you to move forward.

Continue reading to learn what to expect if your criminal case was just suspended in Indiana and who two trust for precise legal advice and criminal defense representation in Indianapolis.

Criminal Lawyers Indianapolis IN 317-636-7514
Criminal Lawyers Indianapolis IN 317-636-7514

Facts About Indiana Criminal Case Suspensions

As a result of the recent coronavirus pandemic, the Indiana criminal justice system has seen its share of delays. Criminal case suspensions are accumulating by the day at this point, so it is no surprise that you have just received notice of suspension involving your pending criminal case. Whether or not your criminal case will be rescheduled sooner than later depends on the circumstances surrounding the emergency plans being made by the Indiana courts and legislative system. Basically, it is all up in the air as of right now, making it vital that you contact in Indianapolis Indiana criminal defense lawyer to learn exactly what’s to come of your criminal case.

Which Cases Are Being Suspended?

There are various parts of a criminal case, but currently, there are specific elements of the criminal justice system being suspended by the Justice Department here in Indiana. These include jury selections, new criminal trials, and various types of court hearings. Here is a more detailed list of the current Indiana criminal case suspensions:

❖ New Criminal Trials
❖ Jury Selection Hearings
❖ Other Court Hearings
❖ Oral Arguments
❖ Building Access to Employees
❖ In-Person Interviews
❖ Jury Trials

Additional suspensions not involving the outcome of a defendant’s criminal case include restrictions on employees entering and leaving the building, oral arguments during trials, trials by jury, and in-person interviews. These practices are currently not permitted in Indiana criminal cases.

What to Do If Your Criminal Case is Suspended

If your criminal case has been suspended, you should’ve received notice right away from the local court and by your hired attorney. Within this notice should be detailed instructions on what’s expected of you during this time. Your most important focus at this point should be to remain employed, avoid committing any further offenses, and stay away from all criminal activity.

For those not in custody, all criminal case matters will be postponed until further notice. If you are out on bail during this time, you will still need to adhere to all bail bond terms and conditions. This includes not leaving the state, remaining out of trouble with the law, and appearing for your court hearing when it is rescheduled. Be sure to stay in contact with your criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis to ensure you do not miss your rescheduled court date.

For those arrested and in custody, trials might be delayed or postponed. In this case, defendants would have to remain in jail until their trial is rescheduled. Typically, criminal cases are pushed back weeks or months in time, but there are some that have been pushed to over a year. Speak to an Indianapolis criminal defense attorney for help rescheduling your court hearing.

Was your criminal case suspended in Indiana and now you aren’t sure what to do? 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!

Related Posts:

The 8 Phases of a Criminal Case
Can My Civil Case Lead to Criminal Charges?
How Long Does a Prosecutor Have to Bring Criminal Charges Against Someone?

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

How are Drugs Categorized in Indiana?

In Indiana, a classification system categorizes all illicit drugs and controlled substances according to their risk or potential of abuse and addiction. Drug classifications, referred to as schedules, are numbered on a scale from 1 to 5 and can be influenced by several factors, including the level of tolerance for medical treatment, physical dependency, and psychological dependency.

Although drug schedules are developed and regulated by the Federal government and Indiana legislature, the Indiana State Board of Pharmacy is legally permitted to suggest modifications, additions, and omissions to the state legislature at any time. So, while marijuana may be a Schedule I drug now, by next year it could change without warning.

Continue below to learn about schedule 1 through schedule 5 drugs, including possible sentences for such drug convictions in Indiana.

Drug Charge Lawyer Indianapolis IN 317-636-7514
Drug Charge Lawyer Indianapolis IN 317-636-7514

State Drug Schedules and Examples

Schedule 5 Drugs

A drug is a Schedule 5 substance if it has lower abuse potential than a Schedule 4 drug, is medically accepted, and is less likely to cause physical or psychological dependency than a Schedule 4 drug. This includes non-narcotics such as Tylenol, Codeine, and similar OTC drugs.

