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Criminal Defense & Family Law
Child Custody and Support in Indiana Uncontested Divorce: A Step-by-Step Guide
Divorce is never easy, but when children are involved, parents must work together to create a parenting plan that prioritizes the child’s best interests while ensuring fairness for both parents. In an uncontested divorce, both parties must agree on custody, parenting time, and child support, preventing costly and stressful court battles.
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 Car Accident Settlements: Are You Being Offered Less Than You Deserve? Find Out Now
If you've recently been in a car accident in Indiana, you may have received a settlement offer from the insurance company. But how do you know if the offer is fair?
Insurance companies prioritize their profits, which means their initial offer is often much lower than what you truly deserve. Many accident victims unknowingly accept lowball settlements—only to realize later that it doesn’t fully cover their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Bridging the Distance: Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines for Long-Distance Families
Maintaining a strong parent-child relationship after a separation or divorce can be challenging, especially when parents live far apart. Long-distance parenting requires careful planning, cooperation, and adherence to Indiana’s Parenting Time Guidelines to ensure that children continue to have meaningful relationships with both parents.
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.
Navigating Holiday Parenting Time in Indiana: A Clear Guide to the Guidelines
For divorced or separated parents, holiday parenting time can be one of the most emotionally challenging aspects of co-parenting. The holiday season should be a time of joy for children, but when parents struggle to agree on schedules, it can create unnecessary stress and conflict.
To help minimize disputes, Indiana follows the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines (IPTG), which outline how holiday parenting time should be divided to ensure both parents have meaningful time with their child.
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.
Injured in an Indiana Car Accident? 5 Critical Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Claim (And How to Avoid Them)
Car accidents are common in Indiana, with thousands of people injured on the road each year. Unfortunately, many accident victims unknowingly make mistakes that can jeopardize their claim and result in a low settlement or even denial of compensation.
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.
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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.