The Criminal Defense Team

ARTICLES OF LAW

You can read through shelf after shelf of legal documents, or you can look through our collection of easy-to-understand legal blogs. While knowing the law is an intimidating thing, we can help guide you through the maze to ensure you achieve a more desirable outcome. Find the answers you need here, but if you still have questions, contact the legal experts at The Criminal Defense Team. Be sure to visit this page regularly for new articles and updates. Contact us with questions or if you have a legal matter, you do not see covered here. With our decades of service spent in a courtroom, we can help, and we are not deterred by the nature of your case.

3 Ways a Breathalyzer Can Be Wrong

Breath tests are a common way for law enforcement to check if a person is driving under the influence of alcohol, but the results of these tests are not always accurate. In many cases, a failure to properly maintain the device, health conditions, and even your diet can lead to...

Category: DUI

5 Surprising Ways to Get a DUI

Most people are well aware of the fact that you can get a DUI for driving a car, truck, or motorcycle while intoxicated. However, many are surprised to learn that you can be charged with DUI for operating nearly any vehicle while under the influence. In this blog, we explore...

Category: DUI

5 Signs You’ve Hired the Right DUI Lawyer

After a DUI arrest, the first thing you should do is choose an Indiana DUI attorney. This can be an overwhelming process if you don’t know what to look for. In this blog, our skilled attorneys discuss five key indicators which suggest you’ve made the right choice. 1. They Are...

Category: DUI

Top 5 Surprising DUI Facts

1. Men Are Roughly Twice As Likely to Be Arrested for DUI In 2011 (the most recent year for which data is available), more than three times as many men were arrested for DUI as women. Despite the major disparity in numbers, this actually showed a drop in male DUI arrests since...

Category: DUI

A Basic Guide to Indiana Drug Crimes

Indiana has some of the harshest drug laws in the nation, and individuals who are caught selling or in possession of a controlled substance are subject to some extremely severe penalties. It is for this reason that it is incredibly important to secure representation from a tough, battle-tested Indiana criminal...

Category: DUI

Bill Cosby Charged With Felony Sexual Assault

Of the many criminal cases which gripped the headlines in 2015, perhaps none were as high profile as the numerous sexual assault allegations made against Bill Cosby. The comedian and former TV star has been officially charged with felony sexual assault, related to an incident which allegedly occurred in 2004....

Category: Criminal Defense
In The News

How Are Indiana Drug Crime Penalties Determined?

Although the tide seems to be shifting, Indiana is still one of the most conservative states in the country when it comes to drug laws. The consequences of a drug crime conviction can vary widely from case by case, and are based on a number of factors. Factor #1: The...

Category: Criminal Defense
Drug Crimes

Could the Popularity of Craft Beers Lead to More DUIs?

It seems like just yesterday that your choices in beer were limited to imports and domestics, and brands like Budweiser and Heineken ruled the bar scene. While these and other beer manufacturers still dominate the industry, the recent trend of craft brewing has turned from a fad into a full-blown...

Category: DUI

Hit & Run Client Sentence Reduced on Appeal

The Criminal Defense Team is proud to announce that we have successfully appealed the improper criminal sentencing of one of our clients. Morgan Mannix, who was convicted of hit and run last year, will now spend the rest of her reduced sentence on probation. As IndyStar reports, Mannix was charged...

Category: Criminal Defense
In The News

The Criminal Defense Team Secures Acquittals in Felony Battery Case

The Criminal Defense Team is proud to announce that our lawyers have secured a decisive courtroom victory on behalf of one of our recent clients. In the case of one client charged with felony battery and several other assorted charges, an Indianapolis jury found the accused not guilty of all...

Category: Criminal Defense

The Extradition Process in Indiana

What is Extradition? If you are accused of a crime and decide to flee over state lines, you could be forced to go back to the state in which your charges originate and face them. This process of sending you back is known as “extradition” and you may be forced to go...

Category: Criminal Defense

The Legal Difference Between Homicide & Murder

We frequently hear the terms “murder” and “homicide” used interchangeably, particularly on television. As a result, very few people understand the difference between the two, which could be vitally important if you ever find yourself facing charges of one of these violent crimes. Homicide The simplest possible definition for the...

Category: Criminal Defense
Violent Crimes

Can I Be Arrested for Flying a Drone?

Small unmanned aerial vehicles have become one of the hottest gifts for the last year or so, and it stands to reason that they will once again be towards the top of the list this holiday season. However, before taking to the sky, it’s important to learn what you can...

Category: Criminal Defense

Three Common Holiday Crimes

While many people spend the holidays celebrating by exchanging gifts, attending parties, or vacationing, criminals often jump at the opportunity to take advantage of people who have let their guard down while enjoying a period of cheer and good-tidings. As a result, certain crimes actually become more common during the...