Schedule 4 Drugs

A drug is a Schedule 4 substance if it has lower abuse potential than a Schedule 3 drug, is medically accepted, and causes limited physical or psychological dependency than that of a Schedule 3 drug. This includes drugs like tranquilizers, clonazepam, diazepam, and similar benzodiazepines.

Schedule 3 Drugs

Schedule three drugs are considered to be any drug that has a moderate risk of abuse, but less dangerous than Schedule one and two drugs. This includes drugs like testosterone, anabolic steroids, ketamine, codeine, and Buprenorphine (Suboxone).

Schedule 2 Drugs

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. Schedule II drugs include cocaine, crack, PCP (phencyclidine), opium, methamphetamines, amphetamines, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, and methadone.

Schedule 1 Drugs

Schedule one drugs are considered to be the most dangerous and have the highest abuse potential. They have a high potential for physical and psychological dependency, with no legitimate medical purposes or uses. Drugs like this include heroin, mescaline, peyote, tetrahydrocannabinols (THC), MDMA (Ecstasy), and LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide).

What to Expect From a Drug Conviction in Indiana

The level of punishment for drug crimes largely depends on two factors: the type of illegal substance and the quantity of it. Such penalties range in severity, from minor fines and short-term probation to first degree felonies and mandatory jail time. Habitual violations for the same offense or drug, as well as various other factors, will also impact the severity of a person’s drug-related sentence.

Are you currently facing drug charges in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for intelligent and skilled drug crime attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent adults and juveniles in drug possession, drug trafficking, and drug manufacturing cases.

Related Posts:

State and Federal Penalties for Getting Caught With Prescription Drugs
What are Legend Drugs?
Can I Get Arrested For My Friend’s Drugs?

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer if I Am Subpoenaed?

If you have just received notice of a subpoena, it is wise that you take it seriously. But does this mean you need to hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent your subpoena? Continue reading to find out.

Subpoena Criminal Lawyer Indianapolis IN 317-636-7514
Subpoena Criminal Lawyer Indianapolis IN 317-636-7514

Facts About Subpoenas

What is a subpoena? It is a formal legal document that requests that you give information or provided testimony in a court of law. Subpoenas are mandatory and mustn’t be ignored under any circumstances. Whether or not you need to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis to help you manage your subpoena duties depends on a few factors.

Subpoenaed to Appear in Court

There are two types of subpoenas. The first type subpoena is called a subpoena ad testificandum and requests that you appear in a court of law and provide full and honest testimony on a pending criminal case or matter.

Subpoenaed to Provide Information or Testimony

The second type of subpoena is called a subpoena duces tecum, which requires you to provide information to the court in the form of written records, documentation, audiovisual recordings, or other physical evidence, and descriptions of records.

Why You Received a Subpoena

You have received a subpoena because the courts and legal system believe that you have pertinent information to a current civil or criminal case involving another defendant or group of defendants. Whether you must appear in court depends on the type of subpoena you receive. Although both types of subpoenas are commonly used for civil matters such as divorce proceedings and personal injury lawsuits, they can also be used for criminal cases.

For instance, if you were witness to a crime, you might be subpoenaed to provide a testimony in court against the alleged perpetrator or group of perpetrators. In another example, you may be known as a former gang member, and the courts wish to ask you information about crimes resulting from gang activity in the community.

You may have simply witnessed a car accident and the civil court needs you to provide witness testimony in a car accident injury case. Subpoenas are also commonly used for white-collar crimes, such as forgery, embezzlement, and tax evasion.

What to Do After Being Subpoenaed

Understand that ignoring a subpoena can subject you to serious legal penalties, including being charged with contempt of court, which can result in imprisonment and heavy fines. Regardless of the type of subpoena you received, it is important to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis to help you navigate your responsibilities involving the legal document. Your lawyer may even be able to help you file an objection, known as a motion to quash, thus relieving you of all subpoena obligations.

