Criminal Defense

Will Dismissed Charges Show up on My Record?

Having criminal charges dismissed is generally a favorable outcome, but it does not necessarily mean your record has been cleared. In Indiana, arrest and court records associated with a dismissed case may still exist and, in some circumstances, appear during background checks. Whether those records remain publicly accessible depends on several factors, including when the… read more

Understanding What Hearsay Means in Court

Hearsay is one of the most well-known rules of evidence, but it is also one of the most misunderstood. While many people believe hearsay simply means “something someone else said,” the legal definition is much more specific.  Whether hearsay can be admitted into evidence often depends on why the statement is being offered and whether… read more

Everything You Need to Know About House Arrest

House arrest is an alternative to incarceration that allows certain individuals to serve all or part of a sentence outside of a jail or prison setting. Courts may order house arrest as a condition of pretrial release, probation, parole, or sentencing.  While it offers more freedom than jail, house arrest in Indiana comes with strict… read more

What Is a Disposition Hearing in Criminal Court?

If you are facing criminal charges as a defendant in Indiana, you will likely hear the term “disposition hearing” come up at some point during your case. While most people are familiar with the idea of a trial, many are less clear on what a disposition hearing involves and why it’s important. A disposition hearing… read more

How Is Jail Time Calculated?

When a defendant is facing jail time, the first worry is usually how long they’ll actually spend behind bars. Surprisingly, the answer isn’t always as simple as it might seem. In Indiana, the sentence given in court isn’t always what’s actually served, due to complex systems involving “credit time” and other factors.  Figuring out what… read more

What Is Entrapment?

Entrapment is a legal defense used in criminal cases. It applies when law enforcement officers or government agents persuade, pressure, or otherwise induce someone to commit a crime they would not have committed on their own. Rather than focusing solely on the act itself, entrapment examines how and why the alleged offense occurred. It’s important… read more

What Are the Four Elements of a Crime?

In criminal law, a person cannot be convicted simply because something bad happened. Prosecutors must prove specific legal requirements—known as the elements of a crime—before a conviction is possible.  These elements exist to ensure fairness, consistency, and accountability in the justice system. While the exact wording of criminal statutes varies by jurisdiction, most crimes are… read more

When Does Cyberbullying Become a Crime?

Cyberbullying is often viewed as rude or immature behavior, but in some cases, it carries real legal consequences. Online harassment can cross into criminal territory when it involves conduct the law specifically prohibits, such as threats, intimidation, stalking, or other unlawful use of electronic communication. The challenge is knowing where that line exists. While many… read more

Traveling for the Holidays? What to Know if You’re Arrested Out of State

Many people across the country travel across state lines to visit family and attend holiday events. However, holiday travel can sometimes lead to unexpected legal trouble in Indiana, from minor traffic stops to more serious charges like DUI and public indecency.  If you’re arrested while out of state, your situation can quickly become more complicated… read more

What Happens if a Defendant Cannot Afford a Lawyer?

Being charged with a crime is a serious matter. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, the potential consequences can include incarceration, steep fines, and long-term impacts on your personal and professional life.  But what if you can’t afford to hire a criminal defense attorney? Fortunately, the law provides important protections to ensure you’re not… read more