Category: Criminal Defense

Types of Field Sobriety Tests

When law enforcement suspects you of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may administer one of several different types of field sobriety tests. The purpose of these tests is to attempt to establish probable cause for the officer to make an arrest and charge you with...

Category: DUI

Penalties for a First-Time DUI Conviction

If you are arrested and facing a DUI charge, it could very easily be your first run-in with the law. In many cases, those facing a DUI simply made a mistake, got a little too drunk, and then got behind the wheel of a car. As a result, you could...

Category: DUI

What is Unreasonable Search and Seizure?

The founding fathers of the United States were extremely leery of authority figures, and everything in their power to limit the powers available to the government and law enforcement while still giving them the ability to keep the peace. As such, they made an extensive effort to reserve every citizen’s...

Category: Criminal Defense

What to Do If Your Child is Arrested for DUI

Every parent dreads waking up to a phone call from law enforcement saying their child has been arrested because they were found driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Emotions like frustration and confusion often take over, leading most parents to be extremely angry with their child, and while...

Category: DUI

Consequences of Driving with a Suspended License

We tend to take our driving privilege for granted up until we lose them. Your driver’s license can be suspended for a number of reasons, such as having too many points on your DMV record, being convicted of a DUI, or failing to appear in court. This can be an...

Category: Criminal Defense

What Happens if I Miss My Court Date?

Missing a Court Date in Indiana What happens if I miss my court appearance? There are several consequences which can be extremely serious. If you miss your court date, you may be charged with a "failure to appear" misdemeanor. Your notice will be mailed to the address on your court...

Category: Criminal Defense

Attorney Baldwin Defends Client Against Kidnapping Accusations

Attorney Andrew Baldwin of The Criminal Defense Team is proud to have obtained a successful result for his client in a recent high-profile case. Thanks to Attorney Baldwin’s efforts, Craig Stumpf of Greenwood has had all charges against him dropped by prosecutors, allowing him to begin trying to set his...

Category: In The News

Five Common Crime Show Myths

Do you enjoy crime shows? You’re not alone; crime and criminal justice shows are some of the most popular programs on television, with titles such as Bones, Law and Order, and The Closer all gaining critical acclaim recently, and many other classic titles still being fondly remembered today. While they may be entertaining, they...

Category: Criminal Defense

Can I Drive After an OWI Conviction?

What are My Rights After an OWI Conviction? Being found guilty of OWI carries a number of consequences, including possible jail time, large fines, alcohol education classes, and more. But perhaps no penalty is more difficult or cumbersome to your day-to-day life than having your driver’s license suspended. Being found guilty carries...

Category: DUI

Stages of a Criminal Case

Beginning with the arrest and concluding at some point before, during, or after trial, criminal prosecution occurs in a process of different stages. In a plea bargain, the defendant opts to plead guilty prior to trial or to reduce charges in exchange for a lenient sentence or the dismissal of...

Category: Criminal Defense

Questions to Ask Your Criminal Defense Attorney

Being arrested and charged with a crime can be an unfamiliar and frightening experience. If you or someone you love has recently been arrested, remember that just because charges have been filed, does not mean you are guilty – you have the right to fight the government’s case against you,...

Category: Criminal Defense

Can Police Take My Blood Without a Warrant?

The American criminal justice system is built on a system of principles and laws that provide rights to individuals who are stopped, detained, and arrested in connection to criminal offenses. These principles ensure you are treated in accordance to the law, and that law enforcement officers adhere to rules of...

Category: DUI

Attorney Mark Kamish Succeeds at the Indiana Supreme Court

At [firm-name] we are hard-hitting, tenacious criminal defense attorneys who go above and beyond for our clients and to ensure honesty within the criminal justice system. Our dedication to the fair application of justice is perhaps best exemplified by our own Attorney Mark Kamish’s victory at the Indiana Supreme Court....

Category: In The News

Every Client Deserves a Team Approach With Hands-On Lawyering

Why Have a Team of Trial Lawyers v. Just One Lawyer? Extra eyes with different perspectives We all have trial lawyer eyes and instincts. And, we all share a passion for fighting for clients. So, why is Team lawyering better than solo lawyering? We come from different backgrounds and have...

Category: Criminal Defense

Beginning in July, Your Phone Could Get You in Trouble

The first of July in Indiana means that laws passed in the most recent legislative session go into effect. This year, as in most years, most changes in the criminal law are technical changes and fixes to existing laws that won’t have any real effect on most people’s lives. But...

Category: Criminal Defense

Local, State, and Federal Mask Mandates: Everything You Need to Know

Amid the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic, almost all of us have been subject to requirements or accommodations outside the norm—whether it be working from home, not being able to eat out, or somehow finding yourself immersed in Tiger King. But the main requirement popping up all over the country is: can...

Category: In The News

New Laws Regarding Cell Phones and Driving

HEADLINES: Beginning in July, your phone could get you in trouble. Now there are more ways your phone can get you in trouble. Don’t let your phone violate your privacy. That cell phone call could be a Class C Infraction. That cell phone call could cost you $500 and more....

