Category Archives: Criminal Defense
Should I Agree to Talk to the Police?
You should never agree to talk to the police before seeking advice from a lawyer. Many people who are stopped by law enforcement officials, or arrested on suspicion of committing a criminal offense, are questioned by law enforcement and urged to speak. These circumstances can be anxiety-inducing and confusing for many people, especially if… Read More »
Can I File an Appeal After Accepting a Plea Agreement?
Plea agreements in Indianapolis criminal cases are often beneficial and welcome for defendants when the agreement will result in a lesser sentence and, in many cases, a less serious offense on their criminal record. In general, it is never advisable to accept a plea agreement without assistance from an Indiana criminal defense lawyer who… Read More »
Part II: Exceptions to the Hearsay Rule
Our Indianapolis criminal defense lawyers routinely defend Indiana residents facing a range of criminal charges where the Rule Against Hearsay plays a rule at trial. It is important to learn more about the Rule Against Hearsay in the state, as well as the Exceptions to the Rule Against Hearsay under Rule 803 of the… Read More »
Part I: Exceptions to the Hearsay Rule
The “Rule Against Hearsay” is complicated, and it can be difficult to understand the precise legal meaning of “hearsay evidence” and when it is and is not permitted to be used in a criminal case. Many people know a colloquial definition of “hearsay,” often understood to mean something somebody else said that another person… Read More »
How Do Indiana Plea Agreements Work?
Anyone, who, in the state of Indiana has been arrested for a criminal offense and is now facing charges may be wondering if they are eligible for a plea agreement, and whether they should consider taking a plea agreement. Plea agreements are governed generally by IC 35-35-3, and they are defined as “an agreement… Read More »
What is a Terry Stop?
If you are stopped and searched while you are out walking in Indianapolis or a surrounding area, it is critical to understand your rights under the Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable search and seizure, and US Supreme Court case law has clarified the rights afforded to individuals… Read More »
When Officers Ask for Consent to Search Your Vehicle During a Traffic Stop
Knowing your rights during a traffic stop can be the difference between driving away from the stop freely and being arrested by a law enforcement officer. During a traffic stop, a motorist has a wide range of rights under federal and state law, but today, we want to focus on your rights when you… Read More »
Should I Consider a Plea Agreement?
If you are facing any type of criminal charges in the Indianapolis area and have begun researching defense options or ways of reducing the possible penalties you could face, you may be wondering if you should consider something known as a “plea agreement,” which is also sometimes known more colloquially as a “plea bargain.”… Read More »
Understanding Different Assault-Related Charges in Indiana
The term “assault” is often used relatively broadly to refer to a general type of violent criminal offense in which a person’s physical harm is threatened, or in which a person experiences actual bodily injury. It is important to understand that Indiana law does not have a specific criminal offense for an “assault,” but… Read More »
Search Warrant Affidavit Exceptions: Were My Rights Violated?
If you were recently arrested after a search that resulted in the discovery of a controlled substance, an unlawful firearm, or any other object or evidence that resulted in your arrest, one of the first things you might be wondering is this: was the search lawful? This is a critical question to ask because,… Read More »