Why Choose Our Criminal Defense Law Firm in Indianapolis

The Law Office of David E. Lewis is your top resource for superior criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. When you are looking for a skilled and aggressive crime lawyer, Attorney David E. Lewis and his esteemed legal staff are the team to have in your corner. Our Indianapolis Indiana criminal defense law firm will build you a strong and impactful defense against your criminal charges, giving you the best possible outcome in court. Avoid harsh penalties and jail time by calling the Law Office of David E. Lewis today for your free consultation.

Continue below to learn why so many Hoosiers choose us to beat or significantly reduce their criminal charges throughout Central Indiana, plus how to get started on your defense as soon as today.

Indianapolis Criminal Law Firm 317-636-7514
Indianapolis Criminal Law Firm 317-636-7514

The Law Office of David E. Lewis

Indianapolis Criminal Defense That Works

Here at the Law Office of David E. Lewis, you can expect to be treated with the utmost care and respect. We see you as the person you are, not the person. The courts are accusing you of being. Regardless of your crime or criminal charges, we are here to obtain a better legal outcome for you. We will work around the clock to build you a strong and impactful defense to significantly reduce or even dismiss your criminal charges entirely. Trust us to work on your case as if it were our own matters at stake.

Criminal Matters are Complex

Our Indianapolis defense attorneys know that your criminal matters are confusing to you and that you may not know which steps to take after being arrested or indicted on criminal charges in Indiana. If under investigation or charged with a crime in Indiana, your future and freedom could be in jeopardy. Your next few moves could greatly influence and impact your case, so having an adept defense attorney on your side is a monumental advantage for yourself and your future.

Here at The Law Office of David E. Lewis, we are ready to be your number-one advocate through this difficult time in your life. Trust our legal professionals to develop a strong defense for your case and work around the clock to place you in the best position possible following an arrest, charge, or conviction.

From start to finish, our criminal defense attorneys take your legal matters seriously. You can count on us to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms at all costs. We have full knowledge of criminal law on both state and federal levels, plus retain years of experience serving Hoosiers just like yourself. Our case results are prima facie evidence that our law firm is the right choice for your criminal charges in Indiana.

Are you ready to schedule your free, no risk consultation with seasoned attorney who actually cares about the quality of your life? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm will get you the best possible outcome to your criminal case!

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When Do I Have a Right to an Attorney?

If you are a criminal suspect or defendant, the grants you the right to an attorney. This right is thanks to our 6th Amendment. Continue below to learn what you need to know about exercising this right, including how to protect it from start to finish in your criminal case.

Defense Attorney Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Defense Attorney Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

The Sixth Amendment Right is Reserved for Criminal Prosecution

The 6th Amendment provides many important rights for criminal defendants, including the right to a speedy trial, the right to a public trial, the right to an impartial jury, the right to be informed of the law and the penalties for violating such law, the right to confront witnesses against you, the right to require witnesses in your favor to testify on your behalf, and of course, the right to an attorney. But you are only conferred the right to an attorney if you are under criminal prosecution. Basically, if you are suspected of a crime, the law gives you the right to have an attorney present every step of the way, from the moment you are arrested and read your Miranda Rights to the day of your appeal hearing.

If you are facing a civil suit, such as a custody matter or contract dispute, you do not have a right to an attorney, and instead, would have to retain a private lawyer on your own. The reason why criminal defendants have a right to an attorney and civil defendants and claimants do not is because civil matters only result in fines and other civil penalties, while criminal matters can lead to a loss of freedom.

How to Execute Your 6th Amendment

There are many instances in which you can evoke your 6th amendment right. First, if you are arrested and have been read your Miranda Rights, you are officially in police custody, which means you are not allowed to leave and any questions the police ask are custodial. In this case, you would be immediately eligible to use your right to an attorney as soon as they begin asking you questions. Your sixth amendment right is an important protection against custodial interrogation. Any questions asked by the police are designed to trick you into incriminating yourself.

You can also use your sixth amendment right during any court appearance you have, even after being found guilty.  You have in a right to an attorney at all pretrial hearings, such as your arraignment and initial hearing, as well as all other court appearances, including trial, sentencing, and appeals.

