Smith, Carrillo & Reeder Smith, Carrillo & Reeder2026-06-03T16:02:22Zhttps://www.scrlaw.net/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1101191/2019/01/cropped-OG-directory-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Smith, Carrillo & Reeder<![CDATA[How can you document income loss after a car accident?]]>https://www.scrlaw.net/?p=502732026-06-03T16:02:22Z2026-06-03T16:02:22ZWhat records should you gather from your employer?
Under Indiana law, a person can recover compensation for lost wages. When filing your claim, official documentation from the workplace is necessary to prove your past income losses. Request a letter from your employer, confirming missed work days. To support this letter, you should also gather the following:
A letter from the employer stating hourly wage or annual salary
Pay stubs from before the accident that establish regular earnings
Documentation showing normal work schedule and dates unable to work
For self-employed individuals, you may prepare profit and loss statements. Business tax returns and bank statements can also serve as proof of your ongoing income and lost earnings.
How do medical records support your claim?
Medical documentation connects injuries to the inability to work. A doctor can provide a written statement about physical limitations. This statement explains why the person cannot perform their job duties. It should also specify how long they cannot work.
Additionally, keep all medical records, hospital bills and treatment notes. These documents can show the severity of injuries. They demonstrate that time away from work was medically necessary.
What additional evidence can establish your losses?
Beyond employer and medical records, other documentation can strengthen an income loss claim. This evidence helps paint a complete picture of how the accident affected your ability to earn a living. Track all communication with the employer about the absence. This includes emails, text messages and written notices. If sick days or vacation time were used because of the accident, document those specific losses as well.
You may also create a personal journal noting the recovery process and work limitations. Consider including photographs of visible injuries that prevent you from working. If injuries caused a job loss or demotion, obtain documentation of these changes. This can prove long-term financial consequences of the accident.
Protecting your right to fair compensation
A car accident should not leave you struggling financially because of lost wages. Thorough documentation helps demonstrate the real cost of your injuries. Taking these steps now can help secure the compensation you need to move forward after the accident.]]>On Behalf of Smith, Carrillo & Reeder<![CDATA[3 reasons criminal defendants may negotiate plea deals]]>https://www.scrlaw.net/?p=502692026-05-25T19:48:59Z2026-05-25T19:48:59Zvast majority of defendants eventually plead guilty as part of a plea deal.
There are many reasons why people who claim they did not commit a crime have their criminal defense attorneys negotiate plea bargains instead of fighting the charges against them. There are many potential benefits to plea bargains, including the three critical benefits below.
1. A faster resolution
While the Bill of Rights does promise a speedy trial, people facing criminal charges often spend months in legal limbo. It takes time for the state to gather evidence and time to arrange for a trial. A plea bargain resolves the matter quickly, allowing people to move on with their lives faster.
2. Reduced charges
When prosecutors accuse people of breaking the law, they may bring multiple charges over one offense or pursue felony charges whenever possible. Plea bargains often result in an arrangement that reduces the charge against the defendant to a lesser crime or eliminates all but one charge.
3. Lower criminal penalties
State statutes establish a range of different criminal penalties for different offenses. A defense attorney negotiating a plea bargain with a prosecutor can seek concessions regarding sentencing. Prosecutors have the authority to limit the criminal penalties imposed as part of a plea deal.
Discussing the state's case and the possible sentence carried by a criminal charge can help people evaluate their criminal defense options. A plea deal can be a viable option for defendants in a variety of challenging situations.]]>On Behalf of Smith, Carrillo & Reeder<![CDATA[Summer vacation and parenting plans: What to remember]]>https://www.scrlaw.net/?p=502662026-05-13T15:14:53Z2026-05-13T15:11:55ZFamilies often look forward to summer vacations because those trips are a chance to get away from home and relax. Children usually look forward to the summer months because they don’t have to go to school. But, for divorced parents, summer vacations and school breaks are sometimes a source of stress. Since the summer months are coming up quickly, parents must take the time to get the plan for those months set. Understanding what to consider to make the plan may reduce the stress associated with this time of year.
