FAQS About Small Claims Court

When it comes to legally “righting” a wrong, the resolution can take place either in criminal or civil court. However, some offenses can be adjudicated in small claims court, such as minor infractions, negligence, restitution, and more. If you are confused about whether or not a particular crime or misconduct will be addressed criminally or civilly, your best course of action would be to talk to a licensed criminal defense lawyer in your city.

In the meantime, it will also help to understand small claims court better so you can decide where your particular legal matters might be resolved.

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What is Small Claims Court?

Small claims court is just that; a court that rules on civil cases disputing small amounts of money. Some common examples of cases that are resolved in small claims court include eviction and landlord cases, traffic disputes, property damage disputes, and more. The dollar limit that defines a small claim is $6,000 or less. However, in Marion County, this increases to $8,000. Suing for more than these amounts in Indiana will require you to go through a different court system.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Small Claims Court?

In most cases, small claims court proceedings are speedy, uncomplicated, and inexpensive. They are also quite informal, so you do not need professional legal counsel, nor extensive knowledge of the law or statutes governing your case. However, if you wish to be represented by a lawyer in small claims court, the law permits you to do so. In this case, your lawyer would handle everything on your behalf.

Can Anyone Sue in Small Claims Court?

In order to bring a case to small claims court, the state law mandates that you are at least 18 years old or emancipated minor, as well as, a U.S. citizen. Businesses, organizations, and other entities can also bring cases forth in small claims court. Contact your local small claims court clerks’ office for details on how to move forward with your case.

How Long Do I Have to File My Case?

Here in Indiana, the statute of limitations for small claims court is usually between 2 and 6 years. Check with your local small claims court clerks office for details on your specific case. See the Indiana Code Ann. § 34-11-2-1 et seq. to review the details of these deadlines.

How Do I File a Case in Small Claims Court?

Your first step is to acquire all the necessary paperwork and fill them all out. Part of this paperwork will include a “Notice of Claim” form. Then you will need to pay all of your court costs and filing fees, upfront. Contact the small claims court office in your county to learn exactly what you need to get your claim started.  

What if I’m Facing Criminal Penalties in Indiana?

Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a consultation with aggressive Indianapolis criminal defense attorney, David E. Lewis. He will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms after being charged with invasion of privacy in Indianapolis. 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.

The Difference Between Aggravating and Mitigating Factors

Sometimes, when a person is charged with a criminal offense, their charges can include aggravating factors. Generally, the inclusion of such factors increase the seriousness of the charges, and therefore, the penalties upon conviction. Many people confuse aggravating factors with mitigating factors, which are quite the opposite. If you are facing criminal charges with certain aggravating or mitigating factors, it is vital that you understand what this means for your case, your defense, and ultimately, your rights to freedom.

Continue reading to learn the difference between aggravating factors and mitigating factors, including what to do if you are facing such criminal charges in Indiana.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514
Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Aggravating Factors

Aggravating factors are not something you want as a part of your criminal charges. Such factors are specific circumstances of a crime that intensify the severity of the offense, elevate the criminal charges, and increase the maximum penalties upon conviction. Here in Indiana, there are eleven aggravating circumstances provided by statute:

➀ The use of a weapon;
➁ Significant harm, injury, loss, or damage to victim;
➂ Victim of crime is less than 12 years old;
➃ Victim of crime is a senior citizen (65 years old+)
➄ Offender has delinquent or criminal history;
➅ Crime is committed in the presence or vicinity of a minor less than 18 years old;
➆ Crime violates a protection order;
➇ Crime violates probation, parole, pretrial release, etc.;
➈ Offender knew the victim of the crime was disabled;
➉ Offender had active custody or control of the victim;
⑪ Employee of a penal facility commits inmate trafficking.

