Monthly Archives: January 2026
What is an Excited Utterance?
Generally speaking, any statements that meet the definition of “hearsay” cannot be used against a person who is facing criminal charges. However, there are a wide range of exceptions to Indiana’s rule against hearsay. And even before we get to the exceptions to the rule against hearsay, the definition of hearsay itself is complex… Read More »
What is a Pretextual Stop and What Are Your Rights in this Situation?
Were you recently pulled over by a law enforcement official because of a very minor traffic violation such as a burned-out taillight, only to have the traffic stop result in your arrest for drug possession or another misdemeanor or felony offense? Or, for example, were you traveling at a speed that was only slightly… Read More »
What is the Fourth Amendment Automobile Exception?
If you are stopped while you are driving by a law enforcement officer, is that officer allowed to conduct a search of your vehicle? Generally speaking, the Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution requires the police or any other law enforcement party to obtain a valid search warrant, based on having probable cause, in… Read More »
Can Police Require Me to Wait for a Drug-Sniffing Dog During a Traffic Stop?
If you are stopped in your vehicle by the police or another law enforcement agency in the Indianapolis area, it might feel like you are stopped on the shoulder of a road or highway for a lengthy period of time. The police can keep you stopped lawfully while they run the information contained on… Read More »