Do I Have to Answer My Door if it’s the Police?

Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

One of the most common questions received by criminal defense attorneys is, “Am I legally obligated to answer my door if it’s the police?” And it is actually a very good question. Answering the door doesn’t usually cause any sort of alarm for someone, but when it’s the cops knocking, many residents get paranoid. They are concerned that police have the legal right to barge into their home and begin searching for incriminating evidence against them if they open their door. They wonder whether or not opening their door to police allows officers to come inside without permission.

Unfortunately, the answer to these queries are not so cut and dry, but it is easy to understand. Continue reading to learn your rights to such privacy in Indiana, and what to do if you are confronted by law enforcement at your place of residence.

The Fourth Amendment

Every United States citizen has the right to a certain degree of privacy, as alluded to in our country’s constitution under the 4th Amendment, which reads “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, [a] against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.SOURCE

The Right to Decline

Indiana Criminal Defense  317-636-7514

Indiana Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Citizens, in most cases, have the right to legally decline to open the door for law enforcement, as well as, terminate their opportunity for entry (i.e. shut the door after answering it to prevent further communication). However, there are always exceptions to every rule. If law enforcement retains the proper documents, such as search or arrest warrants, they can enter a person’s home, even without permission.

The circumstances vary from case to case, which is why it is imperative to discuss your legal concerns with an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer. They have the knowledge, skills, and local resources to provide accurate answers and professional counsel you can trust.

How to React to Law Enforcement at Your Door

The best way to deal with law enforcement at your door is to simply answer it. If you are not aware of any crimes or charges against you, there should be nothing to worry about. Most often, if you are not suspected of a crime, police are simply in need of some neighborhood information, such as a missing person’s case, abandoned vehicles, and vacated apartment units. Otherwise, the police may believe you could be a witness to another person’s crime, and they need your help. If they do not have a warrant for your arrest, or to search your premises, you can shut the door and terminate your conversation at any time without legal recourse. As soon as the interaction is over, contact your defense attorney for further instructions. The police could be on their way back to the station to secure a warrant in some cases.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Lawyer Indianapolis IN

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for Indianapolis criminal defense you can trust. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to freely discuss the charges against you and the best strategies for defense. We will work around the clock to protect your rights and to preserve your freedoms. Call 317-636-7514 to get started today.

Standard Indiana Penalties for Theft Convictions

Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

If a person knowingly and deliberately takes control of another property with the intent to keep it away from them permanently, that person is committing the crime of theft according to Indiana legislature. If they are caught committing this criminal act, they can be arrested, detained, and charged with theft. There are several types of theft charges because there are so many different types of theft: white color crimes, fraud, grand theft auto, shoplifting, and more.

Every type of theft charge comes with a strict set of penalties, but they all differ from case to case. The severity of penalties, including jail time, also differ depending on the type of theft and the total accumulated value of the stolen items. Continue reading for a brief look at the standard penalties for common theft charges and convictions in Indiana.

Indiana Theft Charges and Penalties

Theft is considered the act of intentionally and knowledgeably exerting control over one’s property without consent or authorization. “Exerting control” can mean a variety of actions, including taking, possessing, obtaining, controlling, leading away, carrying, driving, concealing, selling, abandon, encumbering, conveying, transferring, securing, reproducing, or extending a right to another’s property.

In minor to moderate cases, theft is a Class A Misdemeanor. This is punishable by up to 1 year in jail and up to $5,000 in fines. However, certain enhancements can increase the level of punishment. In moderate to major cases of theft, the crime ranges from Level 5 to Level 6 Felonies. Look below for details of each.

IC 35-43-4-2

Theft if a Level 6 Felony if:

➝ The value of stolen property is between $750 and $50,000.
➝ The stolen property is a firearm.
➝ The offender has a prior theft conviction of similar nature.
➝ And More

A Level 6 Felony punishable by 1 to 3 years in prison, and up to $10,000 in fines.