Mitigating Factors

If there are mitigating factors involved in your criminal charges, you can feel a slight sense of relief. Mitigating factors are certain circumstances of a criminal offense that might influence a court to be less strict when it comes to judgement and sentencing. There are several examples of mitigating factors, some of which might include the following:

▷ Offender was strongly provoked;
▷ Substantial cause to excuse or justify the crime exist;
▷ Offender has no delinquent or criminal history;
▷ Crime was the result of conditions that are unlikely to happen again;
▷ Victim of crime encouraged or aided the offense;
▷ No bodily harm not threat of harm resulted;
▷ Offender did not know the crime would cause nor threaten serious harm;
▷ Offender is a good candidate for probation or short term jail time;
▷ Offender’s character demonstrate they are not likely to commit the crime again;
▷ Offender makes restitution to victim;
▷ Imprisonment would cause hardship to offender and their dependents;
▷ Victim is habitually abusive to offender;

Important Note:

Although the court usually compares and considers the number of aggravating factors versus mitigating factors when reaching a sentencing decision. But keep in mind that courts are explicitly allowed to enforce any sentence that is authorized by the Indiana constitution, as well as these statutes, regardless of any of the above-mentioned factors. Always consult with a licensed and experienced Indianapolis criminal defense attorney who can educate you on your case and the best course of action for defense.

Where to Get Started on Your Criminal Defense

Call the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with aggressive Indiana criminal defense attorney who 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 Indiana criminal charges.

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Criminal Defense Tips for Being Interviewed as a Suspect

If you are suspected of being involved in a crime, and as a result, must cooperate with a detective interview, it is gravely important to know how to protect yourself from self-incrimination and more. Continue reading to learn some vital criminal defense tips you need to know before being interrogated or interviewed as a potential suspect in a crime.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514
Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Police Gimmicks and Ploys

When a detective asks a person to voluntarily come by the station to answer a few questions regarding a criminal case, they actually have a hidden agenda that is not made evident to the person being asked to come in. For one, law enforcement officials are not legally obligated to tell you that you are a suspect in a criminal investigation.

In fact, one of the oldest tricks in the book is to address you initially as a potential witness, and act very polite and friendly to lower your guard and make you feel comfortable giving up wanted information. Another part of this ploy is that if you come into the station voluntarily, you are not in custody. This means law enforcement does not have to read you your Miranda Rights, which remind you of your right to remain silent and your right to a lawyer.

And the gimmicks do not stop there. People often feel like they can handle a police interrogation, and feel confident that they have no valid evidence against them. But this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make as a possible suspect in a criminal investigation. This is because police can make up anything they want to get a person to say things that didn’t really happen.

It is common for detectives to tell suspects that they have video surveillance of them committing the crime, or that they found their DNA all over the scene of the crime. They will say anything they have to in order to get a suspect to admit or give up information. It is also common for suspects to give false confession after hours of endless interrogation.

Always Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are ever asked to voluntarily come into a police station for questioning, or provide a statement regarding a criminal matter, remain silent. And then contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately. They can evaluate your situation and determine if it’s best for you to give a statement or remain silent. They will protect your rights and preserve your freedom to their best ability.

Aggressive Criminal Defense in Indiana

Contact David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to start building a strong and impactful defense against your criminal charges so that you have a chance at avoiding the maximum penalties for your suspected crimes. Our Indianapolis criminal defense law firm offers free initial consultations, so there is no out-of-pocket obligations to you. Get started protecting your future, today.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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Choose Attorney David E. Lewis for Aggressive Criminal Defense

The Law Office of David E. Lewis has the aggressive and professional Indianapolis criminal defense lawyers you need to avoid being sentenced to the maximum penalties for your criminal charges. Continue reading to learn why we are a leading criminal defense law firm in Indiana, and what we will do to ensure your rights are protected and your freedoms are preserved. We may even be able to help clean up your arrest record.

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

The Law Office of David E. Lewis provides criminal defense representation for anyone facing criminal charges in Indianapolis, as well as, throughout the entire state of Indiana. Our highly experienced criminal defense attorneys are well-versed and seasoned in criminal law, and will work around the clock to ensure you are not subjected to the maximum penalties for your Indiana criminal charges.

