Criminal Law

Ride share companies like Uber and Lyft have become a part of everyday life in Indiana.  Chances are you’ve ridden in a ride share vehicle at some point. Unfortunately, as the popularity of ride share services has increased, so have accidents involving ride share drivers.  When a crash occurs, many injured people assume the claim will be handled just like any other car accident. In reality, ride share cases are often more complicated because there…

Key Takeaways Indiana law requires drivers to stop, identify themselves, and render aid after any accident. Failing to stop after a crash involving property damage is a Class B misdemeanor in Indiana. A hit-and-run resulting in bodily injury escalates to a Class A misdemeanor. Moderate or serious bodily injury elevates the offense to a Level 6 felony with prison exposure. Death or catastrophic injury from a hit-and-run carries a Level 4 felony charge. Financial consequences…

Did you and or a loved one receive a sentence you’re unhappy with or feel is unjust? A sentence modification may be an option! Key Takeaways Indiana’s criminal laws controlling sentence modification are regulated under Indiana Code 35-38-1-17. A sentence modification allows the trial court to reduce or modify a previously imposed sentence. Prosecutorial discretion plays a key role in the modification process and is required for those convicted of violent crimes. There are constraints…

Key Takeaways Indiana residents are not legally required to open the door or speak to police without a warrant. Police may knock on your door without a warrant under the knock-and-talk doctrine. A valid warrant must be signed by a judge and describe the place to be searched. Exigent circumstances, consent, and hot pursuit allow warrantless entry in limited situations. Remaining calm, silent, and requesting an attorney protects your rights during a police encounter. A…

Voluntary departure is a form of relief available in immigration proceedings that allows certain noncitizens to leave the United States on their own accord within a specified period of time, rather than being formally removed (deported) by the government. While it may appear straightforward, voluntary departure carries significant legal and practical consequences that should be carefully considered. What Is Voluntary Departure? Voluntary departure is a discretionary form of relief authorized under the Immigration and Nationality…

Key Takeaways Spitting on another person qualifies as battery under Indiana law, not merely a social offense. Indiana Code 35-42-2-1 classifies spitting on someone as a Class B misdemeanor at minimum. Charges escalate to a felony when a serious or communicable disease is involved. A conviction carries fines, jail time, and long-term consequences for employment and housing. Early legal intervention shapes how prosecutors evaluate and resolve battery charges. Spitting on another person is not just…

If you or a loved one have been arrested or charged with a crime, you are probably wondering, how do I even go about hiring an attorney for this?  This is particularly true if this is your first time in the criminal justice system.  Thankfully, the process is not as hard as it seems!  Here, we have a step-by-step process to simplify it for you. Step 1: Start Reaching Out to Attorneys The first thing…

Many young people have roommates, and some of those roommates may use, deal, or otherwise possess illegal drugs. Some may wonder if they can get in trouble for drugs their roommate has in their possession. You can’t always control what a roommate does! Others aren’t necessarily in a financial position to be picky about who they live with. Well just because your roommate has or uses drugs, does not necessarily mean you can get in…