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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.