By Ryan E. Lackey | Published July 6, 2026 | Posted in Felonies | Tagged Tags: civil, convictions, incarceration, rights | Comments Off on Indiana Felony Charges and How to Defend Against Them
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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Restitution as Part of Punishment for Theft Offenses in Indiana
Restitution is a common component of sentencing in theft-related criminal cases in Indiana. It represents the court-ordered payment by an offender to a victim, intended to compensate for the financial losses resulting from the crime. Under Indiana law, courts are vested with the authority to order restitution as a part of the sentence upon conviction Read More
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When Is Expungement of a Criminal Record Available in Indiana?
Expungement in Indiana is a legal process designed to offer individuals a fresh start by sealing their criminal records from public view. The primary goal of expungement is to remove barriers to employment, housing, education and other opportunities for individuals who have paid their debt to society and demonstrated rehabilitation. If expunged, the records will Read More
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