Imagine you’re driving home late at night when you accidentally clip the bumper of a parked car. You panic and leave the scene. A few days later, the police contact you about a hit-and-run investigation. What happens next?

Hit-and-run offenses in Indiana are taken very seriously. Even if no one was injured, failing to stop after an accident can result in criminal charges, hefty fines, and possible jail time. If injuries or fatalities are involved, penalties increase drastically, and the accused could face felony charges.

Imagine you're driving home after dinner when suddenly, flashing red and blue lights appear in your rearview mirror. The officer asks you to step out of the car and perform a series of balance and coordination tests—this is known as a Field Sobriety Test (FST).

Field Sobriety Tests are commonly used by Indiana law enforcement to determine whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, these tests are highly subjective and often lead to wrongful DUI/OWI arrests.

A drug paraphernalia charge in Indiana can come as a surprise, especially when everyday items are classified as illegal under the law. Law enforcement officers often use these charges to enhance drug-related offenses, and many people face legal trouble for possessing items that might have perfectly legal uses.

If you're facing drug paraphernalia charges, it's crucial to understand how Indiana defines paraphernalia, what the potential penalties are, and how to fight back. This guide will break down Indiana’s drug paraphernalia laws, explain what counts as paraphernalia, and outline potential defenses to help protect your rights.

Prescription drug charges in Indiana are increasingly common, reflecting the nationwide rise in prescription drug misuse. Many people facing these charges are not hardened criminals but ordinary individuals who may have been prescribed medications, struggled with dependency, or unknowingly violated complex drug laws.

Facing a battery charge against a law enforcement officer in Indiana is extremely serious. Unlike a simple battery charge, this offense carries harsher penalties, often resulting in felony charges, significant prison time, and long-term consequences.

Battery on a law enforcement officer can occur in high-stress situations, sometimes even unintentionally. However, prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases, and defendants often find themselves fighting an uphill legal battle.

Imagine applying for your dream job, only to have your application rejected because of a past mistake that shows up on a background check. This scenario is common for many Hoosiers who have criminal records, even for minor offenses.

Strangulation is a serious criminal offense in Indiana. It is often charged in domestic violence cases, but it can also arise in altercations, self-defense situations, or false accusations.

Substance abuse and Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charges can have devastating consequences for Indiana nurses and other licensed professionals. Whether it’s an OWI conviction, a failed drug test, or an impairment report, the Indiana State Board of Nursing (ISBN) and other licensing boards take these matters seriously.

A misdemeanor conviction may seem like a minor issue, but it can create lasting problems in your life. Whether it’s a job application, rental approval, or professional license, having a criminal record—even for a misdemeanor—can limit your opportunities.

The good news is that Indiana allows many misdemeanor convictions to be expunged, giving you the chance for a clean slate. Expungement means your record is sealed from public view, meaning most employers, landlords, and the general public won’t see it on a background check.

Battery is a serious criminal charge in Indiana, but not all battery offenses are the same. The law distinguishes between simple battery and aggravated battery, with aggravated battery carrying much harsher penalties due to the severity of the injuries involved.

Expungement offers a fresh start for individuals with a criminal record, but many people wonder: Will my expunged record still show up on a background check?

While Indiana’s expungement law allows people to seal or clear their criminal history, not all background checks are the same. Some agencies and employers may still have access to certain records, and understanding these exceptions is crucial.

A felony conviction can have lasting consequences, affecting your ability to get a job, secure housing, own a firearm, or obtain professional licenses. But Indiana law allows certain felonies to be expunged, giving people a second chance at a clean record.

Most people assume that if they are being questioned by police, officers must be honest with them—but that is not true. Under U.S. law, police officers are legally allowed to lie during interrogations to obtain confessions.

Expungement allows people with criminal records to clear or seal their past convictions, giving them a second chance. But many wonder, "Can an expunged record still be used against me?"

While expungement removes records from public view, there are some exceptions where the information may still appear in certain legal, employment, or government situations.

Getting arrested in Indiana can be overwhelming and stressful. Whether you're facing misdemeanor or felony charges, how you respond in the first few hours after your arrest can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Knowing your legal rights and following the right steps can help protect your freedom and build a strong defense.

Being charged with domestic violence in Indiana is a serious legal matter that can lead to jail time, fines, protective orders, and a permanent criminal record. Even if the alleged victim wants to drop the charges, Indiana prosecutors can still pursue the case.

Being charged with drug possession or trafficking in Indiana is a serious legal matter that can lead to fines, jail time, and long-term consequences on your record. Whether you're facing a misdemeanor possession charge or a felony drug trafficking offense, it’s critical to understand Indiana’s drug laws, penalties, and legal options.

Missing a court date in Indiana can lead to serious legal consequences, including a bench warrant for your arrest. Many people don’t realize that failing to appear—even for minor offenses—can result in additional criminal charges, fines, or jail time.

Expungement is a powerful legal tool that allows individuals to clear their criminal records, restoring opportunities for employment, housing, and professional licenses. However, the expungement process in Indiana can be complex, time-consuming, and full of potential pitfalls that can delay or even result in a denial.

Probation is often granted as an alternative to jail time in Indiana, allowing individuals to serve their sentence while remaining in the community. However, probation comes with strict conditions, and violating these terms can lead to serious legal consequences, including probation revocation and possible jail time.