Check the parenting plan
One of the first things that parents should do is to check the parenting plan. This should have a parenting time schedule for the school break, so both parents can determine when they will have the children. For parents of young children, the schedule is important so they can find childcare. As you check the parenting plan, determine what requirements are present for vacations if you plan on taking one. For example, some parenting plans have geographical restrictions for travel unless permission from the other parent or the court is received. Knowing exactly what’s in the parenting plan is important. One special consideration is international travel. Even if this is allowed by the parenting plan, it requires special planning. Both parents have to sign the passport application for the children. Certain countries may require a copy of the birth certificate and a notarized statement from the non-traveling parent that grants the other parent permission to take the child out of the country. It’s critical to have the terms for summer listed clearly in the parenting plan. Setting these terms and others that are necessary for co-parenting may be easier if you work with someone familiar with your circumstances and the available options. ]]>On Behalf of Smith, Carrillo & Reeder<![CDATA[How does speed affect car accidents?]]>https://www.scrlaw.net/?p=502642026-04-30T23:36:36Z2026-04-30T23:36:36Znearly 12,000 deaths in the United States.
As such, it is clear that speed has a major impact on road safety. There are two particularly important components to keep in mind.
Increases to crash energy
First and foremost, when there is a car accident, one that happens at a higher rate of speed will contain more energy, thus inflicting more damage on the accident victims. The mass and speed of the vehicles at the point of impact help to determine how much energy is transferred from one car to the other.
This is a major part of the reason why accidents at high speeds are more likely to be deadly. If two vehicles collide at 20 mph, it is a combined impact speed of just 40 miles an hour. Serious injuries are possible, but less likely. Meanwhile, if two vehicles are involved in the exact same collision at 70 mph, there is a very high chance that someone will suffer fatal injuries.
Increases in accident totals
Secondly, speed can actually directly cause accidents to happen when they would not have otherwise. For instance, a speeding driver is more likely to lose control of their vehicle. If they approach stopped traffic at a construction zone, they are more likely to cause a rear-end accident. Someone who is speeding and tailgating another car does not have enough space to react, so they are more likely to cause a crash. A speeding driver may be more likely to run a stop sign or a red light.
At the end of the day, speeding leads to more accidents, and it makes car accidents more severe, causing a significant number of injuries and fatalities. Those who have been harmed by the negligence of other drivers can speak with a skilled legal team to learn about what legal options they have to seek financial compensation accordingly.]]>On Behalf of Smith, Carrillo & Reeder<![CDATA[Signs that a trust was created under duress]]>https://www.scrlaw.net/?p=502622026-04-14T13:27:49Z2026-04-14T13:27:49ZReviewing a trust document often brings confusion when the terms do not match the known values or history of the person who created it. You might notice that the instructions suddenly favor a stranger or exclude a long-term beneficiary without explanation.
It is common to feel a sense of urgency when the person you care about seems to have signed away their control or assets under questionable circumstances. Recognizing the signs of pressure is the first step in ensuring the document reflects their true choice rather than someone else's demands.
Red flags of a trust signed under duress
A valid trust requires the creator to act of their own free will. When an outsider uses pressure or threats to dictate terms, the law considers that trust void. Here are the signs to look out for:
Immediate and unavoidable threats: Duress often involves a direct threat. A caregiver might threaten to stop providing medical care, or a relative might threaten abandonment. The victim signs because they fear the immediate consequences of refusal.
Coercion and lack of alternative: This occurs when an influencer presents signing as the only escape from a high-pressure situation.
Isolation of the trustor: Malicious actors often cut off the victim from longtime friends, family and attorneys. This way, their influence remains the only voice the victim hears.
Sudden, irrational changes: Drastic departures from long-term estate plans signal trouble. A trust that suddenly excludes children in favor of a new acquaintance contradicts a lifetime of stated goals.
Physical or emotional weakness: Illness makes a person vulnerable. Someone struggling with severe pain or heavy medication lacks the strength to resist a persistent or aggressive individual.
These signs usually form a pattern of manipulation. If these factors existed at the time of signing, the trust likely fails to represent the creator's actual intent.