Criminal Cases We Represent

Here at the Law Office of David E. Lewis, our seasoned Indianapolis criminal defense lawyers aggressively represent most state and federal criminal cases, including DUI charges, marijuana charges, heroin charges, cocaine charges, theft charges, white collar crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes, misdemeanor charges, felony charges, domestic violence charges, probation or parole violation charges, and much more. Although we represent several areas of criminal law, we specialize in drunk driving defense, so if you are charged with a DUI or OWI, we can conceivably help you avoid jail time and possibly lower or dismiss your charges.

Indiana Criminal Record Expungement

Want to clean up your criminal record? With our help, you might be able to as early as this year! You see, criminal record expungement is now legal in our state, but only under very explicit conditions. And applicants are only allotted one single opportunity to file for expungement in their lifetime. YOU CANNOT PETITION TWICE.

To make matters more challenging, only certain offenses can be expunged, and courts will only grant record expungement based on several key requirements. David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, is well-versed in the new Indiana criminal record expungement laws, and knows the precise procedure to obtaining approval. He provides criminal record expungement services starting as low as $850!

Learn About Your Criminal Defense Needs

Call the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation to determine the best strategies for defense pertaining to your individual charges and criminal history. When you call the Law Office of David E. Lewis, you can expect to reach a knowledgeable and friendly legal representative that will ask you a series of questions while setting up your free initial appointment. You can also submit an email directly from our website.

You can trust that all the information you give over the phone and in-person will be handled discreetly and with the upmost care and concern. Most importantly, our office is a 100% judgement-free zone, and you will feel warmth and welcome as if you were family every time you walk through our doors.

Critical Questions and Answers About Indiana Criminal Charges

Everyone has questions following an arrest or investigation. Getting accurate answers to your legal questions can provide the lawful insight you must have in order to fully comprehend your criminal charges and possible maximum penalties. The best course of action for obtaining this level of legal guidance and knowledge is to schedule a meeting with a reputable criminal defense law firm.

In the meantime, it will help your understanding to review some of the most important questions and answers regarding criminal defense and criminal law. The more familiarity you have about the Indiana judicial system, the wiser your decisions can be regarding your legal matters.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514
Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Am I Mandated to Answer Police Questions After Being Arrested?

According to the 5th Amendment in the United States Constitution, you have the right to remain silent. You also have the right to an attorney, which should be used AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Call Attorney David E. Lewis before charges are filed against you, and let him do the talking for you. He may be able to present your side of the story to the police before they file, and get your charges dismissed. This cannot happen once charges have even filed, so call from the jail cell or the moment you are released from jail.

Can I Talk About My Criminal Case With Friends and Family?

Never discuss your case with anyone except your defense lawyer or legal team. This is critical to the outcome of your case. Everything discussed among your defense team is confidential, but with anyone else, it’s not. It is especially important to not discuss your case with law enforcement officers. They are not your friends and anything you tell them can be and will be used against you in a court of law. If anyone tries to ask you about your case, including insurance adjusters, cellmates, coworkers, friends, family, and strangers. Simply remain silent, and if they persist, tell them you refuse to discuss anything without your lawyer present.

What Does a “Washout” Period Mean in Indiana?

Indiana has a look back period of 5 and 10 years called a washout period. This is the time period in which prosecution “looks back” upon to check for prior convictions on a person’s criminal record following an arrest. As you know, priors are enhancements and make the penalties for criminal charges more serious.

What are Advisory Sentences?

An “advisory sentence” is a guideline that the court may voluntarily consider as the midpoint between the maximum and minimum sentence for a certain crime. For example, if a person commits a Level 6 Felony having no priors, they are facing a minimum of 6 month, up to 2 ½ years maximum in prison, with an advisory sentence of 1 year.

A Friend was Convicted of the Same Offense. Will I Have the Same Penalties as Them?

