Practitioners’ Corner
The Trayvon Martin Shooting and the Uncertain Future of ‘Stand Your Ground’ Laws
It is well known (and quite frankly flooding the media lately) about the tragic shooting of Trayvon Martin. People most often discuss the racial tensions surrounding the shooting of Trayvon Martin by the [white] self-appointed neighborhood watchman, George Zimmerman. What I would like to briefly discuss, however, are the implications of the law that could … Continue reading The Trayvon Martin Shooting and the Uncertain Future of ‘Stand Your Ground’ Laws
Read MoreNew Indiana Law Allows Termination of Child Support When Child Turns 19
According to the Post-Tribune article posted yesterday, “Indiana Lowers Cutoff Age to 19 for Receiving Child Support” 10 Apr 2012, the Indiana General Assembly has lowered the age from 21 to 19 for emancipation, which cuts off a father or mother’s obligation to pay child support when the child reaches the reduced age. Indiana had … Continue reading New Indiana Law Allows Termination of Child Support When Child Turns 19
Read MoreNew Indiana Law Expected to Allow Reduction of Class D Felonies
Do you have a Class D Felony conviction which is more than 3 years old? If so, your time as a “convicted felon” might soon be over! The Indiana House recently passed House Bill 1033 which allows courts to convert Class D Felonies to Class A Misdemeanors after 3 years so long as the convicted … Continue reading New Indiana Law Expected to Allow Reduction of Class D Felonies
Read MoreIndiana 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 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 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 MorePorter County Assessor Lauches Online Property Tax Appeals
One of SFT Lawyers‘ largest clients, the Porter County Assessor Jon M. Snyder, recently announced that he would be taking the Porter County Assessor’s office into the 21st Century by allowing taxpayers to file property tax appeals online. (See Post Tribune article, “Porter County Website Gives Taxpayers Option to Appeal Online” 4 Oct. 2011; Northwest … Continue reading Porter County Assessor Lauches Online Property Tax Appeals
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