Were You Accused of a Crime You Didn’t Commit?

Posted on October 24, 2017 by admin

If you were falsely accused of a crime, the first step to defending yourself is learning your rights.

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As a victim of a false criminal accusation, you are likely feeling a full fleet of emotions. Take comfort in knowing that your feelings of anger, frustration, confusion, and hopelessness are all normal reactions. After all, this is probably one of the most stressful situations you’ll face in your life. You can also take comfort in knowing that our legal system has a strict procedure in place to ensure defendants are not falsely accused of a crime; however, it cannot guarantee that it won’t happen. Unfortunately, being found guilty of a crime you are innocent of is a possibility, especially without aggressive criminal defense. There are people sitting in jail right now because they were falsely accused of a crime they did not commit.

Your Right to Counsel

As a defendant, you have the right to counsel, whether that be a court-ordered public defender, or a private criminal defense lawyer. In a case such as this, it is wise to hire privately to ensure you receive full-time, aggressive, and personalized criminal defense. Public lawyers have extreme workloads, and can only dedicate a certain amount of time for each case. A private lawyer, on the other hand, will have their full attention and focus on building you a strong and impactful defense. They are your best hope for getting your charges dismissed.

How to Prepare for Trial

While awaiting trial for a crime you did not commit, there are many things you can do to protect yourself and your case. To start, be sure you fully understand the seriousness of your situation. Do not make the mistake of being too confident. This is easy to do since you are in fact innocent, but there is a chance you could be convicted if you are not careful with your defense. You must take the legal process very seriously when accused of a crime you did not commit.

Next, be sure to budget for all the legal fees, attorney fees, and court costs you will be obligated to pay. The more serious the charge, the more time and money it will take to defend. This is especially true for false accusations of sexual or violent crimes, such as rape, child molestation, and domestic violence. Start budgeting costs now so that you are in better control later. Additional fees may include witness testimonies, expert testimonies, psychological testing, filing fees, and more.

Also, be sure you are documenting everything about your case. Write down everything you remember of the event in question. If you were not present, write down all the details of your whereabouts at the time the crime was committed. As the case progresses, continue to keep track of all events and new findings by writing them down in detail. This documentation can help your case down the line.

You need to also begin gathering all the evidence you have to prove your innocence, including a list of witnesses to testify on your behalf. On your list, record their name, and contact information, including their address, email, phone number, and work number. Be sure to also include a description of how they relate to the case and what information they offer as a witness.

Last, it is important to educate yourself as much as possible on everything pertaining to the case, including the laws surrounding your charges. Research persistently, because the more knowledge you have, the stronger your defense will be. Part of educating yourself also includes learning your rights. Talk to your Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer to be clear on what they are. For instance, if you are questioned by police, you have the right to remain silent. And if you are not being arrest (which you have the right to ask), you are free to leave at your own will.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

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

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 if you have been falsely accused of a crime. Our legal teams use an aggressive and concentrated approach to defend your rights and protect your reputation. We will stop at nothing to ensure your case is dismissed and your name is cleared. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your criminal charges, today.

What is a No-Contest Plea?

Posted on October 18, 2017 by admin

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When it comes to criminal cases, most of them end with a defendant accepting a plea bargain. This means instead of going to trial, a defendant pleads “guilty” to their criminal charges in exchange for an “incentive” from prosecution. Typically, this incentive involves recommending the judge to impose a lighter conviction or sentence, or even both. If a defendant denies a plea bargain and chooses to go to trial, they risk losing and being sentenced to the maximum punishment for their charges. The reason why many defendants accept guilt and choose a plea bargain is to avoid this risk altogether.

But not all cases end in plea bargains. There is something in the criminal justice world called a “nolo contendere” plea, which is a Latin phrase meaning, “I do not wish to contend.” This plea is more known as a “no contest” plea, and generally appeals to those who wish to avoid admission of fault in a civil or criminal case. And sometimes, prosecutors and judges are willing to accept this type of plea in particular circumstances.

Nolo Contendere

A “no contest” plea is essentially the same as a guilty plea since it comes with the same consequences. The only real difference is that the defendant is not admitting fault, but still accepting the conviction and subsequent penalties. The only benefit from a nolo contendere plea in a criminal case is personal integrity and satisfaction, and nothing else. However, in a civil case, no-contest pleas are beneficial for those who insist they are innocent of all allegations even though they cannot beat the evidence against them. Here is an example:

Tim and Richard are patrons at the local baseball game. They get into a physical altercation that ends with Richard striking Tim in the face, giving Tim a broken nose. The police are called to the scene and later on, Richard is prosecuted by the state for criminal assault. Separately, Tim hires a personal injury lawyer to file a third party civil suit against Richard to recover compensation for his losses and damages as a result of the broken nose. Since Richard is facing both criminal and civil cases, his lawyer would insist on allowing a no-contest plea for the criminal charge, so that Richard could evade liability in the civil lawsuit.