When Your Right to an Attorney Ends

At some point in the criminal justice process, your right to an attorney will come to an end. For instance, if you are scheduled any post-conviction hearings for probation or parole, or even a parole revocation hearing, you no longer have a right to an attorney. For these types of hearings, you would be required to hire your own private lawyer. Also, if a defendant is still locked up and they are scheduled a disciplinary hearing, they do not have a right to an attorney.

Are you looking to avoid jail time and the maximum penalties for your criminal charges in Indiana? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm will get you the best possible outcome to your criminal case!

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Can a Person Be Arrested for Blackmailing?

Blackmail is a crime. Crimes come with penalties of all kinds, from fines and restitution to community service, house arrest, probation, and even jail time. And like all crimes, blackmailing another person, business, or organization will lead to these same consequences. Continue below to learn more about blackmail laws, including the common charges and penalties, plus what to do if you are being blackmailed by another.

Blackmail Criminal Defense Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Blackmail Criminal Defense Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Blackmailing Laws in Indiana

Blackmailing can be a state or federal crime depending on the circumstances or nature of the offense. Most people wrongly assume that blackmail is the act of forcing someone to do something they don’t want to do by means of threat or ultimatum (not by bribery or intimidation). But the true, universally accepted legal definition of blackmail describes a very serious offense that causes significant damage to one’s reputation, finances, or quality of life, all of which can subject a victim to extreme psychological and emotional traumas. For this reason, blackmail is deemed as a very serious offense under criminal law, and therefore, renders major penalties, including jail time.

West’s Encyclopedia of American Law, (2d Edition, 2008), defines blackmail as: “[t]he crime involving a threat for purposes of compelling a person to do an act against his or her will, or for purposes of taking the person’s money or property.

Forms of Blackmail

Blackmail crimes come in all forms. A blackmailer could threaten a person to do something they don’t want to do by threatening physical violence, or threatening to harm their 1) reputation, 2) employment status or privileges, 3) school admissions, 4) child custody rights, 5) social status, 6) membership status, 7) finances, 8) property, 9) loved ones, and much more. A blackmailer may even threaten to reveal secrets that can cause harm to all of these elements of life and more.

Typically, the person doing the blackmailing is someone that has a level of authority or power over the victim, such as an employer, computer hacker, spouse, parent, guardian, conservatorship representative, lawyer, agent, teacher, school administrator, and similar authorities. However, this is not always the case. A blackmailing victim can be blackmailed by their best friend, romantic partner, neighbor, or even a minor.

Blackmail Versus Extortion

The terms blackmail and extortion are sometimes used interchangeably to describe the same type of crime. However, blackmail is typically reserved to describe crimes of threat, while extortion is more like blackmail that results in actually receiving funds, money, payment, or some other reward. Basically, when blackmail is successful, it turns into the crime of extortion.

Penalties for Blackmailing

Here in Indiana, if the defendant is charged with blackmail or extortion, they will face a long list of penalties, with the possibility of jail time. In most cases, a first offender convicted of a blackmailing crime will be sentenced to fines. In other cases, a defendant might be sentenced to fines and imprisonment. Aside from criminal penalties, a person convicted of blackmail or extortion may also face a civil lawsuit brought on by the victim. The victim could seek damages from the blackmailer in the form of compensation or settlement.

What to do if you’re being blackmailed: Immediately contact the police and give a full report. Never take matters into your own hands.

Are you currently facing criminal charges for bribery, blackmail, or extortion in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for aggressive criminal defense for misdemeanor or felony criminal charges in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent adults, minors, and juveniles all across the state.

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Facts About Aggravating Factors in a Criminal Case

Facing criminal charges is a confusing matter to experience. When aggravated factors are involved, it can be more challenging for a defendant to understand what’s at stake in terms of their rights and future freedoms. If you are concerned about defending aggravating factors in a criminal case, continue below to learn the right facts you need to know.

Indiana Criminal Defense Representation 317-636-7514
Indiana Criminal Defense Representation 317-636-7514

Aggravating Factors Make Criminal Charges Worse

Have you ever heard the phrases, “the straw that broke the camel’s back” or “the icing on the cake” before? Aggravating factors are certain details about a criminal act that make the crime more serious and the penalties much harsher. For instance, if a person is caught selling drugs out of their home, they would face certain charges and penalties. However, if that person is caught selling drugs near or on school grounds, they would face even higher charges and penalties since being at or within 500 feet of a school is an aggravating factor to the crime.

