Common Drug Crime Terminology

Posted on October 20, 2016 by admin

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Within the criminal justice system, there are laws at both the state and federal levels that prohibit the possession, sales, and manufacture of illegal substances. Common illegal substances include drugs like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. If you are facing criminal drug charges for possession, trafficking, or manufacturing of an illegal substance, you will soon be meeting with your attorney. And as you start building your defense, you will likely come across several terms and legal jargon that may confuse you.

Continue reading to learn some common drug crime terminology you can expect to come across during the criminal justice process.

Controlled Substance

If the use and distribution of a medication or drug is governed by law, it is classified as a controlled substance by federal and state governments. These governments categorize all the different types of controlled substances by assigning them to a certain “schedule.” The different drug schedules represent the seriousness, danger, and risk of addition of a certain drug. The most serious drugs are Level 1 substances, like Marijuana and Heroin. The least serious are Level 5 drugs, such as codeine.

Trafficking

When a person is charged with the crime of selling, delivering, or distributing a controlled substance, it is called trafficking. On the streets, it is known as drug dealing. Generally, those facing trafficking charges also face between 3 years to life in jail. However, the level of punishment will vary depending on the:

➔ Type of Drug
➔ Amount of Drug
➔ Location of Crime
➔ Criminal History
➔ Age
➔ And More

Manufacturing

Engineering, cultivating, or producing an illegal substance is called drug manufacturing. And it is highly illegal in the United States. Cultivation is the process of growing, possessing, or producing naturally-occurring elements for the purpose of making an illegal substance. Chemically-produced drugs that are developed in labs include LSD (acid), cocaine, and meth.

Possession

The most common drug crime in the United States is possession. Being in possession of an illegal substance is against the law. This means a person cannot have illegal substances anywhere on their person, including underneath clothes and inside bags and vehicles. Possession charges can get tricky since there are many loop holes in the law. It is important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer manage your case professionally.

Diversion

Many people arrested under the influence of an illegal substance are court-ordered to attend a diversion program. Diversion programs are meant to teach people about the dangers and corruptions associated with using illegal drugs. Often times they are ordered in place of jail time. Diversion programs include drug and alcohol abuse classes, victim impact panels, community service, and more.

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 reputable drug crime lawyer in Indiana. He handles a wide range of felony and misdemeanor criminal charges for both adults and minors. He also offers free initial consultations, so be sure to schedule yours today! Just call 317-636-7514 to speak with an Indianapolis criminal defense attorney you can trust.

What is a Commuted Sentence?

Posted on October 14, 2016 by admin

Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

To understand what a commuted sentence is and how it’s applies to criminal law, you need to understand the definition of clemency. Clemency is a type of non-judicial remedy used to reduce prison or criminal sentences, as well as, prevent errors of justice. In most cases, it is used as a last resort for prisoners who have exhausted all of their options for appeal. Essentially, it takes the place of the original court-ordered sentence.

One of the most well-known forms of clemency is called a pardon, however other examples include amnesty, reprieves, and commuted sentences. “Commutation of sentence” is another rare form of clemency that reduces a prisoner’s punishment for a crime. Most often, a commuted sentence is applied as a reduced prison term.

Commutation of Sentence

Only the President of the United States has the power to commute federal sentences, however, in many states the governor can commute a sentence. Neither legislative nor judicial branches can interfere or override the commutation of a sentence. Since commutation of sentence is a type of pardoning power, it is often assumed that a commuted sentences the same thing as a criminal pardon. But there are actually many differences between the two types of reduced criminal sentencing.

Pardons vs. Commuted Sentences:

⚖ Pardons forgive a defendant for their crime. Commutations merely reduce the punishment for a crime.

⚖ Pardons must be accepted by defendants. Some states do not require a defendant’s consent to commute their sentence.

⚖ Pardons restore a defendant’s civil rights that were lost upon criminal conviction. A commuted sentence does not.

⚖ Pardons are handed down for various other reasons, generally political. Commuted sentences are generally earned for good behavior.

The limits and applications to commuted sentences vary among states. For instance, some states do require defendants to consent to or accept a commuted sentence. Also, in many states, the government cannot revoke a commutation of sentence unless it was somehow attained fraudulently or by clerical error. And in almost all states, a commutation of sentence is granted on a conditional basis, meaning it comes with mandatory conditions that defendants must abide by.