Never believe what inmates, friends, or other people tell you about similar cases. It is important to remember that EVERY CASE is different and retains its own set of unique qualities and circumstances. This is why it is important to have a custom defense built for you by a competent and experience criminal attorney who can use the law in your favor to reduce or dismiss your charges. Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for personalized legal representation you can trust.

Do I Have to Go to Jail?

There is no way of knowing the future. Even if the law says a certain crime is punishable by a certain amount of jail time, every case is different and courts may decide to reduce charges by eliminating jail time or entering into alternative sentencing agreements. In Indiana, community service is often substituted in place of serving jail time. It all depends on the skills of your defense lawyer and your criminal record.

Do I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Yes, if you want to avoid jail or have your charges dropped or reduced. Although you can choose to use a public defender, a stronger chance at dismissing criminal charges or entering into alternative sentencing agreements is by hiring a licensed defense lawyer. They have the experience, litigation skills, and acute knowledge of the law to effectively build a defense that challenges your criminal allegations and pursue a more favorable outcome for your case.

How Much Does a Criminal Attorney Charge?

When your life and freedom are on the line, don’t let money get in the way. It is important to never establish your decision on a criminal attorney based on price. Some law firms charge more than others, while some charge less than they should. If the price quote seems too good to be true from a defense attorney, it may be because they are inexperienced and trying to build their practice. Choose an experienced attorney that will get you the fairest possible outcome for your case, not an attorney with a cheap retainer fee. Your future depends on it!

What Will a Criminal Lawyer Do that a Public Defender Can’t Do?

Public defenders often work for larger firms, and do not do the investigation and research on their cases themselves. Instead, paralegals and investigators do most of the work, leaving the public defender out of the loop on details about the case circumstances. This leaves them unqualified and unequipped to effectively fight a person’s criminal charges. A criminal lawyer does all the investigative research themselves, and personally commits to every detail of the case. This is just one reason why they are the most promising choice for defense.

Have More Questions?

Contact David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for aggressive and experienced criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss the best strategies for defense against your criminal charges.

How the Law Office of David E. Lewis Sets the Bar High for Criminal Justice

When you are a client of criminal defense attorney, David E. Lewis, you can expect high standards from start to finish. He and his legal team provide professional 24/7 client communication and unparalleled client support. We understand that our clients’ needs don’t revolve around convenient office hours.

This is why we are always available by means of email or phone, and remain prepared to take action whenever our client’s, or their case, calls. Our criminal law firm never cuts corners when it comes to criminal defense, and we will always go the extra mile for our client’s and their families. We leave no stone unturned when fighting our clients’ criminal charges.

Continue below to learn why the Law Office of Attorney David E. Lewis is the right choice for your criminal defense in Indiana!

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

Our Company Pledge

We vow to never give up or back down. We use every resource in our power to preserve our clients’ freedoms and protect their rights in all ways, including:

☑ Building a Custom Defense for Each Individual Client

We are determined to win an advantageous outcome in court for clients that have been charged or convicted of a misdemeanor or felony in Indiana. He uses his cunning knowledge of law, as well as his extensive trial and litigation experience, to aggressively represent his clients in both state and federal courts.

☑ Keeping Clients Fully-Informed at All Times

Our law firm understands that an arrest in the family is troubling, and everyone has several questions afterwards. This is why we work side-by-side with our clients from start to finish, guiding them throughout the entire criminal process safely and securely, all while working to win them a better outcome in court.

☑ Respecting All Clients & Never Passing Judgement

We recognize that people make mistakes, and sometimes get caught up in the wrong place at the wrong time. The law office of David E. Lewis is committed to being a strong and reliable helping hand that stays firm in order to safeguard our client’s legal rights and re-open doors for them so they may have an opportunity for a second chance in life.

Our Mission

Our hope for all our clients is simple: That they may be reunited with their families and loved ones, and get back to leading a happy and law-abiding life after a distressing arrest. Attorney, David E. Lewis can accomplish this for many people charged with a crime in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Start Today!

Call the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation and case evaluation. From there, will develop the best strategies for your defense so that you can avoid the maximum penalties for your criminal charges in Indiana.

