Time spent in state holding facilities can feel interminable. There is very little to do other than to converse. Many people choose to keep to themselves, in part out of fear of saying the wrong thing to someone who might act as a jailhouse informant. Individuals waiting for arraignment or to post bond may feel very anxious until they regain…
Police officers are agents of the state. Their job is to enforce the law, investigate criminal activity and uphold social order. In some cases, police officers may engage in questionable behavior in misguided attempts to fulfill their professional obligations. When police officers question those who may have broken the law, they may engage in a variety of interrogation tactics. Sometimes,…
Many people assume that drug possession charges only apply to illegal substances like cocaine or methamphetamine. However, in Indiana, possessing prescription medication without a valid prescription can lead to serious criminal charges. Even if the medication at issue was originally prescribed to a family member or friend, unauthorized possession can result in legal consequences that include fines, probation or even…
Finding out that your teenager has been arrested and is facing criminal charges can be overwhelming and frightening. As a parent, you want to protect your child and ensure their future remains bright. Understanding what to do next can help you to achieve the best possible outcome for your teen. Your first instinct may be to panic, but staying calm will help…
Anyone who spots the flashing lights of a police vehicle behind them in traffic may worry about citation or arrest. If the driver had a drink before their encounter with police, they may worry about operating while intoxicated (OWI) charges. Instead of a basic citation, allegations of an OWI offense can lead to misdemeanor charges. In cases involving aggravating factors,…
With drug overdose fatalities still an all-too-common occurrence, states have enacted laws that provide some immunity from drug charges for those who seek emergency help for someone suffering an overdose. These laws are meant to encourage people not to flee an overdose scene for fear of being arrested and to get help and stay with the victim. This can easily…
Many people facing criminal charges try to fight the allegations either by proving no crime occurred or that they weren’t involved in one that did. Those facing assault charges risk having a permanent record of a violent crime if they plead guilty. Occasionally, the state has witness statements, security camera footage or forensic evidence directly tying an individual to a…
Drug charges often result from police officers finding people under the influence of prohibited substances or with drugs in their direct possession. If police officers search someone’s pockets, backpack or purse and find drugs, the individual subject to the search may face charges of actual drug possession. Police officers can also arrest people when they encounter an illicit transaction in…
Police officers conduct searches to ensure their safety in some circumstances and to gather evidence in others. A search of an individual’s residence is almost always related to evidence collection or conducting an arrest, as opposed to ensuring the safety of police officers. People who find the police waiting at their door are often unsure of how to respond. They…
Indiana police officers can arrest people if they find drugs physically in their possession. They can also arrest those who seem to have a role in the production or distribution of drugs. Sometimes, investigators spend time and effort trying to establish a connection between an individual and the drug trade. For example, police officers may try to monitor the traffic…