Since the laws and procedures for commuted sentences vary among states, it is important to get proficient legal representation to learn your rights to a reduced criminal sentence. You need an Indianapolis criminal defense attorney with extensive trial and litigation experience. Choose attorney David E. Lewis for aggressive and skilled criminal defense in Indiana.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, attorney-at-law, at 317-636-7514 for skilled Indianapolis criminal defense representation. He offers free initial consultations so that you may discuss your criminal case with a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense lawyer you can trust. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule an appointment with a criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana today.

Can College Students Face Academic Consequences for DUI Charges?

Posted on October 3, 2016 by admin

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

When a regular person is pulled over and arrested on a drunk driving charge, they are likely to face a long list of criminal and civil penalties. These penalties commonly include a generous combination of the following reprimands: fines, court costs, community service, probation, drug screening, victim impact panels, ignition interlock devices, ankle monitors, diversion programs, substance abuse rehabilitation, and more.

However, if a college student is arrested for drunk driving, they are likely to face additional consequences. Not only will they face criminal and civil penalties, they are at risk of being penalized academically as well. Continue reading to learn which consequences a college student may face after being arrested on a DUI charge.

Academic Penalties for Drunk Driving Charges

The academic penalties for college students arrested on drunk driving charges vary among universities, with consequences ranging in severity from non-existent to major. Some colleges do not punish at all for criminal charges acquired inside or outside of campus, while others only penalize students if their DUI took place on campus grounds. But there are also handfuls of colleges that do reprimand students for drunk driving convictions. Many of these universities require students to be judged at an academic court hearing first, at which their penalties will be decided and handed down. Such penalties commonly include one or more of the following:

✏ Academic Probation
✏ Suspension
✏ Drug Counseling
✏ Campus Community Service
✏ Alcohol Education Classes
✏ Diversion Programs
✏ Fines
✏ Expulsion

Penalties That Can Go Beyond College

Criminal charges of any kind can also have life-long consequences for college students in terms of future and career as well. Depending on the type and severity of the crime, a student’s ability to obtain a certain professional licenses can be impacted or even revoked. Careers such as teaching, certified education, law enforcement, health care professionals, legal professionals, and more could be impossible or difficult to achieve with a criminal record. For this reason, it is critical to retain private legal representation to defend your criminal charges.

Defense for Academic Penalties

If you are a college student that was arrested for a DUI, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer at your academic hearing to help you avoid the maximum penalties. If you know your university reprimands students for criminal convictions, namely drunk driving, it is important to retain legal counsel as soon as possible so your criminal lawyer has time to build you a strong and impactful defense before your academic court hearing.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer

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

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you are facing DUI charges in Indianapolis, Indiana. He will work around the clock, using every resource in his power, to build you the strongest defense against you pending criminal charges. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss your drunk driving charges and the best strategies for defense. Call us at 317-636-7514 to schedule an appointment with an Indianapolis DUI lawyer you can trust.

Can You Get in Trouble for Ignoring a Subpoena?

Posted on September 23, 2016 by admin

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

A subpoena is a legal document that legally requests a person to provide information, testimony, and/or evidence to the court regarding a criminal or civil matter. There are two types of subpoenas, one that requires your appearance in court to provide testimony, and another that simply requires you to provide records, physical evidence, or documents to the court. They are serious legal documents that require some serious attention. Continue reading to learn more about subpoenas, and what happens if you
fail to respond to one.

Court-Ordered Subpoenas

Although most commonly used for civil cases, such as divorces, accidents, and custody disputes, subpoenas are also used for criminal cases. They are used by both the prosecution and the defense to gather evidence and build a case. If the law believes that a person has information that can help prove or defend a criminal case, the courts can issue a subpoena to legally order that person to provide the information they need.

Example 1: Brenda is a cocktail waitress at the local sports bar. She witnesses a bar fight that results in serious injuries to one of the regular patrons. The regular patron files an injury lawsuit against the other participant in the fight. Later, she is served with a subpoena mandating her to provide testimony in court regarding her narrative of the incident.

