Criminal

Check Fraud in Indiana: A Simple Mistake Can Lead to Criminal Charges

Published on: February 20, 2025 | by Aaron Harshman

Writing or using fraudulent checks may seem minor, but in Indiana, check fraud is a criminal offense that can carry serious consequences. However, because it is often considered a non-violent financial crime, first-time offenders may be eligible for a diversion program. Here’s what you need to know about check fraud laws in Indiana and how to protect yourself if you are facing charges.

What is Check Fraud?

Check fraud occurs when someone intentionally writes, issues, or uses a check knowing that there are insufficient funds to cover it or with the intent to deceive. Common types of check fraud include:

Higher Penalties: Facing Drug Charges in Indiana

Published on: February 17, 2025 | by Aaron Harshman

Drug-related charges in Indiana carry serious consequences that can impact your future, including jail time, fines, and a criminal record. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor possession charge or a more serious felony distribution charge, understanding your legal rights and options is essential.

Common Drug Charges in Indiana

Indiana law categorizes drug offenses based on the type and quantity of the controlled substance involved. Some of the most common drug-related charges include:

Charged with a DUI in Indiana? Here’s What You Need to Know

Published on: February 14, 2025 | by Aaron Harshman

A DUI (Operating While Intoxicated, or OWI, in Indiana) charge can have serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Indiana, understanding the legal process and your options is crucial. Here’s what you need to know about defending against a DUI charge.

What Constitutes a DUI in Indiana?

In Indiana, you can be charged with DUI if:

Indiana’s Criminal Record Expungement Process: What You Need to Know

Published on: February 12, 2025 | by Aaron Harshman

Having a criminal record can make life difficult, affecting job opportunities, housing applications, and even personal relationships. Fortunately, Indiana law provides a path for individuals to clear their records through the expungement process. If you have a past conviction or arrest holding you back, here’s what you need to know about getting a fresh start.

What is Expungement?

Expungement is a legal process that allows eligible individuals to have their criminal records sealed or removed from public view. While law enforcement and courts may still have access to expunged records in certain cases, expungement can provide significant relief when applying for jobs, housing, and professional licenses.

Domestic Violence Charges: Legal Consequences and Defense Strategies II

Published on: February 10, 2025 | by Aaron Harshman

Defense Strategies for Domestic Violence Charges

Challenging the Evidence
- One of the primary defense strategies is to challenge the prosecution’s evidence. This can involve questioning the credibility of witnesses, disputing the authenticity of physical evidence, or highlighting inconsistencies in the accuser’s statements.

Domestic Violence Charges: Legal Consequences and Defense Strategies I

Published on: October 23, 2024 | by Aaron Harshman

Domestic violence charges are serious offenses that carry significant legal consequences. Understanding the implications of such charges and knowing the available defense strategies can be crucial for anyone facing these allegations. This article will provide an overview of the legal consequences of domestic violence charges and discuss potential defense strategies.

Understanding Domestic Violence Charges

Domestic violence involves abusive behavior in a domestic setting, typically involving intimate partners, family members, or cohabitants. The abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological. Indiana law defines domestic violence broadly, covering various acts intended to control or harm a household member.

Navigating the Bail Process: What You Need to Know

Published on: September 9, 2024 | by Aaron Harshman

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 is Bail?

Bail is a set amount of money or property that acts as insurance between the court and the person in jail (the defendant). The defendant can be released from jail pending trial if they can post bail. The purpose of bail is to ensure that the defendant returns for their court appearances while allowing them to remain free until their trial date.

Navigating Misdemeanor Criminal Law Cases in Central Indiana: A Comprehensive Guide

Published on: May 24, 2023 | by Aaron Harshman

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 case in Central Indiana, providing you with valuable insights and empowering you to make informed decisions.

The journey of a misdemeanor criminal law case in Central Indiana can be broken down into several distinct phases, each with its own significance. Let’s explore these phases in more detail:

1. Arrest and Booking:

How to Avoid Arrest on a Domestic Violence Charge in Indiana

Published on: May 15, 2023 | by Aaron Harshman

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 conversation about valuable tips that can help you navigate through such situations and avoid arrest.

Keeping Your Cool in Heated Moments

Theft Charges in Indiana: Definitions, Sentencing Ranges, and Collateral Consequences

Published on: May 8, 2023 | by Aaron Harshman

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

Under Indiana law, theft is defined as the unlawful taking of another person’s property or services with the intent to deprive the owner of the property or services. Theft can take many forms, including shoplifting, embezzlement, and theft by deception.