Theft if a Level 5 Felony if:

➝ The value of stolen property is $50,000 or more.
➝ The stolen property is a valuable metal.
➝ The stolen property came from a hospital, healthcare facility, public utility, telecommunications provider, or key facility.
➝ The stolen property relates to transportation safety.
➝ The stolen property relates to public safety.
➝ The stolen property’s absent creates a risk of public safety or bodily injury to another person.
➝ And More

A Level 5 Felony punishable by 2 to 8 years in prison, and up to $10,000 in fines.

Arrested for Theft?

Theft charges, as well as the laws surrounding theft in Indiana, are complex and vary from case to case. For this reason, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney for help navigating your case, protecting your rights, and preserving your freedoms. With a reputable defense lawyer in your corner, you have the best chance at avoiding the maximum penalties for your theft charges.

Indianapolis Theft Lawyer

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

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

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for aggressive criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm uses every resource in our power to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. Schedule a free initial consultation to begin strategizing a powerful and impactful defense for your theft charges. Avoid the maximum penalties for theft charges in Indiana with the help of David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law!

What are Pirtle Rights?

You’ve probably heard of the common American criminal jurisprudence called the Miranda Rights. These are the rights given to criminal suspects to protect them from incriminating themselves further. You can learn more about your Miranda rights by reviewing the fifth and sixth amendments of the United States Bill of Rights. They read as follows:

5th AMENDMENT – Protects the right to due process. Prohibits self-incrimination and double jeopardy.

6th AMENDMENT – Guarantees the right to an attorney. Protects the right to a fair and speedy trial, the right to be notified of accusations, the right to confront the accuser, and the right to obtain witnesses.

Review our blogs about “Understanding Your Miranda Rights” for a closer look behind the meaning of these amendments and their origins.

But aside from criminal suspect rights prior to an arrest, there’s another set of rights that exist to protect suspected criminals from impeaching searches and seizures. This is called the Pirtle Rights. Continue reading to learn more.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Your Pirtle Rights

The Miranda Rights primarily apply to interrogations, but your Pirtle rights apply to law enforcement seeking consent to search your property, whether vehicle, home, storage unit, or business. If a person is in police custody and asked to consent to a search of their property, they have the right to consult with their attorney and have them present before giving consent.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. If a police officer has reasonable belief that a person’s vehicle or property contains evidence related to the stop or arrest. For example, if a person is pulled over for speeding and the officer smells marijuana emitting from the person’s vehicle, the officer would be legally permitted to carry out a search of the vehicle since they have a reason to believe there may be drugs present.

It is important to discuss your personal rights with an experienced criminal defense attorney before choosing to invoke them during any future run-ins with law enforcement. Because there are some exceptions to the rule of your Pirtle rights, it is important to understand when it is appropriate to invoke them and when it is not. A trusted Indianapolis defense lawyer can provide you accurate and up-to-date information regarding all of your rights as a suspected criminal in Indiana.

Indianapolis Defense Attorney

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

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

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you are facing criminal charges in Indiana. Our law firm works around the clock, using every resource at our power to secure the best possible outcome for our client’s cases. Our top priority is to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms as a criminal suspect in Indiana. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your criminal charges and the best strategies for defense.

Current Law Enforcement Trends for Detecting High Driving

Indianapolis Drug Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514

Indianapolis Drug Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514

Many states with the U.S. are moving toward some form of legalization for cannabis, or marijuana. However, Indiana is not one of those states. Driving high will render you the same legal consequences as driving drunk here in the Hoosier state. But how do cops know a person is under the influence of marijuana? Testing for alcohol is a much easier process, but law enforcement is finding new ways every day to monitor and regulate the increasing amounts of high drivers.

Driving Drunk

When is a driver is suspected of being under the influence, cops simply use a variety of tests to read gauge their level of intoxication, otherwise known as blood alcohol level (BAC). This includes breathalyzer tests, which have been used since the early 1930’s, as well as, field observation tests and blood tests. Having a blood alcohol level higher than 0.08% will get you a drunk driving charge, which is a serious criminal offense in Indiana. Sadly, the majority of fatal car crashes are alcohol-related. Regulating blood alcohol levels is easy to do, and has been for quite some time, however, the story is not so similar in terms of driving high.