Defendants are not given the choice or right to enter a no-contest plea. It is up to the discretion of the judge to permit this type of non-admittance. And it is not a common allowance in criminal court. The laws surrounding nolo contendere pleas vary from state to state. If you have questions regarding plea deals in criminal cases, talk to your Indianapolis criminal defense attorney for details pertaining to your specific jurisdiction.

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for criminal defense in Indiana you can trust. Free initial consultations are waiting for you!

Preliminary Hearing Process and Procedures

Posted on October 9, 2017 by admin

In last week’s blog, our readers were given a closer look at preliminary hearings. This week, we’ll dive a little deeper and discuss the general process and procedures you can expect. Continue reading to learn the basic steps to a preliminary hearing progression.

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Let’s Begin With an Example…

Let’s say that Dale is suspected of committing a crime, but he was out of town on a company trip during the time law enforcement states the crime was committed. A preliminary hearing takes place to determine if there is enough probable cause to charge him with the crime. At the preliminary hearing, Dale’s lawyer has a co-worker testify on Dale’s behalf as proof that he was out of town on a business trip. This testimony would prove that the investigator’s evidence against Dale is inaccurate. Afterwards, prosecution and defense will give their closing statements, and then the judge will determine whether or not the evidence shows that Dale likely committed the crime in question.

Preliminary Hearing Information

The process and procedures for preliminary hearings are very complex since they differ from state to state, and from case to case. A preliminary hearing can take place before or after a person has been arrested, or after charges are formally filed. Often times, they are not even required, especially for misdemeanor charges.

For defendants who are waiting in jail, a preliminary hearing must be held with 14 days. For those out on bond, the hearing must be held within 21 days. Again, these timelines can vary among jurisdictions. In some states, defendants must request preliminary hearings so long as a formal indictment hasn’t been filed; while in other states, defendants are given the option, but have the right to waive a preliminary hearing.

You must speak with a licensed criminal defense attorney who can educate you on the specific steps and procedures you can expect with your preliminary hearing. However, here are the basic steps to the preliminary hearing process:

1. Pre-Trial Court Appearance (Arraignment)

The court explains their charges and their right to counsel, advises them of their right to a preliminary hearing and trial, appoints them a lawyer (if requested), and bail is set.

2. Preliminary Hearing

The defendant is present at the hearing. The state presents evidence to a judge showing probable cause that the defendant committed a crime. The judge determines if the evidence is sufficient. If they decide it is not enough, the charges and the case are dismissed, and the defendant is released from custody or bond. If the judge decides there is enough probable cause, the defendant is “bound over” to the district or circuit court for trial. This simply means they are moved forward in the criminal justice system, and a trial date is set for them.

Are You Currently Facing Criminal Charges?

David E. Lewis Criminal Defense Attorney

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

If you do not already have a licensed criminal defense lawyer working on your 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 criminal charges so that you have a chance at avoiding the maximum penalties for your suspected crimes. Our law firm offers free initial consultations, so there is no out-of-pocket obligations to you. Call 317-636-7514 and get started protecting your future, today.

What is a Preliminary Hearing?

Posted on October 2, 2017 by admin

Before a person is even charged with a crime, it is common for a preliminary hearing to take place between judges and prosecution to determine whether or not there is sufficient probable cause to believe that the person in fact committed the crime in question. Preliminary hearings are also used for other legal purposes, as uses vary among jurisdictions; however, they are mostly to determine if probable cause exists in a criminal case. Continue reading to learn more about preliminary hearings.

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Preliminary Hearings

When law enforcement has good reason to believe that a person has committed a crime, this is called “probable cause.” For this reason, it is common for a preliminary hearing to occur before a person is charged with a crime. Essentially, preliminary hearings are the beginning of the indictment process for many criminal cases. Prosecution will build a case against a suspected defendant, and then bring it to a judge for approval to move forward with filing formal charges against the defendant.

If the judge agrees that there is enough probable cause, they approve the prosecution’s request to indict a person on particular criminal charges. Other times, preliminary hearings are held directly after a person’s arrest, but before charges are filed. These types of situations are eligible for expungement if a person was arrested but never charged with a crime.

