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Criminal Defense & Family Law
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.
Dividing Assets Fairly: Property Settlement in Indiana Uncontested Divorce
Even in an uncontested divorce, where both spouses agree to end the marriage without conflict, property division remains a crucial step. Ensuring a fair and equitable settlement is essential to avoid financial disputes in the future.
Misdemeanor Expungement in Indiana: How to Clear Your Record and Move Forward
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.
Simple Battery vs. Aggravated Battery in Indiana: What’s the Difference?
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.
How to Appeal a DCS Substantiation in Indiana: Understanding the Two-Step Process
If you have received a Notice of Right to Appeal a Child Abuse or Neglect Substantiation from the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS), it means the agency has determined there is enough evidence to substantiate an allegation against you. A substantiation can have serious consequences, including being listed on Indiana’s Child Protection Index (CPI), which can affect your ability to work in certain fields and impact custody rights.
Will an Expunged Record Show Up on a Background Check in Indiana?
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.
Can a Criminal Charge Jeopardize Your Indiana Nursing License?
If you're a nurse in Indiana, a criminal charge—whether it results in a conviction or not—can put your license at risk. The Indiana State Board of Nursing has strict regulations for moral character and professional conduct, and even a minor offense can lead to disciplinary action.
What Happens If You’re Charged With a Crime You Didn’t Commit in Indiana?
Being wrongfully accused of a crime is a terrifying experience. You may assume that if you're innocent, the truth will come out, and the charges will be dropped—but that’s not always the case. Many innocent people have faced wrongful convictions simply because they didn’t know how to protect themselves.
If you're falsely accused of a crime in Indiana, you must take action immediately to protect your rights. One wrong move—like speaking to police without an attorney—can jeopardize your case.
Steps to Regain Custody After a DCS Case in Indiana
When the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) gets involved in a family’s life, it can be stressful, emotional, and overwhelming—especially if your child has been removed from your home.
If DCS has placed your child in foster care or with another family member, you have the right to fight for reunification. But getting custody back requires proving to the court that you can provide a safe, stable, and loving home.
Can a Felony Be Expunged in Indiana? Understanding Your Options
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.
How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Indiana?
If you and your spouse agree on all divorce-related issues, you may be eligible for an uncontested divorce in Indiana. Many people choose this option because it’s faster, cheaper, and less stressful than a contested divorce.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay Child Support in Indiana?
Child support payments are court-ordered obligations, and failing to pay them can lead to severe legal and financial consequences in Indiana. Many parents struggling to keep up with payments don’t realize how quickly enforcement actions can escalate—including wage garnishment, license suspension, and even jail time.
Can a Father Get Custody Without Establishing Paternity in Indiana?
Many unmarried fathers in Indiana assume they automatically have rights to custody or parenting time with their child. However, under Indiana law, a father must establish paternity before seeking custody or visitation rights.
Can Police Lie to You During an Interrogation? Understanding Your Rights in Indiana
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.
Who Gets to Keep the House in an Indiana Divorce?
For many divorcing couples in Indiana, the family home is one of the biggest assets—both financially and emotionally. Deciding who gets to keep the house can be a difficult and contentious issue, especially if both spouses want to stay.
Can My Child Decide Which Parent to Live With in Indiana?
One of the most common questions parents ask during a custody case is: "Can my child choose which parent to live with?" While a child’s preference can play a role in custody decisions, Indiana law does not give children sole authority to decide where they live.
How to Prepare for a DCS Interview in Indiana: What Parents Need to Know
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.
Avoid These Common Mistakes in an Indiana Uncontested Divorce
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.
Can Expunged Records Be Used Against You in Indiana?
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.
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