By Ryan E. Lackey | Published September 6, 2026 | Posted in Expungement | Tagged Tags: conviction, criminal, Misdemeanor, record | Comments Off on What Indiana’s Second Chance Law Does
What Indiana’s Second Chance Law Does
A criminal record can continue to affect your life long after a case has ended. Employers, landlords and licensing boards often conduct background checks, and a past conviction — or even an arrest without conviction — can create barriers that prevent you from obtaining the job you want, housing you need or the education you Read More
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What Happens After an Indiana OWI Arrest
If you are arrested and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) in Indiana, knowing what to anticipate can help you make informed decisions, alleviate anxiety and protect your rights. First, you can expect to be taken to a jail, where you will be booked. You will be subjected to chemical testing to determine Read More
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Indiana Felony Charges and How to Defend Against Them
Felonies are the most serious category of criminal offenses in Indiana. Felony convictions can result in lengthy periods of incarceration, substantial fines and long-term consequences that affect employment, housing, educational opportunities, professional licenses and one’s civil rights. Because the stakes are so high, anyone facing felony charges needs legal counsel of the highest caliber. Indiana Read More
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OWI Chemical Tests: How Breath and Blood Evidence Can Be Challenged
Chemical evidence is usually the most important element of a drunk driving case. Police officers may conduct roadside breath testing or, in some cases, collect a blood sample. The evidence that they secure through testing can then be used to validate the prosecutor’s claim that a motorist’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was over the legal Read More
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How Habitual Offender Enhancements Affect Sentencing in Indiana
A defendant’s prior criminal history can have a profound influence on the sentence imposed by an Indiana court after a conviction, particularly if the defendant is designated a “habitual offender.” While the underlying crime does not change, habitual offender enhancement can dramatically increase the penalty upon conviction. Under Indiana Code § 35-50-2-8, habitual offender status Read More
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Understanding What Counts as Assault in Indiana and What Doesn’t
Indiana does not have a standalone offense called “assault.” Instead, there are a handful of other criminal charges that prosecutors may pursue against individuals after an altercation. In other states, making a credible threat against another person could constitute assault. In Indiana, attempting to put another person in fear of unlawful retaliation, or to force Read More
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What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Indiana?
Driving under the influence of alcohol or certain controlled substances in Indiana is officially called operating while intoxicated (OWI). When someone is charged with OWI, they face two distinct and simultaneous processes: a criminal prosecution in the court system and an administrative action initiated by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. OWI can be charged Read More
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Understanding “Wobblers” aka Level 6 Felonies in Indiana
In Indiana’s hierarchy of felony offenses, Level 6 felonies sit in a unique position. They are serious enough to carry felony penalties, but courts can sometimes treat them like misdemeanors. That is why they are referred to as “wobblers.” Understanding how these charges are dealt with by criminal courts is important to protecting your rights Read More
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What to Expect at an Initial Hearing in Indiana Criminal Court
When someone is charged with a crime in Indiana, their first appearance in criminal court is known as the initial hearing. This hearing is not about arguing the facts of the case or proving guilt or innocence. It is a procedural checkpoint focused on reading the charges, setting bail and making sure the defendant is Read More
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Understanding Indiana’s Stand-Your-Ground Defense for Use of Force
Indiana’s stand-your-ground law outlines the circumstances in which individuals are legally justified in using force, including deadly force, to defend themselves, others or their property without the obligation to retreat. The law states that a person can use reasonable force, including deadly force, if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent serious bodily injury Read More
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