Common Types of Aggravating Factors

There are many types of aggravating factors, and a person can face multiple ones in their criminal case. Aggravating factors can enhance a criminal charge by many levels. They can bump a Class A misdemeanor to Level 6 Felony, or even a Level 5 felony. They can also bump low level misdemeanors to higher level misdemeanors. For instance, if a person with no prior criminal record gets busted for a DUI, they would face lighter charges and penalties compared to a person with no prior criminal record who gets busted for a DUI but also causes a car accident that results in bodily harm to a passenger or a driver.

Examples of Aggravating Factors:

Assault on a police officer or firefighter
Crimes involving minors
Crimes committed on or nearby schools or government buildings
Use of a deadly weapon
Causing bodily harm
Egregious recklessness or disregard
Battery causing death

Mitigating Factors Versus Aggravating Factors

Aggravating factors are opposite of mitigating factors, which are factors that can lessen the severity of a crime. For instance, if a person is caught in possession of a non-prescribed prescription narcotic, such as opioids or barbiturates, they would face a particular set of charges and penalties. However, if that person has no prior criminal record and is a good standing citizen within the community, such characteristics could be deemed as mitigating factors in their case, and therefore lessen their charge and penalties.

Are you currently facing criminal charges with aggravating factors in Indiana? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a skilled and aggressive criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Act fast so that you may avoid the maximum penalties for your probation violation.

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The Pros and Cons of Taking a Plea Deal

If you are currently facing criminal charges, you will likely be given the opportunity to take a plea deal. What does this mean for you and your freedoms? A lot. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about plea deals, including pros and cons, before you decide to accept one.

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

Plea Deal Basics

A plea deal is a bargaining tactic used by the state to make defendants plead guilty to their charges. Under a plea deal arrangement, the defendant is sentenced to a lesser charges or penalties. There are pros and cons to taking a plea deal, so it is important to learn what you can about them before choosing to move forward with such an arrangement. Furthermore, it is possible for judges to reject plea deals even though the prosecution offers them up. Although rare, this might happen if the judge explicitly and fully disagrees with giving the defendant a lesser charge or more lenient penalties.

Advantages of Plea Deals

The top advantage of accepting a plea deal is avoiding more serious criminal charges. Typically, defendants are convicted of a lesser crime, spend less time in jail (or none at all), and sentenced to lighter penalties, including fines and license suspensions. Also, defendants to not have to risk going to trial. There are also some administrative benefits to taking a plea deal. For instance, you can save a lot of money and time avoiding lengthy trials, attorney bills, and court costs. It also helps clear out some court system traffic, allowing more time for more serious cases.

Disadvantages of Plea Deals

There are some downsides to taking a plea deal. As mentioned, the judge could reject it if they do not believe it aligns with the best interests of justice. Secondly, plea deals do force a defendant to admit guilt, even if they are not guilty. It is important to understand that plea deals also waive certain constitutional rights, like self-incrimination and jury trial. The worst disadvantage is the risk of it all. Although the state can offer a plea deal, they can revoke it or decide to not grant leniency in sentencing.

Common Types of Pleas:

Guilty Plea – Defendant admits guilt and accepts the charges.

Not Guilty Plea – Defendant maintains innocence and disputes the charges.

No Contest Plea (nolo contendere) – Defendant neither admits to nor disputes the criminal charges and accepts a guilty conviction.

Alford Plea – Defendants do not admit guilt but accept the punishment under a guilty conviction after acknowledging that the evidence against them will most likely have a jury convict them.

Are you looking for a qualified criminal defense attorney who can fight your Indiana criminal charges? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm will get you the best possible outcome to your criminal case!

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Do I Need a Permit to Carry a Handgun in Indiana?

A recent change to Indiana handgun law has many Hoosiers confused. To clarify, House Bill 1296 was signed into state law by Governor Holcomb on March 21, 2022. This new bill allows Indiana handgun owners to carry their handguns on them in public without a permit.

