Facing a cocaine possession charge in Indiana for the first time can feel like your world is collapsing. You might be wondering: What happens next? Will this ruin my future? At Vining Legal, we’ve seen the fear and uncertainty that come with a first-time cocaine possession Indiana charge. Indiana law treats cocaine possession seriously, even for first-time offenders, but you’re not without options. This guide walks you through what to expect after your arrest, the potential penalties, and how an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you protect your rights and move toward a better outcome. A single mistake doesn’t have to define your life—keep reading to understand your next steps.

The issuance of a protective order against you can be a profoundly disruptive event, imposing immediate legal restrictions and obligations under Indiana law. With a court hearing on the horizon and potential consequences looming, swift and informed action is essential. Our Indiana law firm has extensive experience assisting clients in these challenging circumstances, and we are prepared to guide you. Below, we outline the critical steps to take immediately if a protective order is filed against you to safeguard your rights and position yourself effectively.

Imagine this: You’re driving home after a dinner where you had a single glass of wine. A police officer pulls you over, suspects you’ve been drinking, and asks you to blow into a breathalyzer. Minutes later, you’re facing a DUI charge based on a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) reading. That little number—say, 0.08%—could change your life. But how reliable is it? BAC testing is a cornerstone of DUI enforcement in Indiana and beyond, rooted in science yet far from perfect. Understanding how BAC tests work and where they can fail might just be your key to fighting back.

Protective orders are serious legal tools in Indiana, often issued to shield someone from harm in domestic violence cases. But what happens when you’re falsely accused of domestic violence and slapped with a protective order (PO) you don’t deserve? It’s a stressful, life-altering situation. The good news? Not every protective order sticks. In fact, there are several reasons a protective order might get dismissed in Indiana, giving the falsely accused a chance to fight back and clear their name.

Ready to clear your record in Indiana? If you’ve been convicted of a misdemeanor, expungement might be the second chance you’ve been waiting for. A criminal record—even for a minor offense—can follow you for life, impacting your ability to get a job, secure housing, or obtain professional licenses.

Facing life with a felony on your record in Indiana can feel like you’re carrying a weight you can’t put down. It affects your job opportunities, housing, professional licenses, and even your ability to carry a firearm. But here’s the good news: Indiana law offers a second chance through felony expungement—if you meet the right conditions.

In this updated 2025 guide, we’ll break down the rules, timelines, and options for felony expungement in Indiana so you can take the first step toward a clean slate.

One of the most important early steps is your initial hearing—the first time you'll face a judge and begin navigating the court system. This hearing sets the tone for your entire case. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can make all the difference in protecting your rights and driving privileges.

In this guide, we’ll break down how Indiana OWI initial hearings work, what decisions might be made, and what steps you should take now to set yourself up for the best outcome.

False accusations can turn your life upside down—especially when they lead to a protective order (PO) hearing. In Indiana, a PO can limit your freedom, remove you from your home, and damage your reputation—even before criminal charges are filed. If you’ve been falsely accused of domestic violence or harassment, your best move is to fight smart—and fast.

A heated argument turns physical, and now you’re facing battery charges in Indiana—can you fight back? Maybe it was a shove to protect yourself, or maybe it didn’t even happen the way they say. Either way, a battery charge doesn’t mean game over. In Indiana, where the law takes these cases seriously, knowing your defenses could mean the difference between a clean record and a conviction.

A failed blood test in an Indiana OWI case could cost you your license—or worse. Picture this: you’re pulled over, the officer suspects you’ve been drinking, and next thing you know, you’re facing a blood draw that says you’re over the limit. Guilty or not, that result can feel like a done deal. But what if it’s wrong? In Indiana, where OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) laws are tough, a flawed test doesn’t have to be the end of your story.

At Vining Legal, we’ve helped Hoosiers challenge Indiana OWI blood tests and win. In this guide, we’ll show you how blood tests work, where they can fail, and the steps to fight back with a defense that holds up. Don’t let a bad result define your future—let’s dive in.