It is important to know that law enforcement and prosecution do not have to prove that a defendant committed a crime; instead, they must only provide enough probable cause to convince a judge that the defendant has committed a crime and should be held in jail or restricted under bond. Here is an example:

A person is pulled over for erratic driving. Because the officer smells alcohol on the driver’s breath, they conduct a chemical test and a field sobriety test, which the driver fails. This evidence is presented to a judge at a preliminary hearing as probable cause that the defendant broke the law by operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. The judge agrees that the chemical test results show that the driver was operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level higher than the state legal limit, and should be held over trial. As a result, the defendant moves forward in the criminal justice system.

In a preliminary hearing, it is possible for a judge to decide that there is not enough probable cause to file charges against a person. In this case, if a person has already been arrested, they are released from custody, whether that be jail or bond. If the person has not yet been arrested, nothing happens and no further legal actions are taken against them unless law enforcement finds more evidence to prove their case.

Check back next week to learn about the preliminary hearing process and procedure to finding probable cause!

Where to Find Aggressive Criminal Defense

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

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for aggressive criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our 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 criminal charges by calling David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, today!

The Top Three Rules for Testifying in Court

Posted on September 25, 2017 by admin

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If you must testify in court, it is in your best interest to learn exactly what you are to expect and how to conduct yourself. You can do this by discussing testimony tips with your trusted criminal defense lawyer. They have all the information you need to feel comfortable. In terms of rules and conduct, there are several to know. However, it is good to start with the 3 primary rules that will help protect yourself on the stand.

Continue reading to learn what these are rules are and how to prepare for your testimony.

➊ Understand the Question Asked

You cannot just listen to the questions asked by the attorneys. You must really pay attention so that you can fully understand what they are asking you. There is nothing wrong taking your time to think about it, or asking the attorney to repeat or reword the question. Furthermore, it is perfectly acceptable to simply say, “I do not know.” Never guess an answer. Sometimes, attorneys can use intimidation strategies that can cause stress and confusion. They may even attempt to embarrass you by having the courtroom recorder read back their last question. Just remember, this is a textbook tactic, so do not let it affect you. For this reason, it is important that you not respond to the manner in which the questions are asked. Instead, just focus on the actual questions and do not show emotions of frustration, anxiety, or anger. Your job is to simply understand the question and answer it the best you can.

➋ Only Answer the Question Asked

You do not want to divulge too much information. When asked a question by an attorney, only answer the question itself. Do not volunteer additional information. Not only does this protect you from incriminating yourself or the parties in question, it can mix you up in a web of confusing debates. For instance, if you are asked a “yes” or “no” question, only answer with one word and nothing else. Also, never answer a question with a question. This appear evasive, combative, and suspicious. Be professional, speak in your normal tone of voice, and act natural. Do not argue or present a challenge. This will only make things harder for you.

➌ Be Honest

Your job is to answer the questions, clearly, simply, and honestly. Always tell the truth because you are under oath. If somehow you are caught being misleading or dishonest, you could face criminal charges or be held in contempt of court. If a question is about you and your conduct in the past, do not try to downplay the incident or evade responsibility. Own up to it, be remorseful, and remain honest. This will make it harder for the attorney to come after you and make their point. The discomfort this may cause you is much easier than what could happen if you are caught lying.

Additional Tips That Are Vital to Your Testimony:

☛ Be on time;
☛ Dress professionally and conservatively;
☛ Be completely sober;
☛ Avoid words like “always” and “never” because it can box you in;
☛ Talk to your criminal defense attorney for the best testimony and courtroom advice;

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to get the aggressive Indianapolis criminal defense you need to avoid the maximum penalties for your charges in Indiana. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your charges and the best strategies for defense. Don’t fall victim to the maximum penalties for your criminal charges. Let our law firm fight for your rights and protect your freedoms.

How Much Will it Cost to Hire a Defense Attorney?

Posted on September 18, 2017 by admin

If you are facing criminal charges, it is in your best interest to get in touch with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Not only will this better protect your rights and preserve your freedoms, it is the best strategy to avoid the maximum penalties for your offense. Many people are turned off, or stressed out, by the idea of having to hire a private lawyer because of budgeting reasons.

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The U.S. constitution may give you the right to public counsel, but this is not a great idea for anyone facing moderate to serious charges. Private Counsel is the best way to go if you want a better outcome and future for yourself. Don’t let money hold you back from moving forward with a happy and healthy, stress-free life. You simply cannot put a price on security and contentment. Continue reading to learn how lawyer costs are arranged, and what to expect to pay for your defense.

