Category Archives: Criminal Defense
How Do Indiana Plea Agreements Work?
Anyone, who, in the state of Indiana has been arrested for a criminal offense and is now facing charges may be wondering if they are eligible for a plea agreement, and whether they should consider taking a plea agreement. Plea agreements are governed generally by IC 35-35-3, and they are defined as “an agreement… Read More »
What is a Terry Stop?
If you are stopped and searched while you are out walking in Indianapolis or a surrounding area, it is critical to understand your rights under the Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable search and seizure, and US Supreme Court case law has clarified the rights afforded to individuals… Read More »
When Officers Ask for Consent to Search Your Vehicle During a Traffic Stop
Knowing your rights during a traffic stop can be the difference between driving away from the stop freely and being arrested by a law enforcement officer. During a traffic stop, a motorist has a wide range of rights under federal and state law, but today, we want to focus on your rights when you… Read More »
Should I Consider a Plea Agreement?
If you are facing any type of criminal charges in the Indianapolis area and have begun researching defense options or ways of reducing the possible penalties you could face, you may be wondering if you should consider something known as a “plea agreement,” which is also sometimes known more colloquially as a “plea bargain.”… Read More »
Understanding Different Assault-Related Charges in Indiana
The term “assault” is often used relatively broadly to refer to a general type of violent criminal offense in which a person’s physical harm is threatened, or in which a person experiences actual bodily injury. It is important to understand that Indiana law does not have a specific criminal offense for an “assault,” but… Read More »
Search Warrant Affidavit Exceptions: Were My Rights Violated?
If you were recently arrested after a search that resulted in the discovery of a controlled substance, an unlawful firearm, or any other object or evidence that resulted in your arrest, one of the first things you might be wondering is this: was the search lawful? This is a critical question to ask because,… Read More »
What Are My Rights During a Traffic Stop?
When you are stopped by any law enforcement officer in the Indianapolis area or elsewhere in Indiana, it is essential to know that you have rights. These rights apply whether you are the driver of a vehicle that has been stopped, or a passenger in the vehicle. These rights exist under Indiana state law,… Read More »
Three Things to Know About Hearsay and Your Defense
When a person is arrested and charged with a criminal offense in Indiana, the issue of “hearsay” might come into the case. Under Rule 801 of the Indiana Rules of Evidence, hearsay is defined as a “statement that” either “is not made by the declarant while testifying at the trial or hearing” or “is… Read More »
Traffic Stops: Were My Rights Violated?
Law enforcement officers in Indiana must adhere to a number of laws when they conduct a traffic stop. To be clear, if a police car pulls up behind you with its lights or sirens on, signaling that you should pull over, you do not instantly give up your rights. In fact, you have a… Read More »
How Can I Become Eligible for Jail Release?
When you are facing criminal charges or serving a criminal sentence that includes time in a jail, you might hear about the possibility of something known as “jail release.” There are different periods during the criminal justice process where jail release is possible, and options for jail release will depend on the specific facts… Read More »