Facing a domestic violence charge in Indiana? The stakes are high—your freedom, reputation, and family could hang in the balance. In a state where these cases are taken seriously under Indiana Code IC 35-42-2, building a strong defense isn’t just smart—it’s essential. But where do you start when emotions run hot and the law feels stacked against you?

At Vining Legal, we’ve defended countless Hoosiers against domestic violence allegations, turning tough situations into solid outcomes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to build a strong Indiana domestic violence defense, from understanding the charges to crafting strategies that work. Let’s get you on the right path.

Being charged with Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) in Indiana isn’t just a legal headache—it’s a serious financial burden that can follow you for years. While most people expect to pay fines and court fees, many are blindsided by the hidden costs that come with an OWI conviction.

Being charged with battery in Indiana is a serious matter with lasting consequences. Whether it’s a misunderstanding, a heated argument that got out of hand, or a situation where you were defending yourself, knowing how to respond is crucial. The actions you take immediately after the charge can shape the outcome of your case.

If you’ve been charged with battery in Indiana, here’s what you need to know—and what to do next.

Theft is a serious offense under Indiana law and can result in either misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the circumstances. At its core, theft involves unlawfully taking someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it.

The distinction between misdemeanor theft and felony theft often comes down to one critical factor: the value of the stolen property. In many jurisdictions, including Indiana, theft involving property valued at $750 or more is classified as a felony.

Imagine this: You’re driving home after dinner when you see red and blue lights flashing in your rearview mirror. A police officer pulls you over, asks if you've had anything to drink, and soon you're stepping out of the car to perform roadside field sobriety tests (FSTs).

Field Sobriety Tests are a series of physical and cognitive tasks used by Indiana law enforcement to assess whether a driver may be impaired. These tests are common in Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) investigations, but many drivers wonder: Are these tests really accurate?

Cocaine-related charges in Indiana are no joke. Whether you're caught with a small amount for personal use or accused of distributing larger quantities, drug offenses involving cocaine carry serious legal and personal consequences.

Under Indiana law, both possession and dealing of cocaine are criminal offenses with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to Level 1 felonies, depending on the amount and circumstances.

This post will walk you through how cocaine is treated under Indiana's drug laws, the penalties you might face, common legal defenses, and why hiring an experienced defense attorney is critical.

It happens more often than you might think—someone grabs an item off a store shelf, walks out without paying, and thinks it’s “no big deal.” Maybe it was a lapse in judgment, peer pressure, or financial desperation. Regardless of the reason, theft—even under $750—can result in criminal charges with lasting consequences.

In Indiana, theft is defined as knowingly or intentionally exerting unauthorized control over someone else’s property with the intent to deprive them of its value or use. When the value of stolen property is under $750, the charge is typically a misdemeanor—not a felony. But make no mistake: misdemeanor charges are still serious and can impact your future.

A protective order, also known as a restraining order, is a legal tool designed to protect individuals from harassment, abuse, stalking, or threats. In Indiana, a protective order can provide immediate safety by legally prohibiting an abuser from contacting or approaching the victim.

However, obtaining a protective order isn't automatic—you must show the court that there's a real and present danger. That means providing specific evidence to support your request. This article breaks down the types of evidence that are helpful and how to present them effectively in court.

Pulled over. Lights flashing. Breathalyzer in hand. It happens fast—and one mistake by law enforcement can flip your entire case. Every year, thousands of Hoosiers face Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charges in Indiana. But here’s what many don’t realize: if the police violated your rights during the stop, arrest, or testing, you may be able to get critical evidence thrown out of court.

In Indiana, an OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) charge is more than just a traffic offense—it’s a serious legal matter that can affect your freedom, license, finances, and reputation. Whether it’s your first offense or a repeat allegation, the consequences can include jail time, fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record.