If a driver is convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) in Indiana, they’ll have to deal with several penalties simultaneously. For a first offense, a driver may serve up to 60 days in jail and pay as much as $500 in fines. A court may also suspend the...
Criminal Law
Getting OWIs while you have another passenger leads to heavier penalties
When an officer pulls you over on an Indiana road for a traffic stop and finds out that your blood alcohol content (BAC) level is at least .08%, they can charge you with operating while intoxicated (OWI). Drunk driving is an offense in the state and comes with...
The basics of a bargain: understanding plea deals
When facing criminal charges, the prosecution may approach you with a plea bargain. In some instances, that offer seems tempting, especially when you face a serious charge. Plea bargains have both benefits and drawbacks which you should know before making your choice....
What traffic violations are felonies in Indiana?
Indiana takes traffic violations seriously. Certain offenses could easily lead to a fatal crash. Most traffic offenses are minor, such as infractions or misdemeanors. However, severe violations could result in heavy sanctions that could impact your life for a long...
Can I refuse a field sobriety check?
Your response is very important if your traffic stop includes a request for a field sobriety test. It could determine your ability to drive at all. While you may feel able to drive unimpaired, an officer can request to test your faculties on the suspicion of driving...
Can I drive my car in Indiana without liability insurance?
Your car's liability insurance works by covering certain damages if you get involved in a traffic accident. It is a crucial aspect of car ownership because it guarantees financial accountability during a collision. Indiana requires drivers to have insurance coverage...
Your options when a prosecutor overcharges you
Facing criminal charges is an overwhelming ordeal even in a best-case scenario. If you find yourself confronting additional unexpected charges, the panic and uncertainty can become truly debilitating and you might feel that you will do anything to escape the...
Can anyone access your expunged criminal record?
The expungement of a criminal record is a process that is not available to everyone. However, if you can claim eligibility, what happens next? Once expungement takes place, is it still possible for someone to gain access to your record? Eligibility You must meet...
When can authorities search your car during a traffic stop?
During an Indiana traffic stop, the law enforcement officer who initiated the stop may ask if he or she may look around your vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, you may have the right to refuse the officer’s request to search your car, which may save you time and...
Who may seek record expungements in Indiana
An expungement gives some Indiana residents with offenses on their records an opportunity to minimize the damage their convictions cause them and erase certain offenses from their records. For many people, having a criminal record serves as a barrier to finding jobs...