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Criminal Defense & Family Law
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.
DIY Expungement vs. Hiring a Lawyer in Indiana: What You Need to Know
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?
Expungement for Juvenile Records in Indiana: What You Need to Know
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?
How to Handle Expungement If You Have Cases in Multiple Counties in Indiana
If you’ve had brushes with the law in more than one Indiana county, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. Indiana’s Second Chance Law makes it possible to clear your record, but handling multiple expungements across different counties requires careful strategy.
What Happens After Your Expungement Is Granted in Indiana?
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?
Sealing vs. Expungement in Indiana: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve ever been arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime in Indiana, you may have heard about two legal options to help clear your record: sealing and expungement. But what do they actually mean? Are they the same thing? And which one applies to your situation?
Expungement for Arrests Without Conviction in Indiana: Clear Your Name and Move Forward
Being arrested—whether for a misunderstanding, false accusation, or dropped charges—can follow you long after the case is over. Even if you were never convicted, the arrest still shows up on your background check. For many people, this creates unnecessary barriers to employment, housing, and licensing.
Impact of Expungement on Professional Licensing in Indiana
If you're hoping to start a home healthcare business, childcare business, apply for a nursing license, or get certified in another regulated profession, your criminal record could be standing in the way. In Indiana, a past conviction—even an old one—can delay or deny your ability to get licensed.
Can You Be Charged with Domestic Battery Without Physical Evidence?
Imagine being accused of domestic battery, yet there’s no physical evidence—no bruises, no cuts, no medical reports. Many people believe that without clear physical proof, these charges cannot hold up in court. However, that is not the case.
In Indiana, domestic battery charges can be filed and convictions can occur without physical evidence. Prosecutors often rely on witness statements, 911 calls, text messages, and circumstantial evidence to build a case. Understanding how these charges work and how to defend yourself is critical if you’ve been accused.
Domestic Violence: The 1 Mistake You Can't Make Before Court!
If you have been arrested for domestic violence, you may feel scared, confused, and unsure of what to do next. The decisions you make before your court date can have life-altering consequences—and one mistake could severely impact your case.
Indiana Hit-and-Run Traffic Offenses: Penalties, Defenses, and What to Do Next
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.
Field Sobriety Tests in Indiana: How They Work and When to Challenge Them
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.
Indiana Drug Paraphernalia Laws: What Counts and How to Fight a Charge
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.
Defending Against Prescription Drug Charges in Indiana: Legal Strategies and Challenges
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.
Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer in Indiana: Serious Consequences
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.
Expungement and Employment: Opening Doors to New Opportunities in Indiana
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.
Indiana Strangulation Laws: Penalties and Defenses
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.
Protecting Your License: Substance Abuse, OWI, and Indiana Nursing Careers
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.
Contact us.
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.