Legal Blog & Information

Criminal Mischief

Each state has a law against criminal mischief. The definitions and penalties vary by state. In most cases, it is a crime against personal property.  In Indiana, criminal mischief occurs when a person intentionally destroys, damages, or defaces property belonging to another person. Other states may refer to these crimes as graffiti, vandalism, or the… read more

5 Ways To Get Your Criminal Case Dismissed in Indianapolis

An arrest can be traumatic, but a criminal conviction can ruin the rest of your life. A criminal record can prevent you from:  Avoiding a criminal conviction can help you stay out of jail or prison and save you from the stigma of a criminal record. Here are some things you should know about how… read more

The Consequences of an Indiana Level 6 Felony Conviction

Like most states, Indiana categorizes serious crimes into felony levels based on the severity of the offense. Indiana uses these categories to determine the consequences for the crimes within each category. Under the current criminal code, the least serious felonies fall into the Level 6 designation, and as a result, courts impose the lightest sentences… read more

Things Cops Do That Are Illegal: What a Police Officer Can and Cannot Do

Police officers are people just like the rest of us. They are not above the law and are not given a “free pass” just because they have a shield or they are law enforcement officers. Whether they are on-duty or off-duty, police officers must obey the law. When police officers break the law, they can… read more

What Are Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude?

What does it mean for a crime to be a crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT)? It can help to have a refresher of how laws are made. State legislatures introduce bills that are voted into law. State legislatures have the authority, for the most part, to define what is a crime inside the state.  Crimes… read more

What Does it Mean to Be an Accessory Before or After a Crime?

If you did not commit a crime, why are you being charged with a crime? Under Indiana’s law, being an accessory before or after a crime could result in a criminal charge equal to the crime committed by the other person. Being charged as an accomplice could result in significant jail time and other penalties,… read more

How Long Does Alcohol Stay On Your Breath?

A breathalyzer, or breath alcohol test, can be administered by law enforcement officers to determine whether a driver has consumed alcohol. Drivers who refuse, in most states, can be at risk of a driver’s license suspension. Exactly how long does alcohol stay on your breath? When Can an Officer Give a Breathalyzer? Officers usually give… read more

10 Examples of Police Misconduct to Refer to for Your Case

Police misconduct is something everyone in America has thought about over the last few years. Though the term is fairly broad and can be used to describe a great many different things, it is generally used when referring to actions taken by police officers that are either illegal or against department policies and protocols.  We… read more

Statutory Rape Charges and Defenses in Indiana

The age of consent for sexual acts in Indiana is 16 years. Therefore, it is illegal for an adult to have sexual intercourse or engage in any sexual activity with a child under the age of 16 years. It does not matter whether or not the minor consented to the sexual activity or not. What… read more

Is It Legal to Own a Pet Sloth in Indiana?

Sloths are awfully cute. They are slow-moving mammals native to Central and South American rainforests. The two-toed sloth has an average life span of 20 to 30 years and when bought as an exotic pet, are usually bred in captivity. They have a complex diet and can be difficult to maintain as they need trees… read more