What You Can and Can’t Legally Do When Stopped By a Cop

When you are stopped by police, whether in a public place or in your vehicle, you have certain rights, but you also have to follow certain rules. And just like you, the officer has certain rights and rules too. It is okay to not know these rules and rights, but important to learn them in the case that a cop ever stops you.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about being stopped by a cop, including how long an officer can detain you without making an arrest and more.

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514
Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Cop Stops

Cops are allowed to stop anyone for a certain period of time without arresting them, for purposes of determining whether or not a crime is being or was committed. Although law enforcement can stop a person and detain them without arrest, they cannot detain them for an unreasonable amount of time or indefinitely without making an arrest and filing charges. This violates our constitutional right against unreasonable searches and seizures. But “when” and “for how long” a cop can stop you without making an arrest is a little ambiguous since it depends on the particular circumstances of the encounter.

What to Expect

During a typical cop stop, the amount of time they detain you will vary depending on the situation. But the reasonable amount of time for a cop to stop someone without arresting them would be however long it takes to ask them for name, address, date of birth, a photo identification, and a few questions. This is what you should expect during a typical police encounter. If you are in your vehicle, they may request additional documents, including vehicle registration, drivers’ license, car insurance, and title.

How to Conduct Yourself

As the person on the other end of the cop stop, you should always behave respectfully and cooperate with police. Simply refusing to identify yourself gives them the right to arrest you. Even if they are being unethical, you must remember they have the power at the moment. So it is important to clearly identify yourself, provide the documents they request, and be as agreeable and polite as possible. This will increase your chances of being excused.

Keep in mind that you do not have to answer their questions since you have the right to remain silent, but always be polite, and never argue or lie to police. You can simply say, “I do not wish to answer any questions” and they will move forward. If you believe you were wrongfully arrested or treated by police, or detained or held in custody for too long without being charged for a crime, you should contact an Indianapolis criminal defense attorney for help.

Indiana Criminal Defense Law Firm

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.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

The Legal Penalties for Visiting a Common Nuisance

Did you know that your presence alone can get you charged with a crime even if you’re innocent? It’s called “Visiting a Common Nuisance”, which also relates to similar crimes called, “A Place of Common Nuisance” and “Maintaining a Common Nuisance.” Continue reading to learn what constitutes these criminal charges, what they entail in terms of jail time and court orders, as well as, how to avoid being charged with such crimes.

Indianapolis Drug Crime  Lawyer 317-636-7514
Indianapolis Drug Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514

A Place of Common Nuisance

A place of common nuisance is any private property where illegal activity is taking place. This can be a house, boat, vehicle, apartment, hotel room, or any other private residence. The most frequent crimes that occur in a place of common nuisance include the consumption and selling of illegal substances and paraphernalia. This includes street drugs, stolen merchandise, firearms, and medication.

Visiting a Common Nuisance

Anyone person that knowingly visits a place of common nuisance is committing a crime, and if caught, can be charged with “visiting a common nuisance.” Here’s an example of a situation where a person can be arrested and charged with this crime, without actually taking part in the illegal activity:

Ella is on vacation in New York City with her best friend, Jenny. While out on the town celebrating, they meet a group of guys who invite them back to their place for a drink. When the girls walk into the apartment, they immediately notice some guns on the counter, and some drugs laying out on the table. They decide to stay and have a few drinks, even though they do not like guns nor use drugs. After a few drinks, the guys start smoking marijuana and the cops get called. Even though Ella and Jenny did not partake in the marijuana usage, and do not own the guns, they can be arrested and charged for visiting a common nuisance.

Maintaining a Common Nuisance

If a person allows someone, or a group of people, to use drugs or partake in illegal activity in their own home or vehicle, they can be charged with “maintaining a common nuisance.” For instance, if a girl lets her friend shoot up heroin in her apartment, she could be arrested and charged with this crime. The same applies to parents who allow their children to drink underage or use drugs in their home.