However, not all Hoosier handgun owners qualify. Continue below to learn what you need to know about the new House Bill 1296 Indiana Handgun Law, and what to do if you are arrested for being in violation of this law.

Gun Charge Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Gun Charge Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

The New Indiana Handgun Law
(IC 35-47-2-3)

Until last month, all Hoosiers were required by law to have and carry a valid handgun license on them if they brought their handgun with them in public. But with House Bill 1296, which takes affect July 1st, 2022, Hoosiers who own handguns are now legally allowed to carry their handguns with them, on their person or in their vehicles, and without a permit.

The law specifically states, “A person who is at least 18 years of age and is not otherwise prohibited from carrying or possessing a handgun under state or federal law is not required to obtain or possess a license or permit from the state to carry a handgun in Indiana (…).”

But like most things in life, and especially in law, there are limitations and exceptions to the regulation. Not every who has a handgun is protected under this law. There are circumstances that can revoke this legal right, leaving some prohibited from carrying a handgun in public without a valid license.

Restrictions

As IC 35-47-2-3 states, you must be at least 18 years old to be protected under this law. Aside from this obvious rule, IC 35-47-2-1.5 Subsection (b) decrees that certain individuals are banned from carrying a handgun in public without a permit, regardless of the law. If these disqualified individuals are caught violating this law, they will be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor, unless they are near a school or school bus, in which case, they would be charged with a Felony.

A Person is Prohibited if They Are or Were:

□ A Fugitive
□ A Felon
□ An Illegal Immigrant
□ Dishonorably Discharged
□ Convicted of a State-Level Offense Punishable By 1 Year in Jail
□ Convicted of Domestic Violence/Battery
□ Convicted of Criminal Stalking
□ Under Indictment
□ Restrained Under an Order of Protection
□ Ruled Dangerous By IC 35-47-14-6
□ Ruled Mentally Defective
□ Committed to a Mental Institution
□ 23 Years Old With a Ruling of a Delinquent Act (as described by IC 35-47-4-5)
□ Person Who Renounced U.S. Citizenship (as described in 8 U.S.C. 1481)

Are you currently facing criminal charges for illegal handgun possession or firing in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for superior and aggressive Indianapolis criminal defense you can count on. We can meet over the phone, via online video conference, or in person at our office.

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What You Need to Know About Indiana Tax Fraud

If you are a small business owner who is preparing to file your company’s tax return, you have until tomorrow to do so. If you are an individual filing your personal tax returns, you have until Monday, April 18th. Either way, it is important to protect yourself against tax errors because you do not want to mistakenly be charged with tax fraud.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about Indiana tax fraud before Tax Day is upon us this year, plus who to trust for aggressive legal defense if ultimately indicted on any type of white-collar criminal charge.

Tax Fraud Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Tax Fraud Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Important Tax Fraud Facts

Tax fraud is also known as tax evasion. A person can be indicted and charged with tax evasion if they intentionally or knowingly neglect to file their taxes, pay their taxes in full, or provide dishonest data (or omit required data) on their returns for the purpose of evading payment. In order to be convicted of tax evasion, the IRS must prove that you deliberately and knowingly demonstrated one of these fore-mentioned acts.

Most Common Types of Tax Fraud Crimes:

▷ Under Reporting Income
▷ Falsifying Tax Return Data (inflating business expenses, overstating size of household, etc.)
▷ Underpaying Taxes
▷Not Paying Taxes
▷ Deceiving the Department of Revenue (DOR)
▷ Misrepresenting Economic Circumstances

Indiana Tax Fraud Penalties Upon Conviction:

Those who are convicted of Indiana tax fraud will be sentenced depending on the severity of their crimes. Penalties range from jail and prison time to fines, restitution, loss of certain freedoms, and more. Most Indiana tax fraud convictions are sentenced as Class A misdemeanors or Level 6 felonies.

Level 6 Felony = Six Months to 2 ½ Years in County Jail – Fines up to $10,000

Class A Misdemeanor = Up to 12 Months in County Jail – Fines up to $5,000

Tax Errors Do Not Make You a Criminal

If you mistakenly underpaid your taxes, provided incorrect information on your return, or forgot to file your tax return altogether, you are not committing a crime of fraud. In such cases, you would simply need to contact the proper IRS authorities and notify them of your mistake. From there, they will give you the instructions you need to follow to correct your error. You will likely have to pay a small penalty fee, generally $100 to $300.