Moreover, your subpoena might not be a subpoena at all. It is very common for people to confuse certain legal documents for a subpoena. It is important to look for the word subpoena at the top of the document to ensure that’s what it really is.

Are you looking for a skilled criminal defense lawyer who can help you manage your subpoena and other criminal case matters in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to connect with one of our esteemed criminal defense attorneys in Indianapolis, Indiana. We can meet over the phone, via online video conference, or in person at our office.

Related Posts:

What To Do After Receiving a Subpoena
The Importance of Witness Depositions in a Criminal Case
Can I Get Immunity For Being a Witness?

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

When Will I Make a Plea in My Criminal Case?

Criminal defendants in Indiana commonly want to know when they will have the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty in the criminal case. Let’s start by briefly examining the different stages of a criminal case, including the point at which you are ordered to plea, convicted or acquitted, and sentenced if convicted. Continue below to get started.

Crime Lawyer Indianapolis IN 317-636-7514
Crime Lawyer Indianapolis IN 317-636-7514

The Common Order of Events in a Criminal Case

The common order of events in a criminal case are as follows: arrest, bail, arraignment, preliminary hearing, pretrial motion, trial, sentencing, and if applicable, appeals. Usually, the criminal defendant accepts a plea bargain from the prosecuting attorney, in which case all criminal proceedings basically come to an end. Accepting a plea bargain essentially means pleading guilty before a trial takes place.

Criminal Case Stages in Standard Order:

Arrest

State level criminal cases begin with an arrest, either on the spot or following an arrest warrant surrender. If suspected of federal charges, the criminal process begins with an indictment. Once the defendant is arrested, they are placed in custody at the local county jail or Sheriff’s office.

Bail

Once a defendant is placed in custody, they will be booked and processed into the jail’s database system by jail staff. If the defendant is arrested under the influence of drugs or alcohol, jail staff must wait at least eight hours to ensure the defendant is sober before getting started on booking them. Once the booking process is complete, the inmate is given the opportunity to post bail. Bail is usually set by a judge or other court officer between 24 and 48 hours of the arrest, but it can also be denied by the judge if certain factors apply.

Pursuant of Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure, local circuit court rules specifically state, “A person arrested and incarcerated without a warrant should be released from custody within forty-eight (48) hours of arrest unless a judicial determination of probable cause for arrest has been obtained or extraordinary circumstances exists which prohibit the holding of a hearing on probable cause within forty-eight (48) hours.”

Arraignment

If you were wondering when a defendant is given the opportunity to make a plea in their criminal case, the answer would be during their arraignment. At the arraignment, the judge will read the defendants their criminal charges, and then give them the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty. A defendant’s arraignment is their first official court appearance. Typically, by this point they would have already hired a private criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis. If not, the judge will give the defendant the opportunity to accept a public defender at this point in the criminal process.

Preliminary Hearing

The preliminary hearing, also known as the initial hearing or preliminary examination, is the next stage of the criminal process. In some cases, states will bring criminal charges by grand jury indictment. Federal cases are required to bring charges by grand jury indictment. During the preliminary hearing procedures, both the prosecution and defense legal teams will go back and forth questioning witnesses and the defendant. This hearing is used to establish probable cause. If the case gets dismissed because there is not enough evidence to support the criminal charges, it will happen at the preliminary hearing.

Pretrial Motion

Also known as a pretrial conference, this hearing takes place before the defendant’s trial hearing. It is simply a meeting between both the prosecuting attorneys and the defense attorneys, to discuss pre-trial motions and other trial-related issues. At this meeting, it will be decided if the case will go to trial, or if a plea bargain can be agreed upon instead. If a plea agreement is made, then a trial will not be needed.

Trial

Following the plea of guilty or not guilty, the defendant will be found one way or another at their trial. It is the prosecution’s responsibility, or burden, to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of their alleged criminal charges. If prosecution fails to do so, the defendant will be found not guilty. Otherwise, the trial is when defendants are handed down a guilty verdict.