Variables That Influence Lawyer Costs

There are several factors that influence the amount of money it will cost to retain criminal defense. These factors are further varied depending on the state you live in and the local jurisdiction. Here are the primary factors, but not all, that impact the final cost of legal representation:

✦ Client’s Income – Your personal income determines whether or not you are eligible for public, court-ordered legal representation. However, sometimes your income can also influence how much a private criminal defense lawyer chooses to charge you for their service. You never know unless you ask.

✦ Investigatory Process – Depending on the severity of the crime and the seriousness of the case, your criminal defense lawyer may need to implement a certain level of investigation, including hiring experts, psychologists, doctors, researchers, chemical testing, travel expenses, and more. These costs will be added to a final bill.

✦ Lawyer Fees – A criminal defense attorney’s private rates are a key part of the total cost of legal representation. These fees will vary from law firm to law firm, as well as, lawyer to lawyer. They will also vary depending on several other factors, such as the skills and experience of the attorney, the severity of the crime, the complexity of the case, whether the case goes to trial or not, and more. Very few criminal defense lawyers charge a flat-rate fee for their services, unless it is a quick, open and close case, such as a traffic ticket.

Average Costs

Most criminal defense lawyers charge hourly, meaning every hour they spend on your case is billed to you. With all of the above-mentioned factors, you can expect your total cost of legal representation to range between $1000 and $4000, give or take. For more serious, lengthy cases, it can exceed $20,000 or more. Your criminal lawyer will be happy to discuss the expected total costs of their services upfront. Use an initial consultation to learn this information and prepare yourself for criminal defense.

An Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney You Can Trust

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

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your 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! Call 317-636-7514 to get started, today.

FAQS About DUI Checkpoints

Posted on September 11, 2017 by admin

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

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What is a DUI checkpoint?

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

Where are DUI Checkpoints?

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

Are DUI Checkpoints Legal?

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

Do I Have to Take a Sobriety Test?

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

What Rights Do I Have at a Sobriety Stop?

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

What Do I Do if I Am Facing DUI Charges?

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

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

Can I Go to Jail for Criminal Contempt?

Posted on September 5, 2017 by admin

Criminal contempt is a real offense that is punishable under law. If you are found in contempt of a public authority, such as a court or legislative party, you will need a lawyer to help you avoid the maximum penalties.

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Criminal contempt is the act of intentionally disobeying or disregarding the rules, laws, and decorum of a public authority, namely courts and legislative parties. Such an offense differs from standard criminal infractions because it violates the misconduct of a court or legislative body’s regulations, rather than a penal or state law. However, the penalties can be quite similar. Furthermore, what constitutes criminal contempt varies from state to state.

Criminal Contempt Citations

There are numerous actions and non-actions that can lead to a citation of contempt. For instance, if a court has a “no food” rule, and someone continues to eat in the courtroom, a judge can find them in contempt of court if they do not comply upon an initial warning. Other common acts of contempt include violating a court order or bond condition, disrespecting the authority of court or court officials, and similar behaviors.

Common Penalties

As mentioned, what constitutes criminal contempt is not the same across the board, nor are the penalties. The possible penalties for a contempt citation depends on the local jurisdiction and the discretion of the presiding judge. In most cases, punishments generally include one or a combination of the following;

Jail Time – Offenders face possible jail time in a local county detention center, not a state or federal prison. The length of jail time can range anywhere from one day to 6 months, and in some cases, longer.

Fines – Fines vary depending on the type of offense and the local jurisdiction. Offenders have faced fines ranging from $50 to several thousand dollars.

Permanent Record – Offenders are at risk of having their contempt of court charges on their permanent record. This means it will show up on public background checks, allowing potential employers, landlords, banks, professional licensing associations, and the rest of the general public, access to the information.

Possible Defenses for Contempt of Court

Most states do not allow appeals for contempt of court charges since they are slighter offenses that are temporarily enforced and have lesser jail times. If a person is found in contempt of court, they have two options for obtaining relief from a judge’s order. They can either file a motion to reconsider or a Writ of Habeas Corpus. The latter is an allegation that the court ruling or judge’s order was excessive punishment or without good cause, and therefore, unlawful. In most cases, a defendant is responsible for obtaining private legal representation for criminal defense; however, some states will appoint a public counselor if the defendant is facing jail time.

An Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney You Can Trust

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to get the aggressive Indianapolis criminal defense you need to avoid the maximum penalties for your contempt of court charge in Indiana. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your charges and the best strategies for defense. Don’t fall victim to the maximum penalties. Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law at 317-636-7514 to schedule a consultation, today.

Social Media Tips to Avoid Incriminating Yourself

Posted on August 29, 2017 by admin

Your social media accounts are more than just a portal to connect to the rest of the world, they are admissible evidence in a court of law. Protect yourself with these tips.