Are you looking for qualified criminal defense that can reduce or dismiss your white collar crime or fraud charges in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a meeting with an Indianapolis fraud crime lawyer you can trust. We represent all white collar crime cases in Indiana.

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Do I Have to Let Police in My House if They Show Up With a Search Warrant?

Law enforcement can certainly be intimidating. Even if you are compelled to oblige by all their commands and requests, do you legally have to? This is a common conundrum for those who are faced with a search warrant at home. Are you required under law to let the police inside your house if they have a search warrant? What might happen if you refuse? Do you have the right to refuse and later appeal a search warrant in court?

Continue reading to learn what you should do if the cops show up at your place of residence with a valid search warrant signed by a judge or magistrate.

Arrest Warrant Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Arrest Warrant Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Search Warrant Facts

In order to get a search warrant, police must submit an affidavit to a judge explaining in great detail the property to be searched, what they are looking for within the property, which property they intend to seize, which type of crime is related to the location of the search, and more. Upon approval of probable cause, a judge will sign a search warrant, which is a court order giving law enforcement authority to explore whatever property stated within the warrant decree.

Any property or areas of the home that are not specifically listed in the search warrant cannot be legally searched by police. However, there is an exception to this rule. It is known as the plain view doctrine. Basically, if something illegal is in plain sight during the process of executing a search warrant, police can further investigate that area under reasonable suspicion.

Police may have a court order to search vehicles, homes, computers, cell phones, storage units, sheds, barns, greenhouses, safes, and more. Once approved and signed by a judge, police have ten days to execute a search warrant, and they can choose to execute a search warrant any time of day or night, including times they know the property will be vacant or unsupervised.

You see, one important fact you need to know about search warrants is that most of them give police permission to search the property without the owner’s permission. Some will have a “knock and announce” rule, but most judges eliminate this rule these days. Even with the rule, there are exceptions.

So, what does all this mean for you if police show up to your home with a search warrant signed by judge? It means that you must comply or else face additional legal consequences.

Consequences of Obstructing a Search Warrant

There are serious consequences that come with obstructing a search warrant. Most often, those who refuse to allow police to come inside their home or behave in a way that is disruptive to the execution of a search warrant, can be arrested for criminal offenses like disorderly conduct, obstruction of due process, contempt of court, and much more.

If this has happened to you recently, or if you are dealing with any type of arrest or bench warrant, it is important to retain a licensed Indiana criminal defense attorney who can fight your charges and help you avoid the maximum penalties you are facing.

Are you facing criminal charges or an arrest warrant? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our legal team can help you obtain the best possible outcome to your criminal matters!

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How a Pretrial Diversion Program May Reduce Your Sentence

If you have recently been arrested in Indiana on drug-related criminal charges, whether on a state or federal level, you can bet on one thing: the penalties will be harsh. Indiana has zero tolerance for drug crimes, so if you are facing drug charges right now, you can expect to be sentenced to jail time, fines, community service, random drug screening, probation, and more. You might even be court ordered to attend a drug rehabilitation clinic or substance abuse program.

However, you may be able to reduce your drug crime. Criminal sentence by doing a pretrial diversion program. Continue reading to learn more about pretrial diversion programs, including how to determine your eligibility in Indiana.

Pretrial Release Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Pretrial Release Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Pretrial Diversion Programs in Indiana

What is a pretrial diversion program? Well, it is an effective and beneficial alternative to the harsher criminal penalties that are traditionally handed down for drug crimes in Indiana. Although pretrial diversion programs may be offered to all sorts of defendants facing a wide range of criminal charges, they are particularly helpful for those facing drug charges in Indiana.

Someone facing drug charges is likely somebody wrapped up in the illicit drug world, whether as a recreational user, abuser, addict, or trafficker. People in these situations are not in a place, neither financially or, mentally, to take on legal obligations like heavy fines and jail time.

The state recognizes this problem by offering legal alternatives to such penalties. In cases that qualify, a pretrial diversion program can be offered to a drug charge defendant as an alternative to going to jail and paying thousands of dollars in fines. In return, the defendant must comply and complete the program with flying colors.