Sentencing

At the sentencing hearing, the defendant will learn what their penalties are for their convicted criminal charges. Common court-ordered penalties for guilty convictions include jail time, fines, probation, house arrest, ankle monitoring programs, drug or alcohol rehabilitation, educational courses, and more.

Appeals

If a defendant is found guilty at their trial, their criminal defense lawyer can file an appeal in appellate court to either reduce or turn around their client’s conviction, or to be given a retrial. Requesting an appeal means a defendant wants their case reviewed by a higher court to ensure authenticity and due diligence.

Are you looking for a skilled criminal defense lawyer to protect you from the maximum penalties for your criminal charges 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.

Related Posts:

The 6 Stages of an Indiana Juvenile Case
What to Expect From the Indiana Criminal Bail Bond Process
FAQS About The Indiana Criminal Justice Process

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

Do I Need a Criminal Lawyer to Reinstate My Suspended License?

Has your license been suspended? Whether your license was suspended recently or some time ago, it is never too early or too late to fight it. If you wish to have your driving privileges reinstated, your best chance at success is to retain the counsel of a skilled and experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer.

Continue below to learn why a lawyer is important to the outcome of your driving future and freedoms, as well as how to get started on your petition to turn around your suspended drivers’ license in Indiana.

Indianapolis Indiana DUI Lawyers 317-636-7514
Indianapolis Indiana DUI Lawyers 317-636-7514

Facts About Suspended Driving Privileges in Indiana

Drivers’ licenses are suspended for a variety of reasons, most commonly, serious traffic violation citations and excessive speeding tickets or accumulated points. Another frequent reason licenses are suspended are due to intoxicated driving arrests. If a person is arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or other controlled substance, they will likely be subjected to a suspended drivers’ license as part of their sentencing.

Also, if a driver refuses a breath or chemical test from a law enforcement officer, the driver’s driving privileges are instantly suspended for 6 months in Indiana. At the time of registration, all drivers agree to this penalty. You must sign in accordance with this regulation if you want to be a legally, registered driver.

Most drivers’ license suspensions fall between 90 days and 6 months, but some can be ordered to up to 5 years, including probationary driving terms. Additional reasons why drivers’ licenses are suspended:

▷ Lack of Auto Insurance
▷ 18+ Active Points
▷ Driving While Suspended
▷ Failure to Appear for Court
▷ Past Due on Indiana Traffic Ticket
▷ Failure to Pay Traffic Fine

How to Reinstate a Suspended Drivers’ License

First and foremost, to anyone who has been charged with a DUI/OWI, you only have 10 DAYS from the time of arrest to protect your driving privileges. Act FAST and contact an Indianapolis criminal attorney as soon as you have access to a phone. Those charged or convicted of a DUI may be entitled to a “hardship” or “probationary” license, which is now referred to as specialized driving privileges (SDP).

For all other suspended drivers’ license cases, it is still required to hire a skilled criminal lawyer for help recovering your driving privileges. They will ensure that all proper forms and documents for license reinstatement are completed properly and on time, and then fight for your driving rights and freedoms in Indiana traffic court and appellate court.

During the reinstatement process, your attorney can help get your active points reduced or eliminated from your driving record, direct you on how to pay fines and make restitution, help you enroll in a driver’s safety program, and even have your name removed from the Previously Uninsured Motorists registry.

Not sure who to trust with your drivers’ license reinstatement legal needs? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to connect with one of our esteemed criminal defense attorneys in Indianapolis, Indiana. We can meet over the phone, via online video conference, or in person at our office.

Related Posts:

Will My Criminal Charges Effect My Indiana Drivers’ License?
Am I Eligible for a Hardship Drivers’ License in Indiana?
Advice for Parents Whose Kids Drive Drunk
Will I Be Pulled Over for Texting and Driving in Indiana?

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

What to Do if You are Facing Prescription Drug Charges in Indianapolis

Getting caught with illegal prescription drugs is a serious crime in our state. If it happens to you, act now to protect yourself. Don’t fall victim to the maximum penalties for your prescription drug charges in Indiana. Let a seasoned Indianapolis criminal defense attorney build an impactful defense to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms.