Driving High

Indianapolis Drug Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514

Indianapolis Drug Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514

Currently in Indiana, there is not an accurate, roadside equivalent test for marijuana, but there is a zero tolerance policy for driving high. And although it is more difficult to test for cannabis during a routine traffic stop, it may be possible. Officers are trained to look for a wide range of visual, physical, and behavioral signals that are known indicators of intoxication. This includes impaired speech, bloodshot eyes, lack of focus, odd behavior, residual marijuana smell (or smoke), and more. They can also implement standardized field sobriety tests (horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk and turn test, one-leg stand) to gauge a person’s reflexes and agility.

There are a variety of roadside oral fluid testing devices being tested by select law enforcement departments. These devices basically swab a person’s saliva, but they are not yet proven or even approved methods of measuring THC in Indiana. In states where recreational or medicinal marijuana are legal, it is allowed to drive with a certain, pre-determined level of THC, or Tetrahydrachloride (the chemical in cannabis that appears on drug screens). For example, Colorado allows up to 4 nanograms of THC in a drivers system, legally. Anything higher is considered intoxicated driving.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer

David E. Lewis Criminal Defense Attorney

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

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you are facing marijuana drug charges in Indiana. Our law firm works day and night to develop a strong and impactful defense for your case. We do everything in our power to protect your rights, preserve your freedoms, and obtain the fairest outcome possible for your case. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer who will fight for you.

A Brief Look at Indiana Shoplifting Laws

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

It is only human to make mistakes. And sometimes those mistakes come in the form of taking something that does not belong to you. This is called theft, and is a serious crime in Indiana. There are many types of theft, including carjacking, fraud, embezzlement, and more. But one of the most common forms of theft among Hoosiers is shoplifting.

If you caught shoplifting, you know just how humiliating it can be. But just because you think you are guilty, you shouldn’t have to face the maximum penalties for your crime. In fact, sometimes a person’s actions are misinterpreted, which leads to a shoplifting arrest. This is why it is so critical to your freedom and your future to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense lawyer for help avoiding jail time and more.

If you are facing shoplifting charges in Indiana, continue reading for a brief look at the laws surrounding such theft.

Indiana Theft and Shoplifting Laws

Theft is considered an act of taking something that belongs to someone else, with the intention of depriving them of that item forever. If a person takes something from someone without permission, but with the intention of returning it, it is called “criminal conversion” and is a less severe charge than theft. An example of criminal conversions would be if a person takes another person’s car without permission, but intends on returning it to the owner later on.

In Indiana, shoplifting (or theft) will get you anywhere from Class A Misdemeanor, all the way up to a Level 5 felony. The level of punishment for shoplifting depends on the total value of the items or goods stolen.

Stolen Property Less than $750 = Class A Misdemeanor
Stolen Property Between $750 – $50,000 = Level 6 Felony
Stolen Property Greater Than $50,000 or a Motor Vehicle = Level 5 Felony

With so many theft cases coursing through the Indiana courtrooms, it is important to have proficient representation. A public defender simply does not have the time to give your case, which can put you at risk of being penalized to the fullest extent. A private criminal attorney is the best source for reducing or dismissing charges against you for shoplifting.

Check out our blog next week for a closer look at some common types of shoplifting theft!

Indianapolis Criminal Attorney

Criminal Defense Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you are facing shoplifting charges in Indiana. He works around the clock and uses every resource in his power to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. As a licensed and experienced criminal lawyer, he takes on all cases, regardless of the crimes you are charged with. He also offers free initial consultations! Call 317-636-7514 to schedule an appointment with an Indianapolis criminal attorney you can trust.

How Does Marion County’s Behavioral Health Court Work?