How a Pretrial Diversion Program Works

A defendant (and their lawyer) works with the state prosecutor to come up with an alternative plan of punishment for committing a drug crime in Indiana, known as a pretrial diversion program. In most cases of pretrial diversion programs, some form of rehabilitation or treatment is included as part of the agreement. Additional elements of a pretrial diversion program will vary from case to case, but most include:

▢ Routine Probation Officer Meetings
▢ Random Drug/Alcohol Testing
▢ House Arrest/GPS Ankle Monitoring
▢ Mandatory Curfew
▢ Court-Ordered Therapy

Although every pretrial diversion program is different depending on the defendant and the unique circumstances of the criminal charges, most will come to an end between one and three years. It is important to have a skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis on your side when fighting for your chance at entering into a pretrial diversion program after being charged with a drug crime in Indiana.

Looking for a criminal defense lawyer to fight your drug charges in Indiana right now? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for aggressive and experienced criminal defense for drug crimes in Indianapolis, Indiana. We can hold meetings over the phone, via online conferencing, or in person at her Indianapolis office.

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Criminal Attorney David E Lewis Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Criminal Attorney David E Lewis Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

What Should I Do if I Get Pulled Over By Police?

At some point in your driving career, you are bound to be pulled over by police. It doesn’t mean that you’re guilty of a crime, or even suspected of one; but nonetheless, cop-stops and traffic violations do happen every day, so it is wise to be prepared and know how to behave if you ever look up and see those flashing emergency lights in your rear view mirror.

Criminal Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Criminal Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Being Pulled Over is Not Always a Bad Thing

It is important to keep in mind that law enforcement is out there to protect us, even if that means from ourselves. So, when you see yourself getting pulled over by police, do not panic. It is very likely that they are pulling you over for something minor, such as a broken taillight. They might be pulling you over to help you with something, like an unscrewed gas cap or dangling license plate.

Courtesy and Cooperation Will Help Your Situation

In all cases of being pulled over by police, the most important thing to remember is that good behavior goes a long way. Whether you are guilty of something or not, if you are 100% cooperative and courteous to the on-duty officer, it is very likely that you will be treated with high regard and that your best interests (including your personal time) will be made a priority by them. Cops are ultimately here to help us and protect us, and if you let them do their job, your police encounter will go by a lot faster and end with a more desirable outcome, even if you are arrested.

Cop Stop Tips

If you are ever pulled over by law enforcement, whether driver or passenger, these are the steps that you need to remember and practice to the best of your ability:

Pull to the Right. Pull over to the right shoulder of the road as soon as you know police are stopping you. Do not pull over to the left side. If you cannot access the right side of the road right away, drive a few feet longer, until you have adequate space to pull over.

Stay Still. Do not move from your seat after stopping. Don’t even unbuckle your seatbelt or grab your purse. Remain perfectly still with your hands on the wheel while you wait for the officer to approach your window. You can reach for your car documents when the officer asks for them.

Be Very Nice. Be polite and answer the police officer’s questions with respect. Although it is up to you on how truthful you want to be with them, the most important thing is that you speak to them in a respectful tone and courteous manner. Do not raise your voice, give attitude, show anger or frustration, call them names, or accuse them of anything. Do not be confrontational in any way.

Oblige the Officer. Along with being respectful and courteous, it is important to oblige the officer by making him or her more comfortable. If it’s nighttime, turn on your interior cabin lights on so that they can see you. You can also do things like turn your car engine off and turn the radio down so that you two can converse more clearly. These little actions can work in your favor.

Keep Conversation Short. It is important that you don’t speak too much when conversing with the police officer, especially if you are concerned that you might be guilty of a crime or have a warrant out for your arrest. It is better to say only what you need, answering the police officer’s questions directly and concisely, but not in excess. Talking too much could cause you to give up too much information, which could potentially incriminate yourself. More importantly, do not admit to any wrongdoing.

Where you recently pulled over by police and wrongly arrested for a crime, or you suspect that your rights were violated? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for superior and aggressive Indianapolis criminal defense you can count on. We can meet over the phone, via online video conference, or in person at our office.

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