An OWI arrest in Indiana can turn your life upside down—fast. One minute you're behind the wheel, the next you’re cuffed, booked, and facing criminal charges. It’s overwhelming, embarrassing, and scary. But what you do in the hours and days after your arrest can make a massive difference in how your case plays out.

Your first mistake doesn’t have to define your future—but what you do next might. I’m Nathan Vining, criminal defense attorney at Vining Legal, and I’ve helped Hoosiers statewide recover from Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charges. If you’ve been arrested for OWI, the shock hits hard—but it’s what happens next that can make or break your outcome. These are the five biggest mistakes I see clients make after a drunk driving arrest in Indiana. Avoid them, and you protect your rights, your record, and your future.

False accusations of domestic violence are life-altering. They damage your reputation, jeopardize your freedom, and turn your world upside down—even if you're completely innocent. At Vining Legal, we've seen it firsthand. I'm Nathan Vining, a criminal defense attorney based in Indiana, and I help people facing false allegations fight back with strategy—not emotion. If you've been accused, the worst thing you can do is make the wrong move.

Caught in a traffic stop and asked to take a breathalyzer test? You're not alone in wondering what your rights are—and what could happen if you refuse. Breathalyzer tests are a major tool for Indiana law enforcement in OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) cases, but the legal consequences of saying "no" are serious. This guide breaks down Indiana's implied consent laws, the penalties for refusal, and your legal options if you're facing a breathalyzer-related charge

Car accidents are overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and financially. In the aftermath, you're vulnerable. Insurance companies know this. And in Indiana, they may use that vulnerability to minimize your claim and pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.

You don’t have to accept it. This guide walks you through your rights under Indiana law, how the insurance game works, and how to protect yourself after a car accident injury.

If something happened to you today, who would care for your child tomorrow? It’s a tough question—but one every Indiana parent needs to answer. Naming a legal guardian for your child isn’t just smart estate planning—it’s peace of mind. Without a plan in place, the court decides who takes over, and that person may not be who you’d choose. You know what’s best for your child—this guide helps you make it official under Indiana law.

Facing threats, harassment, or violence? A protective order hearing can be your legal shield—but you’ve got to fight smart. Protective orders in Indiana are serious business. Whether it’s domestic abuse, stalking, or workplace intimidation, winning in court means bringing more than fear—you need facts, evidence, and a plan.

Let’s break down how to walk into your hearing prepared, confident, and ready to win.

Caught with an OWI in Indiana? Your first offense could cost you more than you think—jail, fines, license loss, insurance spikes, and a criminal record. Indiana doesn’t take it easy on first-timers. But here’s the thing: a charge isn’t a conviction. You still have options. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect—from the arrest to the long-term fallout—and how to fight back with the right legal strategy.

Death is messy—probate doesn’t have to be. If you’re wondering what happens to an estate in Indiana, you’re not alone. Probate is how the court wraps up someone’s financial life—validating wills, paying off debts, and transferring what’s left to heirs. But here’s the thing: not every estate needs it. Some estates breeze through shortcuts. Others get stuck in court for months. In this guide, we’ll break down when probate is required in Indiana, when you can avoid it, and how smart planning can save your family time, stress, and money.

New baby, new joy—new responsibilities. You’ve stocked the diapers, picked a pediatrician, and figured out the car seat. But have you planned for the unthinkable? If you don’t have a will, Indiana law doesn’t give you the final say about who raises your child or manages their finances if something happens to you. And as an estate planning attorney, I’ve seen the mess this causes for families—fights over guardianship, courts locking up money, and kids caught in the middle.

Accused of domestic violence in Indiana? Don’t panic—an arrest is not a conviction. But what you do next could shape your future. I’m Nathan Vining, an Indiana criminal defense attorney, and I’ve helped clients statewide fight and win domestic violence cases. These cases are serious and often emotionally charged—but there are strong defenses available. This guide explains the law, your legal options, and how to take control of your case before it controls you.

Facing an OWI charge in Indiana? It’s a serious situation, but a conviction isn’t guaranteed. You have rights, options, and a chance to fight back—with the right strategy and an experienced attorney by your side. I’m Nathan Vining, a criminal defense attorney at Vining Legal, and I’ve helped countless Hoosiers navigate OWI cases successfully. In this article, I’ll walk you through proven defenses, practical steps, and how to protect your future. Ready to take control? Let’s dive in.

A substantiation by the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) can feel like a permanent mark on your record — and in many ways, it is. Even if you've never been criminally charged or found guilty in court, DCS can determine that a report of child abuse or neglect is “substantiated” and record that finding in its internal system, the Child Protection Index.

Imagine this: You’re attacked, you defend yourself, and suddenly you’re the one in handcuffs. It happens more often than people realize. In Indiana, if you’re charged with battery—even after defending yourself—you may still have a legal path to avoid conviction by asserting self-defense. Understanding how self-defense works under Indiana law, and what you must prove, is critical to protecting your freedom and your future.

Expungement in Indiana is a powerful tool for clearing your criminal record, but it comes with a serious limitation: you usually only get to file once. This blog post explains how many times you can file for expungement in Indiana, what exceptions may apply, and why it's essential to get it right the first time.

You worked hard to get your life back on track and took the right step by applying for expungement in Indiana—only to receive a denial. It's frustrating, confusing, and may feel like a door just slammed shut. But not all hope is lost.

Indiana’s Second Chance Law is strict, but some denials can be fixed—and in some cases, you may be able to refile. This post breaks down why expungements are denied and what steps you can take next.

Even a single accusation or arrest can put years of hard work—and your future in education—on the line. Indiana educators deserve a fair process and a strong defense when their careers are at stake. If you're facing an investigation or disciplinary action, understanding how the Indiana Department of Education (DOE) handles these matters is essential to protecting your license and your livelihood.

If you're trying to move forward after a criminal case in Indiana, filing for expungement can be life-changing. It’s your shot at sealing your record, protecting your privacy, and opening doors to jobs, housing, and licensing. But here’s the big question: Should you file for expungement yourself—or hire a lawyer?

You’ve gone through the paperwork, waited patiently, and finally received the news: your expungement has been granted in Indiana. Congratulations! But what happens next? Does your record just disappear? Will employers still see it? Do you have to tell anyone?