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

The Marion County Jail is packed. It is over-crowded, housing more than 900 inmates. And according to WFYI Indianapolis, more than 300 of those individuals suffer from mental health problems. In many cases, an inmate’s mental health issues were a leading factor in landing them behind bars, from drug and alcohol addiction, to bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, and more.

Although the jail offers basic medication and treatment for offenders, the quality of care is not equal to the level of treatment they could be receiving at a dignified mental health rehabilitation center. Fortunately, Marion County officials have come to recognize that certain inmates truly need genuine mental health rehabilitation in addition to their sentences.

For this reason, the Marion County Court System has introduced an alternative type of court for offenders suffering from mental illness, and whose mental illness may have contributed to the crimes they’ve committed. This is called Marion County Behavioral Health Court, and is head by esteemed Judge, Barbara Crawford.

Eligibility

Not all individuals are eligible. But for those with an official diagnosis, they can choose to take their case through this alternative behavioral health court instead of the traditional system. It is a wise option for offenders facing serious charges for crimes they’ve committed because it gives them the opportunity to receive genuine behavioral and mental health treatment after they carry out their sentence. Each person who chooses this alternative court system is assigned a “recovery coach” after their sentence is complete.

With their recovery coaches, individuals will work through 5 phases to achieve better health:

1. Mandatory Court Appearances
2. Therapy
3. Compliance with Prescription Medication
4. Drug Testing
5. Additional Activities to Remain Focused on a Healthy, Rehabilitated Lifestyle

A recovery coach will be by their side to help them achieve these five phases and more. This gives them the knowledge, tools, and resources to transition from jail and back into real life. They get the assistance they need to become a productive and compliant part of society. So they receive their punishment, and then become a healthier, happier, and better person.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

David E. Lewis Criminal Defense Attorney

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

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for Indianapolis criminal defense you can trust. Our law firm does everything in our power to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your criminal charges and strategies for defense. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule yours today!

Can Parents Be Held Liable for their Kids’ Crimes?

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Many parents view their own kid’s bad behavior as a way of them letting off steam, or even the result of them being thrown into socially and emotionally-charged environments or situations (i.e. school, divorce, death in the family, relocating, health conditions, etc.). But sometimes, a child’s actions cross the line from “typical” to criminal. So what happens when a child goes too far and knowingly commits a crime? Are the parents ultimately responsible for the damages caused by their child’s actions? Could the crimes of their children been prevented with timely parental intervention or supervision? Continue reading to learn the answers to these questions and more.

Up to 18 Years of Age

For children up to 18 years of age, parents can absolutely be held liable for any negligent, intentional, or criminal acts carried out by them. This is colloquially referred to as “parental liability” and falls into two categories: Civil parental responsibility and criminal parental responsibility. For the sake of this blog, we will take a closer look at criminal parental responsibility.

Civil liability would encompass property damages, personal injuries, slander, and other types of civil wrongdoings. It is possible for a person to commit a civil wrong-doing and a crime in one isolated act, such as putting lit fireworks in a mailbox. Not only is the mailbox destroyed and compensation can be recover for that loss, but blowing up a mailbox is also vandalism, which is illegal.

Criminal Parental Responsibility

Criminal parental liability holds parents criminally responsible for any crimes committed by their underage children, including allowing them access to a firearm and internet crimes. The laws surrounding criminal parental liability laws varies from state to state so it is important to discuss your city’s regulations on child/parent liability with a criminal attorney. Parents can be charged and sentenced, as well as, forced to pay restitution for property damages and compensation for injuries.

Indiana Criminal Defense

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

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

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to discuss your recent criminal charges in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm offers free initial consultations for those charged with a misdemeanor or felony crime, including minors. We work around the clock to build a strong and impactful defense against your criminal allegations. Call 317-636-7514 to speak with a licensed criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis you can trust.

FAQS Regarding Indiana Handgun Appeals

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Were you recently denied a permit to carry a concealed weapon in Indiana? If so, you probably have a lot of questions. Below you will find a list of the most frequently asked questions about Indiana handgun appeals and procedures.