Example 2: Archie is Brenda’s employer at the bar she works at. She is getting a divorce, so he is subpoenaed by the court to provide her employment and paycheck records.

Managing a Subpoena

If you are served with a subpoena, never ignore it. Failing to respond to a subpoena on time can result in serious legal consequences, including hefty fines, criminal charges, and imprisonment. If you are being represented by a lawyer, and you are served with or issuing a subpoena, your lawyer will generally handle all of the associated needs. If you are representing yourself, you can request a blank subpoena document signed by the court clerk and fill it out there.

Subpoenas must be served in-person or by registered mail. Neither yourself nor lawyers can deliver or issue subpoenas. Lawyers will appoint a process server to deliver the subpoena to the recipient since it is not allowed to have anyone involved with the case handle this part of the process. If they are not properly delivered, they cannot be enforced by law.

Indianapolis Criminal Attorney

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you were served a subpoena in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is an experienced and aggressive criminal defense lawyer that is eager to help you with your legal matters. He offers free initial consultations and even provides criminal record expungement services for those looking to seal their criminal history. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule your consultation with a trusted Indianapolis criminal attorney, today.

Examples of Unlawful Search and Seizures

Posted on September 13, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution gives citizens the right to be free of unlawful or unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement officials. In fact, this very search and seizure law is one of the trademarks of our country’s criminal justice system. It means that police and other forms of law enforcement must have a good reason to legally search a person or their property, as well as, seize personal belongings or make an arrest.

“Good reason” is established when police identify tangible evidence or facts that leads them to believe a person is committing, has committed, or intends to commit a crime. This is also referred to as probable cause. If sufficient probable cause is present during a police encounter in a place where privacy is not expected, a search and seizure is not deemed unreasonable, therefore, it is not illegal. Places where privacy is not expected include anything that is in plain view or public, such as the front seat of a car, disposed garbage, and public places.

Places where privacy is expected: private residence, hotel room, trunks of cars, luggage, and even a closed telephone booth. To help understand what is legal and what’s not, continue reading for some examples of unlawful search and seizures.

Traffic Violation Stop

Janet is pulled over for speeding. The officer learns that her license and suspended and she does not have auto insurance coverage for the vehicle. For this reason, he must have the car impounded. During a legal vehicle impound, an officer is allowed to conduct an inventory search of the contents of the vehicle. But the search must be conducted according to standard police regulations and procedures. The officer asks Janet to step out of her vehicle and stand in front of his squad car.

She exits her vehicle, taking her purse with her, and follows his orders. As she is standing in front of the police car holding her purse, the cop instructs her to place her purse in the trunk of her car instead. Now that the purse is in her vehicle, the police officer uses the opportunity to search the contents of her purse as part of the inventory search. As a result, he finds a small amount of marijuana in her purse, and then he arrests her on drug possession charges.

Later, the court finds that: 1) the search did not comply with the standard regulations for an inventory search, 2) the defendant had her purse outside of the vehicle when the officer instructed her to place it back inside, and 3) there was no evidence of criminal traffic violation, only standard traffic infractions. Since the courts ruled that the search was unlawful, the evidence found during the search was dismissed. And although the impounding and inventory search were legal, the search of her purse was not. So in the end, Janet was not charged with drug possession.

Noise Disturbance Call

Amy is fighting with her live-in boyfriend Dan. Neighbors call the police to report the noise. By the time the police arrive, Amy and Dan have calmed down and reconciled. They consent to letting the police inside their living room to discuss the calls from neighbors and to confirm that there isn’t a problem. The responding officers so not see anything illegal around the immediate areas of the apartment.

But as the couple is questioned by one officer, the other cop continues to search the rest of the apartment, opening cabinets and closet doors. In the back bedroom closet, the officer finds a stash of prescription-grade medication that is not prescribed to Amy or Dan. They seize the drugs and make the arrests.

Later, the courts find that the police officers unlawfully searched their home, so any evidence found during the unlawful search was dismissed. So neither Amy nor Dan was criminally charged. This is because law enforcement did not have a warrant to search the rest of their property. Cops could only make an arrest in this situation had they found evidence of a crime in plain sight. Law enforcement cannot open drawers and cabinets, search in closets, lift furniture, or implement an type of excessive search of a property without permission.

