In Indiana, operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVWI)—also called operating while intoxicated (OWI) or driving under the influence (DUI)—can result in criminal charges from misdemeanor to felony levels. The details of what happens from the time you are pulled over by law enforcement forward can greatly impact the charges against […]
Criminal Law
The Indiana Second Chance Law Has a New Expungement Waiting Period
Your criminal record can seriously impair your ability to move forward in many areas of your life. Impacts include limitations on your employment and housing options, higher insurance costs, losing your right to own or possess firearms and ammunition, and enhanced or higher sentences for future offenses. The Indiana second […]
Why an Experienced Indiana Defense Lawyer Is Essential in Indiana Drug and Handgun Defense
You want an experienced Indiana defense lawyer to represent you in defending against drug or handgun charges, especially one skilled in finding weaknesses in the State’s case. If you have been charged with a drug or handgun crime, there are several important issues that a criminal attorney with experience in […]
Indiana Expungements: Can You Clear Your Criminal Record?
If you have any sort of criminal record, it can seriously impact some of the most fundamental parts of your life. Background checks are routinely used to screen applicants for jobs and housing. Finding a new job or the right place to live can be hard enough, and having your […]
Indiana Felony Levels Explained
If you are convicted of a felony in Indiana, the sentence imposed depends in part on the level or severity the felony offense. The Indiana Legislature revised the felony levels in 2014. As a result, sentencing courts must consider the date the crime was committed to determine which Indiana felony […]
Indiana Sex Offender Registration Misunderstandings
The Indiana Sex Offender Registry was originally enacted in 1994. Despite being nearly a quarter-century old, there is still a great deal of misunderstanding about the registry. Many of these misunderstandings relate to things people think the registry requires. Violating the sex offender registry laws can lead to additional criminal […]
You Received a Securities Division Subpoena? Do Three Things Immediately
You may not have known that you have been buying or selling securities, but, if you received a subpoena from the Indiana Securities Division, investigators think it is a security as defined in Indiana Code § 23-19-1-2(28). If they want you to talk to them, you should first talk to someone who speaks their language: an Indiana securities law attorney.
Criminals: Don’t Use the Fingerprint Scanner or Facial Recognition To Unlock Your Smart Phones
“Smartphones are ubiquitous in modern life.” Katelin Eunjoo Seo v. State of Indiana. There already countless reasons not to carry a smartphone if you happen to be involved in criminal activities. The smartphone keeps track of your location, just about everything you say, and the questions you want the answers […]
Indiana Sex Offender Registry Misunderstandings
Matt Kestian was the sex crimes prosecutor at the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office from 2012 through 2015. He currently practices law as a criminal defense attorney throughout central Indiana. Both as a prosecutor and now as a defense attorney Matt has handled many cases involving the Registry. The Indiana sex […]
How To Respond When You’re Pulled Over and Have Been Drinking – OWI Blog (Part 1)
If you operate a vehicle, i.e. any “device for transportation by land or air” that is not “moved by human power”, “runs only on rails or tracks”, a wheelchair,” or an “electric personal assistive mobility device” and you consume alcohol or use controlled substances (whether prescribed or not), you should […]