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The word, “social” in “social media” is too often overlooked. Users forget just how “social” their accounts can be. Just like your criminal history, your social media accounts are permanent play-by-play records of your life. Whatever you post to a social media platform is public to the entire internet world forever, even if you delete something after it’s been posted. Organizations like law enforcement can access these records anytime, including Twitter, Facebook, Snap Chat, Instagram, and more.

For this reason, it is important to instill safe and appropriate social media use onto our youths, and to teach them how to protect themselves from abusers, predators, hackers, and even from themselves. You see, many people unintentionally incriminate themselves by using their social media accounts irresponsibly. Whether facing a minor traffic penalty, or 10 years in prison for drug trafficking, a court can and will use social media accounts to prove their case against you.

Helpful Tips to Protect Yourself

It is important to understand that whatever you post is permanent, and that your page settings have no influence over the capacity for law enforcement and the government to access them at any given time. You must also understand that these groups and organizations retain innovative technologies that allow them to identify IP addresses, dates, times, locations, coordinates, and more, making it easy to prove their cases in court. Your internet use is never private to the government, no matter what your privacy settings say or do. Accepting these truths is the first tip.

It is also important to know that courts can use the data they collect from your social media accounts as evidence to build a case against you. For instance, if you are a suspect in a petty theft operation, and you tell police that you were at home with your family at the time the crime occurred as your alibi, but later, police find a Facebook post that was posted around the time you claimed to be at home. So then they use their technology to identify the coordinates of where the post was made, and they discover that the post was made from the parking lot of the store that was shoplifted from. This post puts you at the scene of the crime, therefore contradicting and nullifying your alibi. They can use this as evidence against you in a court of law.

If you are facing criminal charges, and you fear that your social media account may influence the court’s decision over your case, it is important to tell your criminal defense lawyer at your first meeting. They need all the information they can get to build a strong and impactful defense on your behalf. It is also imperative that you stop using all social media accounts during your legal process. In conclusion, you must understand that nothing you post is private. All of your internet use can be traced by high-security technology used by government organizations and law enforcement, including your location and more. And it can all be used as evidence to convict you of a crime.

Get Aggressive Criminal Defense

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

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for aggressive criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. We work around the clock to ensure your rights are protected and your freedoms are preserved. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss your case and the best strategies for defense. Call 317-636-7514 to speak with an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer who cares.

How to Answer Employers’ Questions About Your Criminal Record

Posted on August 22, 2017 by admin

When you have a criminal record, whether misdemeanors or felonies, it can be intimidating interviewing for jobs. Many people assume they cannot get a job because of their criminal history, and although it can certainly be a challenge, it is never impossible. It is important to learn how to properly disclose and discuss your past criminal records so that you are not misjudged by a potential employer. Continue reading for tips on how to do just that.

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Employers’ views on criminal records vary, so your outcome will differ from others depending on where you apply and the industry you are pursuing. Although it can never be promised that your interview will end with a job hire, there is a method to answering questions about your criminal history during a job interview that can help you land the position you’re after. So when the question arises at your next job interview, you can be prepared to answer it in a way that is most complimentary to your character and capabilities.

Disclosing Your Criminal Record in a Job Interview:

FIRST – Describe what happened, but be brief. You do not need to give away too much information or go into details. Do not make excuses for your own choices, and instead, describe the situation in a way that shows you have insight. Employers simply want to see if you accept responsibility for your crime.

SECOND – Briefly discuss your rehabilitation process. You can tell them how long you were incarcerated, as well as, any court orders you completed, such as alcohol and drug classes, rehabilitation, anger management, therapy, victim impact panels, community service, and more. Employers want to see how you went about bettering yourself after you were convicted of a crime. They want to see that you jumped at the opportunity to make the best out of a bad situation.

THIRD – Tell them what you are doing now. Discuss all the positive accomplishments, hobbies, organizations, and initiatives you are currently involved with. Show them that you have moved on from your criminal history, and that there is no chance of receding back to old behaviors. Employers want to see if you have learned from your past mistakes and if you are living a socially acceptable lifestyle now.

Criminal Record Expungement

These are some of the best methods for disclosing criminal records during a job interview. If you still have trouble getting hired, you should consider criminal record expungement or record sealing. There are new laws in Indiana that allow those who qualify to conceal their criminal background from the public, including employers.

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Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law at 317-636-7514 to seal arrest records in Indiana. Our services start as low as $850, so virtually anyone can afford to clear their criminal records or petty crimes and arrests. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer you can trust.