Being arrested is a jarring and confusing experience, and one of the first concerns for many people is how to get out of jail as quickly as possible. It is important to know some basics about the bail process so you can quickly take charge of the situation. What…
Facing a misdemeanor charge in Central Indiana can be a daunting and confusing experience. Understanding the various phases of a misdemeanor criminal law case can help you navigate the legal process with greater confidence. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the key stages involved in a typical misdemeanor…
Introduction Dealing with domestic violence charges can be a distressing and overwhelming experience. If you’re concerned about the possibility of being arrested on a domestic violence charge in Indiana, it’s essential to understand your rights and take proactive steps to protect yourself. In this blog post, we’ll have a candid…
If you have been charged with theft in Indiana, it’s important to understand the legal definitions, potential sentencing ranges, and possible collateral consequences. At Harshman Ponist Smith & Rayl, our experienced legal team can help you navigate the complex legal system and fight for your rights. Definitions of Theft in…
Indiana, and Indianapolis in particular, is a hub for sex trafficking. Victims of human trafficking, including both sex trafficking and labor trafficking, are often convicted of crimes committed while they’re under the control or influence of the trafficker. The first thing that likely comes to mind is that victims are…
Reporting Child Abuse Indiana has a simple statutory requirement to report abused or neglected children. Indiana Code § 31-33-5-1 provides: [A]n individual who has reason to believe that a child is a victim of child abuse or neglect shall make a report as required by this article. The report may…
Update: On November 13, 2018, the Safe Sport Center dismissed the disciplinary action against Naddour, and he was removed from USAG’s list of suspended members on November 14. He does not intend to make any other public statements regarding the matter. On June 20, 2018, USA Gymnastics (“USAG”) suspended Alex…
Last July, the Indiana Court of Appeals decided Rogers v. State, 60 N.E.3d 256 (Ind. Ct. App. 2016), in which the attorney for a criminal defendant had deposed an employee of a charitable organization who held a degree in social work from an accredited university but not a license from…
Ordinarily, I leave this area of the law to the my partner, Susan Rayl, but today (well, yesterday by the time I’m writing this) the Indiana Supreme Court issued a decision, written by Justice Stephen David, that caught my attention. In Bond v. State, the Court held that the defendant’s…