Is it Possible to Reduce My Criminal Charges?

Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

One of the most common reasons why defendants retain criminal defense representation is to avoid the maximum penalties for their charges. This includes fighting to reduce their criminal charges and the consequences that come with them. So yes, it is possible to reduce criminal charges, however, this does not mean that everyone will have theirs reduced. All cases vary, and the chances of reducing criminal charges and avoiding maximum penalties for them depend on a long list of factors. These factors are wide-ranging, but definitively include one’s criminal history, the state the crime was committed, and the severity of charges.

Plea Bargains

One of the most common strategies used to reduce criminal charges is an agreement called a plea bargain. A plea bargain is basically a deal that is arranged between the prosecution and the defense in which each party “gives something up” in exchange for something they want. For example, the prosecution might offer lesser charges (giving up the opportunity to prosecute at the fullest extent of the law) in exchange for a guilty plea by the defense (who gives up pleading non-guilty).

In order to get to the place of initiating a plea bargain, the court must first agree to it as well. A judge or magistrate of the court must review the plea bargain and sign off on it before it can be implanted by the defense. This way, the courts know a defendant was not coerced in any way to plead guilty to their criminal charges.

Aggressive Criminal Defense

It is important to know that plea deals work differently among jurisdictions, as well as, courts, magistrates, and more. Each case is unique so one strategy might not work for another. It is vital to retain experienced and aggressive criminal defense for the best chance at avoiding maximum or unfair penalties for your criminal charges.

Indianapolis Criminal Attorney

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 to discuss the best strategies of defense for your Indiana criminal charges. Our law firm works around the clock, using every resource in our power, to protect our client’s rights and preserve their freedoms. Call 317-636-7514 today and schedule a free initial consultation to get started on an impactful and strong defense against your criminal charges in Indianapolis, Indiana.

How to Seal Your Arrest Record After a Diversion Agreement

Seal Arrest Records 317-636-7514

Seal Arrest Records 317-636-7514

Minor arrests that do not result in criminal charges are rare but not uncommon in Indiana. Infractions like public intoxication, for example, are generally dealt with by arresting the offender and placing them in a holding cell, colloquially known as the “drunk tank”, and then released without being charged with a crime once they are sober. This is intended to keep citizens safe from themselves and others when overly-intoxicated and behaving alarmingly in public.

In other cases, offenders are not so lucky. But many are given the chance to enter a diversion agreement in place of stricter penalties and jail time if their offense did not involve aggressive conduct.

Diversion Agreements

A diversion agreement is a contract that is generally negotiated between the prosecutor and the criminal defender. The agreement allows the charges to be dismissed after one year if the defendant meets certain criteria. Criteria mostly includes refraining from criminal activity and arrests, as well as, not violating probation or any mandatory court orders. This is a great program for first-time offenders who are caught committing a minor crime or infraction. It gives them a second chance. But even though charges are dropped at the conclusion of the year, the arrest will still linger on their permanent record.

Arrest Records

Seal Arrest Records 317-636-7514

Seal Arrest Records 317-636-7514

When a person is arrested, but not charged, or they enter a diversion agreement, their criminal record won’t show a conviction, but it will document the arrest and the details surrounding it. For some, especially those in political or professional positions, having even an arrest on their record is life-changing and can affect certain areas of their life, both vocationally and personally.

For this reason, many people choose to have their arrest records sealed. And the new Indiana Second Chance Law allows qualifying Hoosiers to do just that. Continue below to learn how you can determine your eligibility for record sealing, and where to get started.

Sealing an Arrest

Indiana arrest records can be sealed after one year from the date of the arrest. But keep in mind that there are more qualifications aside from the amount of time that has passed. If you are interested in sealing your arrest records, you can petition to do so at your local county clerks’ office. However, it is not recommended to file without professional assistance. The process of sealing arrest records is highly-complex and tedious. Just one clerical error or missed deadline can revoke your right to petition forever. You must retain the services of an experienced Indianapolis criminal attorney for helping with the filing and petition process. This will guarantee success in terms of proper filing.

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 to seal arrest records in Indiana. He works around the clock to ensure your petition is carefully managed and filed in every aspect. And his 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.

Can a Cop Be Fired for Excessive Use of a Taser?

Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Police officers are an incredible and significant line of defense for our cities and surrounding communities. But sometimes, just as any person in any vocation, cops can make poor choices that result in serious penalties. For instance, using their registered weapons inappropriately. While on-duty, cops are faced with the difficult decision to use their weapons for defense and public safety, including flashlights, nightsticks, Tasers, and of course, firearms.

And how the officer chooses to use their weapons greatly depends on the actions of the suspect or suspects. However, there have been cases where an officer is accused of using their weapons in excess, resulting in unreasonable injury to a person. In these kinds of cases, the question of reasonability commonly arises, as well as, the whether or not the officer should receive a penalty for their actions. One such question arose in the small town of Peru, Indiana, involving a cop, a taser, and an elderly nursing home patient. Continue reading to learn what happened.

PERU CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT and City of Peru v. Gregory MARTIN

No. 52A02–1304–PL–350. Decided: September 03, 2013

In 2012, a Peru City police officer by the name of Gregory Martin was dispatched to Miller’s Merry Manor after a call to 911 was made by a nurse named Adam Chambers. Chambers made the call to request assistance transporting a combative patient to the hospital. The patient was James Howard, a 64 year old Alzheimer’s patient. Upon arrival, Officer Martin was joined by Officer Jeremy Brindle, and they were then escorted to the locked Alzheimer’s ward section of the facility.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

After asking staff to stay back and not intervene, the officers entered Mr. Howard’s room and found him sitting in a chair unclothed, and staring straight ahead. As the officers moved in closer, they ordered Mr. Howard to get on the gurney, but he did not obey the order. Instead, Mr. Howard began “shuffling” toward Officer Brindle with his fists clenched at his sides. Officer Brindle was cornered in a T-section hallway as he tried to grab Mr. Howard’s wrists and handcuff him. Unable to do so, Officer Martin then yelled, “Taser!” and deployed his onto Mr. Howard’s torso. Mr. Howard fell on the floor and laid on his back. He would still not comply with the officer’s commands, and turned over on his belly so he could not be handcuffed. As a result, Officer Martin ended up using the Taser on Mr. Howard 5 times, equaling a deployment of 31 seconds total.

After being admitted to the hospital, Mr. Howard’s injuries were documented, including a black eye, bruising, skin abrasions, and marks on his side. His wife was not pleased with the treatment he received by the officers on call. And for this, she filed a complaint with the Peru City Police Department for excessive use of a taser. An internal investigation followed, putting Officer Martin on administrative leave. The Peru City Police Chief, Chief Hoover, recommended Officer Martin’s termination after deciding he used excessive force with the Alzheimer’s patient. The City of Peru Board of Public Works and Safety conducted a hearing and agreed with Chief Hoover, so Officer Martin was discharged and sought review in the trial court.

After reviewing Officer Martin’s Taser training that specifically teaches that Taser exposure for over 15 seconds, whether due to multiple applications or a continuous one, increases the risk of death or serious injury. The panel concluded, “Substantial evidence supports the Board’s findings, and its decision to terminate Martin for use of excessive force and conduct unbecoming of an officer was not arbitrary and capricious.” He was fired.

Learn the Facts First

Criminal Defense Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

When it comes to brushes with law enforcement, every situation is unique and requires a detailed look at the individual merits involved. For this reason, it is best to discuss your questions, concerns, and criminal charges with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can provide specific information regarding your individual circumstances. Contact David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for experienced Indianapolis criminal defense you can trust.

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.