Continue below to learn exactly what you need to do to ensure your criminal defense is aggressive enough to reduce or dismiss your Indiana prescription drug charges.

Prescription Drug Charge Lawyer Indiana 317-636-7514
Prescription Drug Charge Lawyer Indiana 317-636-7514

Prescription Medications are a Schedule II Drug in Indiana

According to Indiana Code 35-48-2-6, 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.

Prescription drug crimes have become an exponential epidemic in the United States over the past five years. And Since Indiana does not see drug addiction and usage as a health epidemic, but rather a crime, there will always be a need for a tough criminal defense drug crime lawyer in Indianapolis.

Your First Step After Being Arrested on Prescription Drug Charges

If you have been recently arrested for prescription drug possession or trafficking, you need David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, on your side. He will build a strong custom defense based on your unique case circumstances to obtain a better outcome for you in court.

Attorney David E. Lewis understands just how damaging a prescription drug conviction can be to a person’s life, as well as the lives of their loved ones. It can negatively affect almost every aspect, from student financial aid and employment possibilities to child custody privileges, housing rental, loans, driving privileges, and much more.

For this reason, the law firm of David E. Lewis stays ahead of the trial and investigates and argues every facet and allegation of a client’s case to preserve their constitutional rights as well as their future. Contact us today at 317-636-7514 so we can begin to fight your Indianapolis IN prescription drug charges. We represent clients all throughout the state of Indiana.

Related Posts:

Information You Need to Know About Prescription Drug Abuse in Indiana
State and Federal Penalties for Getting Caught With Prescription Drugs
Common Drug Crime Terminology

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

What Happens if I Violate My Probation in Indiana?

You are on probation because the courts decided you do not need to be in jail to serve out your criminal sentence. Although you are not in jail, being on probation has many restrictions and rules. Breaking any of these terms and conditions of probation will lead to a probation violation. What happens if you violate your probation in Indiana? Continue reading to learn what you need to know about violations of probation.

Probation Violation Attorney Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Probation Violation Attorney Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

After a Probation Violation

Once you are assumed to have violated the terms of your probation, the overseeing probation officer assigned to your case will notify the courts. Then a probation violation hearing will be scheduled. If you are on probation for a felony conviction, an arrest warrant will be issued to take you into custody as soon as possible.

Law enforcement will come to your house or place of employment. If you were convicted of a lesser criminal offense, such as a misdemeanor or infraction, you will likely just be notified of the hearing and expected to arrive on time.

Probation Violation Hearing

At the probation violation hearing, the judge will decide whether to revoke your probation and place you in jail, prolong your probation, or dismiss the violation altogether. Either way, if you are ever in violation of your probation, it is critical to hire an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer immediately.

During the hearing, prosecution will use all sorts of legal tactics to prove that you in fact violated the terms and conditions of your probation. Prosecution simply needs to prove their case with a preponderance of the evidence, which is a legal term that basically means they have enough proof to show you are more likely than not in violation of your probation.

Determined to Be in Violation

If prosecution is successful and the court decides you have in fact violated your probation, your probation sentence could be revoked, and you could be sent to jail. The amount of time you’ll be sentenced to jail will depend on the Indiana sentencing guidelines for the particular offense you are convicted of.

With a skilled Indianapolis Indiana criminal defense attorney, you can feel confident that jail time will not be an end result to your probation violation hearing. An experienced lawyer can build an impactful case against your probation violation charges and negotiate a more lenient sentence on your behalf. They may even be able to throw your violation allegation out of court altogether.

Are you looking for a criminal defense law firm to help you beat your probation violation in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for skilled criminal defense for probation violations in Indianapolis. We represent juveniles and adults all throughout the state of Indiana.

Related Posts:

Facts About Violating Probation in Indiana
What is Split Sentencing in a Criminal Case?
What is a Commuted Sentence?

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!