What Is Probation Violation?

Probation is a court-ordered alternative to jail time, allowing you to serve your sentence under supervision while following strict rules. These conditions might include:

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What Is a No Contact Order in Indiana?

A no contact order is a rule set by a judge in a criminal case. It’s usually put in place to keep an alleged victim or witness safe from the person accused of a crime, like domestic violence or stalking. Think of it as a “hands-off” warning tied to someone’s bail or probation.

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Spoliation in Criminal Law: The Basics

Spoliation means the loss, destruction, or alteration of evidence that could affect a case. In criminal matters, it’s governed by constitutional protections, not a specific Indiana statute. The U.S. Supreme Court set the standard in Arizona v. Youngblood (488 U.S. 51, 1988): if police destroy “potentially useful” evidence in bad faith, it violates due process. Indiana follows this, but the bar’s high—negligence isn’t enough; intent matters. Destroying a phone—say, during a search or testing—can trigger this analysis, especially if it held exculpatory data.

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Indiana Criminal Law: It’s Different Here

Criminal law isn’t one-size-fits-all, and Indiana has its own playbook. From the way crimes are classified to the quirks of our court system, the Hoosier State stands apart. Take sentencing, for instance: Indiana uses a “level” system for felonies—Level 6 (the lowest) up to Level 1 (the highest)—and a class system for misdemeanors (A, B, and C). A Level 5 felony drug charge might mean 1–6 years in prison, while a Class A misdemeanor like battery could carry up to a year in jail. These distinctions aren’t just trivia—they shape your defense strategy.

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Understanding Criminal Law in Indiana: The Basics

Criminal law governs actions that society deems harmful or dangerous, from theft and assault to drug offenses and beyond. In Indiana, these laws are enforced under the Indiana Code, and penalties can range from fines and probation to years in prison. What sets Indiana apart? Our state has its own unique statutes, sentencing guidelines, and court procedures that can catch even seasoned defendants off guard.

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The Statutory Definition of Burglary in Indiana

Under IC 35-43-2-1, burglary is defined as knowingly or intentionally breaking and entering into a building or structure with the intent to commit a felony or theft inside. The severity of the charge depends on various aggravating factors, such as the type of structure entered and whether the defendant was armed or caused bodily injury.

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1. Underage Drinking & Minor in Possession (MIP)

Indiana has strict laws regarding alcohol consumption by individuals under 21. If you’re caught possessing or consuming alcohol underage, you can be charged with a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and fines up to $500. Additional penalties may include driver’s license suspension and mandatory alcohol education programs.

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Common Issues on a Background Check

When an employer or landlord runs a background check, they may find:

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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:

The post Check Fraud in Indiana: A Simple Mistake Can Lead to Criminal Charges appeared first on Indiana Law Blog.

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:

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