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Criminal Defense & Family Law
The Financial Costs of an OWI in Indiana: Beyond Fines and Court Fees
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.
What to Do If You're Charged with Battery in Indiana
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.
Felony Theft: Understanding the Consequences of Stealing Property Valued at $750 or More
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.
Field Sobriety Tests in Indiana: Are They Accurate? What You Need to Know
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 Possession and Dealing in Indiana: Penalties and Defenses
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.
Theft Under $750: Understanding Misdemeanor Charges and Consequences
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.
What Evidence Do You Need for a Protective Order in Indiana?
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.
Motion to Suppress Evidence in Indiana OWI Cases: A Powerful Defense Tool
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.
Common Defenses to OWI Charges in Indiana: What You Need to Know
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.
What to Do Immediately After an OWI Arrest in Indiana
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.
5 Mistakes to Avoid After an OWI Charge in Indiana
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.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence in Indiana
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.
Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer in Indiana? Understanding Your Rights and Consequences
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
How to Win a Protective Order Hearing in Indiana: Your Legal Roadmap
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.
First-Time OWI Penalties in Indiana: Know the Stakes
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.
How to Beat a Domestic Violence Charge in Indiana: Know Your Rights and Legal Defenses
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.
How to Beat an OWI Charge in Indiana: Top Legal Strategies That Work
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.
Battery in Self-Defense Situations: How to Prove You Were Protecting Yourself
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.
How Often Can You File for Expungement in Indiana?
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.
Why Your Expungement Might Be Denied—and What to Do Next
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.
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Navigating legal challenges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Vining Legal, we’ll listen to your story, assess your unique situation, and provide actionable guidance tailored to your needs. Through a consultation, you’ll gain clarity on the legal process, understand your options, and take proactive steps to protect your future.
Don’t wait to get the answers you deserve—book a consultation today and let us help you move forward with confidence.