Facing charges for operating a vehicle while intoxicated can be frightening. That is particularly true for those confronting the situation for the first time. Such fear is understandable. OWI charges in Indiana carry serious consequences. Therefore, anyone in that circumstance benefits by grasping the potential penalties and learning what affects the outcome in these cases. Indiana’s thresholds for an OWI In Indiana, OWI refers to operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. Additionally, the presence of certain controlled substances in one’s system can also ..read more

When facing questioning by law enforcement, maintaining silence can be a smart strategy. It may seem counterintuitive at first, but it actually helps in multiple ways. Understanding the importance of remaining silent can prevent potentially harmful outcomes. Preserving rights When a person stays silent during police questioning, they are not admitting guilt. They are just making sure they do not say anything that others could use against them. The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution says that a person does not have to be a witness against himself or herself. Avoiding confusion Du ..read more

If you are a resident of Vanderburgh County, you might have noticed some brand-new gadgets in town. Specifically, AI-powered gadgets on police cars. They are artificial intelligence-powered tools that allow law enforcement to recognize license plates, as their name suggests. AI-powered license plate readers, or LPRs, are special cameras that use artificial intelligence to read license plates on cars as they pass by. The benefits of LPRs are many, including: They work day and night They are cost-effective They work rain or shine They can lead to catching crimes Now, you might be wondering why t ..read more

In the last few years, ordinary citizens recording police activity has become popular. Citizens have documented police via recordings and published those videos on the internet. Citizens argue that recording police helps keep them accountable. Citizens can use videos of misconduct as evidence if needed. The constitutional right to record The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects citizens’ rights to free speech, expression and the freedom of the press. It also protects the right to record law enforcement. However, the state of Indiana seems to look at it differently based o ..read more

Many people refer to January as the month of divorce, due to the high number of divorce filings that occur during this time. January is also the month when people receive their W-2 forms in the mail and start thinking about taxes. Whether new divorcees file taxes singly or jointly depends on their official marital status on New Year’s Eve. If you are starting the new year newly single, use these tips to make filing easier. Understand your filing status Determine whether you qualify as single or head of household. If you have dependents and are covering more than half of the household expenses ..read more

In November, Ohio voted to legalize recreational cannabis (also known as marijuana). This news might not be relevant to the average Hoosier – until you learn that Indiana is now surrounded by three states that have legalized recreational cannabis: Ohio, Illinois and Michigan. Indiana continues to prohibit the possession of both recreational and medical marijuana. This can cause problems for visitors from neighboring states and local residents who might be unaware of Indiana’s strict laws. Marijuana possession can be either a misdemeanor or felony offense in Indiana. When is the crime one or th ..read more

Custody disputes can be especially tough on children. Thankfully, there are specific strategies you may employ to help little ones survive this time with resilience. A few conscious adjustments can significantly ease the emotional strain on your precious angels. Tip 1. Maintain a stable environment Children thrive when their lives are predictable. Strive to stay consistent with daily routines. Keep their environments and daily schedules as stable as possible so they feel a persistent sense of security and support. Tip 2. Encourage open communication Create a safe space for children to express ..read more

The Prison Policy Initiative reported that there are approximately 765 people per 100,000 in Indiana jails, and many of them are there for violent crimes, including self-defense. Self-defense is a serious legal matter, especially when it results in the death of another person. The laws surrounding self-defense are complex. In Indiana, the use of force, even lethal force, in self-defense is legal under certain circumstances. However, this does not mean that using lethal force in self-defense is without legal consequences. If you find yourself in a situation where you have used lethal force in s ..read more

In the age of digital sharing, navigating your marriage breakup in the public eye is yet another modern-day concern to deal with. One significant question that arises is whether it is advisable to talk about your divorce on social media. Privacy With the Holmes-Rahe Stress Inventory ranking divorce as the second most stressful life event, your breakup is an understandably emotional experience. While it may be tempting to share what you are going through on social media, consider the potential impact on your privacy. Broadcasting personal details about your spouse and the divorce proceedings mi ..read more

The holiday season brings joy and festivities, but it can also challenge parents sharing child custody. Successful coparenting during this time requires thoughtful planning and effective communication. Proactive steps help ensure a positive experience for your children and reduce the stress of the season. Create a detailed schedule Planning is key to successful holiday coparenting. Collaborate to create a detailed schedule that outlines when the children will spend time with each parent. This proactive approach minimizes confusion and sets clear expectations. Remain open to compromise Staying ..read more