Indiana Criminal Defense You Can Trust

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.

The Indiana Rule For Domestic Violence

Domestic violence calls happen every minute, all across the nation. When these calls occur, the judicial process that takes place afterwards depends on several factors, namely the state. Domestic violence laws vary from state to state, but here in Indiana, the rules are clear.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about domestic violence disputes, criminal charges, and penalties in Indiana.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense
Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Who’s At-Fault?

When it comes to domestic violence and criminal law, many couples want to know who is labeled as the offender. Most people assume that the man is automatically arrested and detained in custody in the case of a domestic violence call. However, this is not always true. You see, it is usually the actual aggressor (the ones who makes the assault) who is arrested and taken to jail for a domestic violence charge, which can be either a woman or a man. See our blog, “Who Gets Arrested in a Domestic Violence Police Call?” to learn details about these situations.

Types of Domestic Violence:

▸ Assault And Battery
▸ Physical Abuse
▸ Sexual Abuse
▸ Mental Abuse
▸ Emotional Abuse
▸ Child Abuse
▸ Child Molestation
▸ Sex Crimes

Here is what you need to know about domestic violence laws, disputes, charges, penalties, and more:

Statute:

Indiana Code 35-42-2-1.3 (Domestic Battery)

Under Indiana law, domestic battery is founded when someone knowingly or intentionally a) touches a family or household member in a rude or angry way; or b) places bodily fluid or waste on a family or household member in a rude or angry way.

Criminal Charges:

A suspect can be charged with either a misdemeanor or felony upon being arrested for domestic violence. Domestic violence charges range from Class A misdemeanors to Level 2 felonies; it all depends on the suspect’s criminal history, severity of the victim’s injuries, applicable enhancements, and several other mitigating factors.

Misdemeanor Penalties in Indiana

Felony Penalties in Indiana

What You Need to Know About Indiana Protective Orders

Where to Find Trusted Indiana Criminal Defense

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

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss the best course of action for your domestic violence criminal charges with a seasoned Indianapolis criminal defense attorney you can trust. We work around the clock to ensure your rights are protected and your freedoms are preserved. You can avoid the maximum penalties for your charges with our aggressive legal representation!

Which Constitutional Rights Can Be Waived in a Criminal Sentencing Hearing?

If you are awaiting criminal sentencing, it is wise to educate yourself on the criminal justice process in order to know what to expect on this impending journey. Although your publically or privately-appointed criminal attorney will take on the majority of the legal load in building your defense, it helps to do your part by being well-informed and prepared to make the best legal decisions for yourself. One of the most important area of law to understand are your Constitutional rights, especially during your sentencing hearing.

Continue reading to learn which Constitutional rights can be waived at your upcoming criminal sentencing hearing.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514
Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Prior to pleading guilty, or not guilty, at your sentencing hearing, a judge must ensure that you fully understand certain Constitutional rights. You must know these rights so that you can make the best decision for yourself in terms of pleading guilty; because once you plead guilty, you forever waive these rights and cannot go back and undo your decision.

Here are the typical Constitutional rights you will be expected to understand prior to pleading guilty at your criminal sentencing hearing:

⚖ The right to a public and speedy trial by jury.

⚖ The right to a speedy trial by jury.

⚖ The right to not testify against yourself, or the right against self.

⚖ The right to see, hear, face, and cross–examine witnesses against you.

⚖ The right to compel people through subpoena power of the court to testify on your behalf at no expense to you.

⚖ The right for the state to prove you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and be presumed innocent.

⚖ The right to have an attorney appointed to you at no expense to you if you qualify.

⚖ The right to appeal your sentence if convicted by the court, including challenging the sentence imposed by the court on any open term.

Where to Get Trusted Legal Counsel

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

To best protect your rights and preserve your freedoms, you must have a seasoned and aggressive Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer on your side, building you an impactful and strong case so that you can avoid the maximum penalties for your criminal charges. Call the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation and case evaluation with a licensed Indiana criminal defense lawyer you can trust.