Review each question for a better understanding of what to expect during your petition process. Talk to a trusted criminal defense attorney for help with your handgun permit appeal.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Appeal?

You are free to represent yourself when appealing a concealed carry permit denial. However, the law and legal process is often tricky. It takes acute knowledge and experience to know how to carefully navigate a handgun permit appeal. For this reason, it is best to hire a criminal defense lawyer for help filing your petition.

How Long Do I Have to Appeal My Permit Denial?

In Indiana, you have 60 days to file for an appeal if you are denied a concealed carry permit. Within this 60-day period, you must fill out and submit all the necessary documentation and paperwork, as well as, pay the fee required by the courts.

Can I Re-Apply If I Miss My 60-Day Window?

Yes, you can re-apply your appeal if you miss the initial 60-day time frame. Simply re-apply and pay the courts. If you previously paid a filing fee, the money will be refunded to you.

How Long Does the Process Take?

The amount of time it takes to complete the appeals process all depends on the complexity of the case. For easy appeals, an experienced criminal attorney can usually secure a permit within 60 to 90 days, sometimes sooner! However, for moderate to complex cases, it could takes several months and even up to a full year to complete.

What Do I Do if I Was Denied Because of a Mental Health Issue?

Unfortunately, these are often the most challenging cases to appeal. With all the recent cases of mass shooting, and the history of violent crime, law enforcement and governments are hesitant to grant carry permits to those officially diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Talk to a criminal attorney to discuss your options.

Are Federal and State Standards for Handgun Permits Different?

Yes; the standards for granting concealed carry handgun permits differ between state and federal levels. This means you might be approved for a state-level permit, but not approved for a federal level one.

Why Was I Denied a Permit After My Old One Expired?

A new software program is now used that retrospectively evaluates existing permit holders’ eligibility. Some permit holders are denied permit renewal or lifetime permits because of new evidence found on their permanent record.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

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

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for help appealing a concealed carry permit denial in Indiana. Based out of Indianapolis, his criminal defense law office is conveniently located and open Monday through Friday by appointment. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your criminal defense needs. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule your appointment with a licensed Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer you can trust.

Typical Questions About Bail Bonds

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

The world of bail bonds can be a complicated and even tedious place to be. Posting bail and paying for bonds is an everyday occurrence. It is important to understand some key points about bail in order to comprehend an instance in which you need to bail a loved one from jail. Continue reading to review some common questions defendants and families of defendants have about bail bonds and jail.

What Does it Mean to “Be Processed” in Jail?

People will often have this question due to the fact that a person cannot be released from jail until they are completely processed. Processing takes place after a person is arrested and driven to the jail. In the jail they are taken to the processing center. Here, a collection of personal identification elements are entered in to the jails computer’s system, such as finger prints, photos, residential information, employment, medical history, contact information, and more.

The jail also has each inmate see a nurse for a brief medical checkup. This is to check for viral and bacterial infections and illnesses so that they are not spread to the rest of the population. It is also used to check for suicidal thoughts, anger evaluations, and more. A background check is run on the individual, as well as a warrant check. This entire “process” is also referred to as “booking” an inmate. Once the individual is processed, they are eligible to be bailed from jail, so long as they weren’t arrested under the influence. In the case that they were arrested under the influence, they would have to wait at least 8 hours (or until sober) to be eligible for release.

The amount of time it takes to process an inmate and then have them released from jail is different every day, person to person. It all depends on numerous variables, such as past violations and convictions, the arresting charges, liability, the amount of traffic through the jail, and much more. The size of the jail is another factor that contributes to inconsistent processing times. The size of the jail determines the amount of staff they have available to do the processing as well, so the smaller the jail, the smaller the staff, and the slower the processing times.

How Much Does it Cost to Get Bailed from Jail?