Call a Lawyer for Help

The laws surrounding our fourth amendment and search warrants is very complex, and differs from case to case. With so many details that can influence whether or not a search and seizure is lawful, it is important to consult an experienced criminal defense lawyer to learn your rights, as well as, the facts surrounding your case.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you were recently searched and arrested by police, and you believe it was unreasonable or illegal. He offers aggressive Indianapolis criminal defense, and stops at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss your criminal charges and a strategy for defense. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule an appointment with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis, IN today.

Reducing Criminal Charges With a Plea Bargain

Posted on September 8, 2016 by admin

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

The main purpose of retaining legal counsel following an arrest is to avoid the maximum penalties for your criminal charges. In fact, reducing or dismissing criminal charges is the primary goal for you as the defendant, as well as your defense attorney. But in order to get charges reduces against their client, a knowledgeable and aggressive criminal lawyer must negotiate with the prosecution for an improved outcome in court.

A common method of accomplishing this feat is to use something called a plea bargain. But in order to use a plea bargain, it must first be approved by the courts. Continue reading to learn what a plea bargain is, what it is used for, and how it benefits both the prosecution and the defense.

Accepting a Plea

A plea bargain is an agreement between the prosecuting attorneys and your defense attorney in which each party must give something to take something, in terms of sentencing. Essentially, it is a compromise regarding a defendant’s charges and penalties for their crimes. In most cases, this means a defendant accepts to plead guilty to their crimes in return for a lower charge or more forgiving penalties. This can include reducing jail time, reducing felonies to misdemeanors, lesser fines, probation instead of jail, ankle monitoring in place of jail, ignition interlock devices, drug testing, and more. Here’s an example:

❝ Leonard was arrested for felony drug possession. His crime is a Level 6 Felony that faces up to 1 year in prison. Prosecution offers to give up their right to take the case to trial and sentence Leonard to the fullest if he will plead guilty to a Class A Misdemeanor or more lenient fines and penalties.❞

It is not up to the prosecution and defense to use a plea bargain. Instead, plea bargains must first be approved by the courts. A judge has to determine whether or not a defendant was strong-armed in any way; and once they confirm no pressure was made, they will approve a plea bargain. However, the process and regulations for plea bargains differ from state to state. Talk to your Indianapolis criminal defense attorney about Indiana plea bargains and procedures.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

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

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to discuss the right defense for your criminal charges in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer free initial consultations to talk about your criminal charges, and determine the best strategy for defense. Attorney David E. Lewis works around the clock, fighting to reduce or dismiss your criminal charges. He stops at nothing to preserve your rights and protect your freedoms. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a consultation with an aggressive Indianapolis criminal
defense lawyer you can trust.

Inmate Evaluation and Prison Assignment in Indiana

Posted on September 1, 2016 by admin

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Until the recent changes to the Indiana Criminal Code, anyone serving more than one year would be assigned to a prison rather than a county facility. But now, inmates are serving lengthier sentences in county jails, keeping prisons reserved for those facing extended periods of incarceration. Indiana is home to roughly 20 facilities that are designated as prisons. They range in security levels, categorized as either a minimum, medium, or maximum security facility.

Indiana Prisons

Minimum security prisons are set up in dormitory-style housing and less restrictive in terms of inmate security and privileges. They often include work-release programs as well. In fact, the Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC) has 14 work-release institutions available for inmate placement. Medium security facilities are more restrictive, and usually designed with both dormitory housing and cell block living quarters. Maximum security prisons use the highest security measures for inmates, and divided in cell block fashion. Indiana has 6 minimum security prisons, 9 medium security prisons, and 4 maximum security prisons.

Inmate Placement

As of last year, The Indiana Department of Corrections uses a new system for inmate placement. In order to assign inmates to prison facilities in Indiana, each inmate is evaluated and then classified based on several factors, including the safety of the public, staff, and the offenders themselves, as well as, any educational, medical, or personal needs of offenders.

After sentencing, inmates are transferred to an intake facility, such as the Reception Diagnostic Center (RDC) in Plainfield, Indiana. There, they are evaluated and categorized, and then transferred to an assigned prison according to the factors mentioned above. This system ensures inmates are placed in the proper prison facilities.

