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Criminal Defense & Family Law
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.
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.
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.