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

The total amount of the bond, handed down by the courts, initially decides how much it will cost to post bail. Once this amount is configured, the next determining factor is the type of bond used to obtain a release from jail. This is a lengthy topic, in which case, we’ll only discus the most common way to obtain a quick release from jail, which is a bail bond. This is the most common form of posting bail because many people do not have enough money to cover the entire bond amount, which can reach thousands of dollars.

Posting bail with a bail bond requires the services of a bail bondsman. By state laws, bail bondsman fees are regulated to be between 10-15% of the total bond amount. So if a persons’ bond amount was $5,000, the bail bond fee would cost $500-$750. This is a non-refundable fee, and is a contract that requires signature and contractual agreement.

Will a Bail Bondsman Refuse Someone Their Services?

A bail bondsman has the right to refuse their services to anyone they may choose, just as any small business owner could. The real question is, “WHY would a bail bond company refuse someone their services?” The answer is simple. A bail bond agency basically “fronts” the cash for the bond to obtain a release from jail. Although a person is only paying 10-15% of the bond amount, the bail bond company pays the rest.

They get this money back when the arrested person shows up for their court date. This is where the contractual agreement comes into play. If they skip their court date, they are considered a fugitive of the law, and the person who signed the bond agreement to bail them out of jail is held responsible for their absence. If a bail bondsman feels the inmate that requires bail is a flight risk, meaning they are likely to skip their court dates, they will refuse to take on the case. They will not want to risk their money on a repeat violator either.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

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

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you or a loved one has been arrested in Indianapolis and is facing criminal charges. We are an aggressive, hard-working criminal defense law firm that stops at nothing to get clients released from jail as fast as possible, and build a defense that will protect them from receiving the maximum penalties for their charges. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer you can trust.

How to Find a Great DUI Lawyer

Criminal Defense Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

DUI cases are challenging. It takes a really good lawyer to get you a better outcome than the maximum penalties for your crime. If you were recently arrested and now facing drunk driving charges, don’t trust a public defender to do the job you’re looking for them to do, and don’t trust just any lawyer. You need a criminal defense attorney that retains the qualities and credentials that make them great. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips for finding a great DUI lawyer.

What to Look For:

Experience

Experience says a lot about a lawyer. The more experience they have, the more knowledge they have about the local criminal processes, procedures, laws, ordinances, and all other aspects of the criminal justice system in your town. You want to look for criminal defense attorney that have at least 10 years of experience in your state. This generally indicates they know which arguments are successful in court, and most likely, have long-standing relationships with the local court houses and prosecutors.

Testimonials and Reviews

Look around online for local criminal defense lawyers, and then research their client testimonials and customer reviews. This will give you a good idea of which lawyers are reputable in your area in which are not so popular or experienced quite yet. Aside from online testimonials and customer reviews, you one also ask around. Ask friends, family members, and coworkers if they have any recommendations for a good criminal defense attorney. Only ask people that you trust since DUI charges are a sensitive topic that is usually kept confidential, especially at work.

Consultations

It is recommended to look around for law firms that offer consultations to discuss their services and your case. It is a good sign if you find a lawyer who is willing to meet face-to-face, and an even better sign that they offer to do so for free. In fact, free consultations is a common service offered by most criminal defense law firms. Ones that don’t offer free consultations may be questionable.

Cases Won

Track records are important to look for when looking for criminal defense representation. Choose an attorney with a good track record, one with multiple DUI cases won. If they don’t have some case history available for clients to see, or they refuse to provide such information, they may be questionable to work with.

Website

Is a criminal defense lawyer is serious about their career, they usually have a website. Look at websites to learn more about lawyers and their practice. Websites generally have information about office locations, contact information, practice areas, case history, testimonials, pictures, and much more. This is helpful when deciding on a criminal defense attorney to represent your drunk driving case.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you need a DUI lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. He has decades of experience representing clients in DUI cases, and works around the clock to ensure your rights are protected in your freedoms are preserved. Regardless if you are criminal charges are misdemeanor or felony DUI offenses, he is eager to help you avoid the maximum penalties for your crime. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with a trust in Indianapolis criminal defense attorney, today.