Monthly Archives: May 2024
Understanding the Castle Doctrine in Indiana
You wake up from sleep because you hear someone tiptoeing around the house. Frightened, you remember you own a gun, so you retrieve it. But are you justified in using deadly force against an intruder in your home? Aren’t you required to retreat if a safe retreat is possible? The answers to these questions… Read More »
Should I Make a Plea Agreement or Go to Trial?
Most criminal cases are resolved through an agreement of the parties, or trial. According to research, about 90 to 95 percent of criminal cases are resolved through an agreement. However, just because most criminal cases are resolved through plea bargaining does not mean you must accept a plea offer. Whether you should make a… Read More »
Places Where Carrying a Gun May Be Restricted in Indiana
The 2nd Amendment to the Constitution gives Americans the right to keep and bear firearms. Indiana supports the Second Amendment rights of its citizens. However, while Indiana allows its citizens to own and carry guns, the carrying of firearms may be restricted in some places to ensure public safety and maintain order. Despite being… Read More »
4 Ways To Challenge Breathalyzer Test Results
In Indiana, if you are suspected to be operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, a law enforcement officer may request you to take a breathalyzer test. You may also be asked to take a breathalyzer test if you are involved in an accident in which alcohol use is suspected. Indiana has implied… Read More »
Common Mistakes That Can Lead to Gun Charges in Indiana
Gun charges are among the most serious criminal charges you can face in Indiana. A conviction for a gun crime can come with serious consequences. For example, you could be sent to jail for years and asked to pay thousands of dollars in fines. Additionally, being convicted of a gun crime means that you… Read More »
If a Witness Is Not Available, Can The Prosecution Use Their Statement at Trial?
In a criminal case, witness testimonies are crucial in establishing the facts of the case. Witness testimonies can be the most persuasive evidence the prosecution uses in court. But what happens when a witness is not available to testify in person at trial? Can the state use a witness statement at trial if the… Read More »
What Rights Do You Have If Accused of Probation Violation?
Many criminal cases in Indiana result in the criminal defendant being placed on probation. Probation is an alternative to jail time. Instead of being put behind bars, offenders are released into the public under specific court-imposed terms and conditions. When someone is placed on probation, they are required to follow all the conditions set… Read More »
Understanding How Discovery Works in an Indiana Criminal Case
If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Indiana, it is crucial that you understand the process of criminal cases in the state. One of the crucial steps in an Indiana criminal case is discovery. Discovery typically occurs during the pretrial phase of criminal proceedings. In Indiana, discovery procedures are governed by… Read More »