Criminal Defense in Indiana

If you are facing criminal charges in Indiana, you need to have an aggressive and experienced criminal lawyer in your corner. They are your greatest hope at avoiding the maximum penalties for your suspected crimes. Depending on the details of your case, you could possibly evade jail time altogether! But without strong criminal defense, your future and your freedom are solely in the hands of the prosecution.

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

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

Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a consultation with aggressive Indiana criminal defense attorney, David E. Lewis. He will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. With decades of hands-on experience, you can trust Attorney David E. Lewis to build you a strong and impactful defense against your criminal charges. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation for Indianapolis criminal defense, today.

Who Gets Arrested in a Domestic Violence Police Call?

Posted on August 23, 2016 by admin

If you are currently in an abusive relationship of any kind in Indiana, please visit The Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence to get the help and support you deserve.

Domestic Battery Crimes

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Domestic violence, also called domestic battery, is a crime that is defined in Indiana Code § 35-42-2-1.3 as any act of causing physical injury through intentionally touching to a current or former spouse. Domestic battery charges are serious, and can result in a Class A Misdemeanor or Level 6 Felony, depending on the severity and details of the crime, as well as the criminal history of the defendant. It also comes with a wide variety of legal penalties, including jail time, probation, protection orders,
child custody orders, intervention courses,
fines, fees, and much more.

If convicted of a Class A Misdemeanor, a person faces up to 1 year in jail, up to $5,000 in fines, and other court-ordered penalties like probation and intervention classes. A Level 6 Felony may render up to 3 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. You must retain the services of an experienced Indiana criminal defense lawyer for any chance at avoiding the maximum penalties handed down for domestic violence crimes.

What Constitutes a Spouse?

In Indiana, in order to be defined as a “domestic” battery charge, the two individuals involved must meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Spouse
• Ex-Spouse
• Share a Child
• Living Together as Spouses
• Used to Live Together as Spouses

Spouses are not just married and divorced couples in the eyes of the law. There are several factors that qualify a person as a “spouse” in a domestic battery case. Courts are obligated to consider these factors in order to determine whether or not two people are, or were, spouses.

They will consider the length of the relationship and the frequency of contact, as well as, whether or not they are financially interdependent, if they are raising children together, if they engage in activities or behaviors toward maintaining a common household, and more. If the two people are indeed considered spouses or former spouses, then it would be a domestic charge. But if a person is not a spouse in any regard, then the criminal charge would be a regular battery charge.

Who Gets Arrested at the Scene?

Many times, domestic violence calls are not made by the victims and abusers, but rather the neighbors and onlookers that call to notify police of a problem. In these cases, many people might wonder who, if anyone, will be arrested on a domestic violence police call. What if both individuals accuse the other person of battery? What if both individuals assert that no violence occurred? On the other hand, many calls are made by the victims, themselves. In these cases, who gets arrested? Will it be the accuser or the accused? Or both?

Many states have mandatory arrest policies for domestic violence calls. But in Indiana, it is up to the discretion of the responding police officers to determine if arrests need to be made. Depending on the circumstances at the scene, police may arrest one or both parties. If a cop is on the cautious side, they may make an arrest even for a simple argument between couples. If police believe that no assault occurred, it is possible that no one is arrested, but they may still follow procedures on making sure no further violence or dispute takes place. They do this by separating the two parties. It is common for an officer to politely assist one person in collecting some personal belongings and then escorting them to a safe place, such as a friend or relative’s house.

Accused of Domestic Violence in Indiana?

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

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you were recently arrested on a domestic battery charge in Indiana. He is an experienced and aggressive Indianapolis criminal defense attorney who will work hard to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. We offer free initial consultations to discuss the best strategy for your defense. Call 317-636-7514 to get started today.

Can I Tape Record an On-Duty Police Officer?

Posted on August 17, 2016 by admin

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

With the abundance of audio and video technology available today, most people are walking around with cameras and smart phones that have high-tech capabilities. And with the combination of free Wi-Fi and personal hot spot zones, they can easily and instantly share and upload their recordings from almost anywhere. Over the past few years, a popular use for personal recording devices has been to record police encounters.