Protect your family and your family’s legacy
Identifying these red flags safeguards your family legacy. A trust created under pressure rewards manipulation rather than protecting the people your loved one cared about most. Looking out for these red flags ensures that your loved one’s genuine wishes prevail. This vigilance protects assets for rightful beneficiaries and prevents a distribution based on fear.]]>On Behalf of Smith, Carrillo & Reeder<![CDATA[3 things that constitute a legal vehicle search]]>https://www.scrlaw.net/?p=502502026-03-30T16:37:24Z2026-03-30T16:37:24ZThe driver provides voluntary consent
The most common way a search begins is simply because an officer asks for your permission. You have the constitutional right to refuse a search of your vehicle.
Many drivers believe that saying no makes them look guilty, but a refusal is a protected legal choice. If you give consent, you waive many of your Fourth Amendment protections. It is vital to remember that you can politely decline a request to search your car at any time.
An officer identifies probable cause
An officer does not need a warrant or your consent if they see incriminating evidence in plain view. This rule applies if an officer stands outside your car and sees illegal items on the seats or floorboard.
In Indiana, the odor of certain substances often provides the probable cause needed to search a vehicle. These observations may allow police to bypass the requirement for a warrant depending on the specific facts of the stop.
The search occurs during a lawful arrest
If an officer places you under arrest, the legal standards for a search change. Police are generally allowed to search the passenger compartment if an arrestee is unsecured and within reaching distance of the vehicle.
However, once you are secured in a patrol car, officers generally only search the vehicle if they believe it contains evidence related to the specific crime of the arrest. This distinction is critical for protecting your rights after a roadside encounter. If a search exceeds these specific boundaries, the evidence gathered may be subject to legal challenge.
Secure a strong defense for your future
A search does not automatically mean the evidence against you is valid. If the law deems the search unconstitutional, a lawyer may file a motion to suppress the evidence to prevent the court from using it against you.
While exceptions like "good faith" exist, a thorough review of the police report is necessary to protect your record. Speaking with a legal professional allows you to review the specific details of your encounter.]]>On Behalf of Smith, Carrillo & Reeder<![CDATA[2 common myths about expungement in Indiana]]>https://www.scrlaw.net/?p=502472026-03-18T04:52:02Z2026-03-18T04:52:02ZExpungement can happen immediately after a case ends
You cannot usually file an expungement petition right after a case closes. Indiana law often requires a waiting period before filing. The timeline often depends on the type of record involved. Common timing examples include:
Arrests without conviction may allow filing after about one year
Many misdemeanor convictions may require about five years
Certain Level 6 or Class D felonies may require about eight years
Courts also review sentence completion and other conditions. Because of these requirements, the timeline often depends on the record and case history.
Any criminal record qualifies for expungement in Indiana
Not every criminal record qualifies for expungement. Indiana statutes place limits on eligibility. Some arrests and convictions may qualify under the law. Other offenses fall outside the statute.
Courts often review the offense level and case details before granting relief. Because of these limits, eligibility often depends on the specific record.
Details in your court record that may affect expungement
These myths often hide the real issue: Indiana expungement depends on timing and eligibility. Start by reviewing your court record from the county where the case occurred. Then, confirm the charge level and the date the case closed. Those two details often determine the waiting period that may apply under Indiana expungement rules.]]>On Behalf of Smith, Carrillo & Reeder<![CDATA[Why a prenuptial agreement should be part of your wedding plans]]>https://www.scrlaw.net/?p=502432026-03-03T13:36:33Z2026-03-11T12:31:56ZYou will both have a say in what to put in it
Under the Indiana Uniform Premarital Agreement Act, prenuptial agreements must be in writing and signed by both parties. You can make it as simple or as complex as you want. There is also no limit to how many times you review and revise the draft before signing. Including mutual decisions on division of property and alimony allows you to tailor your agreement according to your needs.
Once signed, neither of you can change the agreement without the other’s consent. This gives you a clear plan to rely on, making it easier to focus on building your relationship instead of your assets.
It also accounts for the possible death of your spouse
There is a stigma that prenuptial agreements are just plans for divorce. However, these documents can also be a vital tool for estate planning. This is because prenuptial agreements often address matters involving wills and trusts. These details can help secure your (and your possible children’s) futures even in the event of your spouse’s death.
