Criminal Law
Indiana Senate Votes to Restrict Public Intoxication Law
At SFT Lawyers, LLP, our clients have expressed outrage for years over the inconsistent enforcement of public intoxication statutes. Far too many police departments seem to use the charge as a “catch-all” to arrest anybody who consumes alcohol. Indiana’s residents have seen enough and, now, so has the Indiana Senate. On Monday, the Senate voted … Continue reading Indiana Senate Votes to Restrict Public Intoxication Law
Read MoreForgiving Old Indiana Convictions is Good for the Economy!
Employment rates nationwide have been a concern for years. In response, many states have taken action to help those who cannot find work. One such statute, Indiana’s “Second Chance Act,” has drawn fire from some since it was passed in July. This law is brand new, and many criminal defense lawyers do not yet understand … Continue reading Forgiving Old Indiana Convictions is Good for the Economy!
Read MoreIndiana Postpones Reform of Sentencing Guidelines
After a great deal of chatter, the Indiana General Assembly has decided it will not include in its agenda for 2012 a measure to reform Indiana’s dated sentencing guidelines. (See Post-Tribune Article, “Sentencing Guidelines Overhaul to Take Another Year” 14 January 2012). (See generally News and Tribune Article, “Daniels Urges Sentencing Reform 16 December 2010). … Continue reading Indiana Postpones Reform of Sentencing Guidelines
Read MoreSeal Old Conviction Records So Employers Can’t See Them!
The job of criminal defense attorneys in Indiana has long been a frustrating one. Here at SFT Lawyers, LLP, we have seen far too many clients desperate to escape the lingering effects from a youthful mistake. Drug possession, DUI/OWI, and other fairly minor offenses have kept many upstanding citizens from finding employment. But now, that … Continue reading Seal Old Conviction Records So Employers Can’t See Them!
Read MoreKnow Your Limit: Calculate Your Blood Alcohol Level Before it is Too Late!
Driving under the influence is a major problem throughout the country. Here at SFT Lawyers, LLP, we see far too many clients find themselves in this unfortunate situation. If you do ever need assistance against such a charge, we’re happy to help. But it’s much easier and safer for everyone if you can avoid facing … Continue reading Know Your Limit: Calculate Your Blood Alcohol Level Before it is Too Late!
Read MoreIndiana Court of Appeals Protects Fourth Amendment Right Against Unreasonable Search and Seizure
In a recent ruling, the Indiana Court of Appeals has stood firm on the standard of reasonable suspicion. In Michael Woodson v. State of Indiana, 49A05-1106-CR-306, the Court established a clear standard for determining if, and when, reasonable suspicion is necessary and satisfied, respectively. According to the well-established and well known doctrine of Terry v. … Continue reading Indiana Court of Appeals Protects Fourth Amendment Right Against Unreasonable Search and Seizure
Read MoreIndiana’s “Second Chance Act” Can Provide Relief From Past Mistakes
Do you have an old Indiana conviction that you dread revealing to potential employers? Under Indiana’s new “Second Chance Act”, you may no longer have to tell anyone and employers may not be allowed to find out! In an August article, we discussed how Indiana’s new expungement statute could help criminal defense attorneys plan ahead … Continue reading Indiana’s “Second Chance Act” Can Provide Relief From Past Mistakes
Read MoreVU Law Clinic Now Accepting New Cases for Free Legal Representation
The Law Clinic at Valparaiso University Law School is now accepting new cases at their Law Clinic. (See NWI Times News Article, “Free legal help offered by VU Law School” 15 Oct. 2011.) Valparaiso University law students provide free legal representation to individuals with limited income. The Law Clinic can handle matters such as debt … Continue reading VU Law Clinic Now Accepting New Cases for Free Legal Representation
Read MoreIndiana Supreme Court Affirms, “No Right to Resist Unlawful Entry by Police”
It is no surprise that in a moot exercise in futility, the Indiana Supreme Court affirmed its own controversial determination in Barnes v. State from earlier this summer. (See Indiana Supreme Court Errs Heavily in Favor of Law Enforcement this Week in a Pair of Surprising Decisions, Indiana General Assembly Takes Quick Action to Amend … Continue reading Indiana Supreme Court Affirms, “No Right to Resist Unlawful Entry by Police”
Read MoreNew Statute Opens Question of Expungement of Criminal Records in Indiana
A new statute has arisen in Indiana that at least opens the door to limiting access to criminal records of some criminal defendants. Indiana Code Section 35-38-5-5.5 outlines a brand new procedure (effective July 1, 2011) that allows for restricting access to noncriminal-justice agencies under particular circumstances. Up to this point, expungement of one’s criminal … Continue reading New Statute Opens Question of Expungement of Criminal Records in Indiana
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