As more and more police brutality stories are hitting the news, more and more citizens are becoming paranoid of cops using excessive force or unfair use of their authority. For this reason, many more people are choosing to audio tape their personal encounters with law enforcement, while many others are choosing to video record on-duty police interacting with other citizens or suspects.

Your Rights to Record

But does the law set limitations for this? Are people allowed to record and publicize on-duty police? Lately, this has been a hot topic among law enforcement, the American public, and the Supreme Court. Many people believe it is an obstruction of justice, and even dangerous, to tape record on-duty officers. They argue that the right to film could cause problems conducting sensitive investigations, securing crime scenes, and even discourage people from speaking honestly with cops.

For instance, a couple of years ago Illinois passed an eavesdropping bill that punished anyone who recorded an on-duty police officer in a public place without consent of all parties. The penalty for violators included a felony charge and up to 15 years in prison. This law was later found unconstitutional in a federal appeals court since it violated free speech rights. The opposition filed an appeal against this ruling, but the Supreme Court declined to hear it. This left the federal appeals court conclusions, binding. This means that it is LEGAL in all 50 states to record on-duty police officers in a public place (without consent) as long as it does not interfere with them doing their job.

Sending the Right Message

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

It is important to remember that the police brutality videos shared over the years are not an accurate representation of all police officers whatsoever. Every person is different, and the cops that chose the poor behaviors recorded in such videos are individuals acting out on their own personal emotions and agendas. Many times, law enforcement is unfairly publicized in a poor light, giving the impression that they have done something inappropriate when they have simply followed protocol.

It is important to know the difference, and to also appreciate and respect our city’s first line of defense.

On the other hand, the duty of law enforcement is to protect, not intimidate. So if you believe you were unfairly treated by a police officer, it is recommended to contact a criminal defense lawyer to learn your rights. Choose a lawyer with experience and a passion for justice. Choose Attorney David E. Lewis.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to learn your rights following an arrest in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our criminal defense law firm works around the clock to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, has decades of trial and litigation experience, and will stop at nothing to obtain a more favorable outcome to your criminal charges. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with an Indianapolis criminal defense attorney you can trust.

A Fake ID Charge is More Serious Than You Think

Posted on August 11, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

It is that time of year when students bring their summer vacation to a close, and return to campus for another semester of school. One of the most common criminal charges that college students are arrested for, especially during back-to-school time, is using false identification to purchase alcohol or gain access into bars and night clubs. Although this is such a common offense among young adults under the legal drinking age, it is no less serious. In fact, the consequences of using a fake I.D. can be life-long, and affect a student’s reputation far after they graduate college.

The damaging effects of a fake I.D. charge on a person’s criminal record are reality, which is why it is critical to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney if you or someone you love is facing false identification charges. Continue reading to learn about the potential effects these kinds of charges can have on your life, and
what to expect when faced with them.

What to Expect From False ID Charges

You may wonder who would really care about a fake ID charge on your criminal record. After all, it seems like such a forgivable offense, right? Unfortunately, this notion is far from right. There are people and organizations that WILL care about a false identification charge on your criminal record. These mostly include the government and potential employers. Being arrested with, or for using, a fake ID makes a person look dishonest and untrustworthy to future employers and government organizations.

For instance, if you wanted to pursue a career in finance or other high-security field (engineering, intelligence, technology, etc.), this type of criminal charge could put you out of the running when up against other potential candidates for the job you want. At the same time, the government would view this criminal charge as a breach of trust, which can make it more difficult to get security clearances or obtain licenses. It can also impact an international student’s F1 Visa.

Actual Charges

When a person is arrested for using or having possession of a false ID, they will be charged with a misdemeanor depending on the state they committed the crime in. Some states charge it as an infraction, while others will charge it as a misdemeanor. In almost all cases, the charges will result in court fees, fines, and other penalties, such as probation, community service, and more. On the other hand, prosecutors have the jurisdiction to charge offenders with more serious offenses in the case of a fake ID arrest, including misdemeanor deception or felony forgery.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

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

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 if you or a loved one was arrested for using a fake ID in Indiana. He will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. Our Indianapolis criminal defense law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss the options for your case. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule an appointment with Indianapolis defense lawyer, David E. Lewis, today.