It decreases the chances of financial dishonesty in the marriage
The lack of transparency about debt or owned property can put a strain on a marriage. A premarital agreement encourages financial honesty while providing legal protections for both of you. Consulting with legal and financial professionals can help you figure out how a prenuptial agreement may work for your future goals.
You can legitimize your expectations as spouses
While your relationship may already be secure without a prenuptial agreement, it can still be helpful to put things in writing. A formal agreement can provide a level of protection you may not realize is needed. Having that trust and transparency can make your future marital union stronger.]]>On Behalf of Smith, Carrillo & Reeder<![CDATA[What to do if your spouse hides assets during divorce?]]>https://www.scrlaw.net/?p=502392026-02-11T15:29:05Z2026-02-25T05:00:37ZProperty division requires transparency from both spouses, yet hidden assets are a common issue in divorce proceedings. When assets are not fully disclosed, you may be at a financial disadvantage. By knowing how assets are concealed and how to address these issues, you can pursue a more fair resolution.
Common ways assets are hidden
Indiana law requires spouses to disclose all assets before divorce proceedings. Since Indiana is an equitable state, this requirement is necessary to ensure the equitable distribution of marital property.A spouse may attempt to conceal property in different ways. Your spouse may transfer money to third parties or delay income until after the divorce. In some cases, spouses may undervalue property such as vehicles or jewelry. Your spouse may also avoid disclosing ownership interests in businesses or real estate. Fortunately, there are ways to identify inconsistencies in financial disclosures.
How to identify hidden assets
If there are inconsistencies in your spouse’s declared assets, consider taking the following steps:
Gather and secure copies of all available financial records (tax returns, bank statements and property records)
Compare your records with your spouse’s financial disclosures.
Note any unexplained transactions or missing assets.
Track lifestyle changes that do not align with reported income.
If necessary, legal counsel can use subpoenas and sworn financial statements to request complete information. In more complex cases, a forensic accountant can trace undisclosed assets or income.
How to prevent issues during property division
Property division is a critical part of a divorce. Avoid informal agreements as these may not be enforceable later on. Keeping your own financial records also allows you to respond if discrepancies arise.Hidden assets can disrupt the property division process. Addressing concerns early through proper legal channels helps ensure that all assets are accounted for. With the right preparation and legal support, you can confidently negotiate throughout the divorce.]]>On Behalf of Smith, Carrillo & Reeder<![CDATA[How can a legal separation differ from a divorce in Indiana?]]>https://www.scrlaw.net/?p=502412026-02-11T16:46:28Z2026-02-11T16:46:28ZIf you face problems in your marriage, you may wonder whether legal separation or divorce makes more sense. Indiana law allows both options, but they serve different purposes. Understanding how each one works can help you decide what fits your situation.
What legal separation means in Indiana
Legal separation lets you live apart while staying legally married. The court can issue orders about child custody, parenting time, child support, and spousal maintenance. You and your spouse still remain married, so neither of you can remarry during this period.Indiana limits legal separation to one year. During that time, the court addresses temporary issues while you decide whether to reconcile or move toward divorce. Some couples choose separation for religious reasons or to keep certain benefits tied to marriage.
How divorce works under Indiana law
Divorce permanently ends a marriage. Indiana follows a no‑fault system, which means you do not need to prove misconduct. You only need to state that the marriage has broken down.In a divorce, the court resolves all issues in a final way. These issues include property division, custody, parenting time, child support, and spousal maintenance. After the court enters the final decree, both parties may remarry.
Differences in property and debt handling
During legal separation, the court may divide property temporarily, but the marriage still exists. Assets and debts may continue to accumulate during the separation period. This detail can affect finances if the separation later turns into a divorce.Divorce leads to a full and final division of marital property and debts. Indiana courts aim for a fair division, which may not mean an equal split. Once the court issues the order, those decisions usually stay in place.
Which option may fit your situation
Legal separation can provide structure if you need time apart without ending the marriage. Divorce may suit situations where reconciliation seems unlikely and long‑term clarity matters more. Each option carries different legal and financial effects.Taking time to understand these differences helps you make informed choices about your future and your family.]]>