Category: Criminal Defense

Indiana Driver’s License Suspensions

Driver’s license suspensions can come in two forms: Administrative or Court-Ordered. Administrative suspensions are suspensions that the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) enacts on your record if you get an applicable ticket or have failed to do something required by the BMV. Some of the most common administrative suspensions are...

Category: Criminal Defense

The Criminal Defense Team’s Secret Weapon

In the world of criminal law, there are really only two jobs for lawyers: prosecutor and defense attorney. In some ways the jobs are similar: they deal with the same laws, the same facts and the same judges. But yet, they are still two very distinct jobs, with different skills....

Category: Criminal Defense

The myth of the “3 continuances” in criminal cases

by Andrew Baldwin For well over a quarter century, I have been practicing criminal defense. Between all lawyers working for [firm-name], we have over 150 years of combined criminal defense experience. During our years of practice, our clients have consistently told us that they have heard that the law requires...

Category: Criminal Defense

You want the best outcome for your criminal case? (Part 1)

Sell your case, not your client (and avoid performing the pre-trial shuffle) by Maxwell Wiley In many Indiana courts, pre-trial hearings are held out in the open. It looks something like this: A prosecutor is sitting at a long rectangular table in the middle of the courtroom. The judge is...

Category: Criminal Defense

You want the best outcome for your criminal case? (Part 2)

The “Roadhouse” method of practicing criminal defense. (Be nice. Until there is a time to not be nice.) by Maxwell Wiley Many criminal defense lawyers are way, way too nice. They would never think about confronting a stubborn prosecutor, a judge who has issued a horrible ruling or a probation...

Category: Criminal Defense

What Is a Commuted Sentence?

To commute a sentence means to reduce the sentence imposed initially after a criminal conviction. For example, an initial 15-year sentence could be commuted to a five-year sentence. Similarly, a court-imposed fine could also be commuted, but this is less common. After the sentencing process, there can sometimes be changes...

Category: Criminal Defense

What Is the Difference Between Robbery and Burglary?

In the State of Indiana, robbery and burglary have two different definitions, and if you have been accused of either, it is important to keep this distinction in mind. Burglary and robbery are often confused with one another, and many people believe that these crimes are synonymous, but they have...

Category: Criminal Defense

How to Avoid a Marijuana Possession Charge in Indiana

Being charged with a drug crime is serious. The charge can have widespread ramifications in your life, affecting your employment, your options for housing, your reputation, and your personal relationships. It’s important to obtain adequate legal representation for your defense. [firm-name] goes above and beyond just providing adequate representation. We...

Category: Criminal Defense
Drug Crimes

How to Beat a DUI in Indiana

Getting caught behind the wheel after drinking can result in arrest and a charge for driving or operating a vehicle while under the influence. This charge can have serious consequences as it can negatively impact your life and risk your liberty. You need an attorney like those from [firm-name] who...

Category: Criminal Defense
DUI

What Is the Difference Between Parole and Probation?

If you commit a crime, you could face a range of consequences. The judge in your case will issue a sentence based on the circumstances of the offense, including the type of crime and its severity. Probation and parole are common penalties for various criminal offenses in Indiana. However, most...

Category: Criminal Defense

What Is a No Contest Plea?

After an arrest and charge, a defendant may choose to seek a jury trial or accept a plea agreement with the prosecutor. There are several options your Indiana criminal defense attorney will discuss with you. Plea bargains that include guilty, not guilty, and not guilty by reason of insanity, have...

Category: Criminal Defense

How to Be Removed From a Sex Offender Registry

Being convicted of a sex crime can be life-altering. You may face fines or jail time and may find it difficult, if not impossible, to secure housing and get a good job. Registration as a sex offender radically alters your life and drastically reduces your privacy. The Indiana Sex Offender...

Category: Criminal Defense

What Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration in Indiana?

Some criminal offenses carry consequences beyond fines and jail time. These offenses have the power to change your life and are crimes that can land you on Indiana’s sex offender registry. Depending on the type of offense, you might end up on the registry for a few years. Or you...

Category: Criminal Defense

Can a Sex Crime Be Expunged in Indiana?

Unfortunately, your criminal record can end up haunting you for years. Moreover, the record of a sex crime can taint your image and reputation for the rest of your life. You may be ready to move forward with your life, but that can be difficult if you’ve been charged with...

Category: Criminal Defense

What Is a Felony Sex Crime in Indiana?

If you or a loved one were charged with a sex crime in Indiana, the charge will fall within a certain category. Crimes fall under the categories of infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies. A felony is the most serious classification and is punishable by more than one year in prison or...

Category: Criminal Defense

What Are the Most Common Gun Crimes in Indiana?

The U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment grants American citizens the right to bear arms. However, with that right comes certain responsibilities to use the gun appropriately. In the U.S., theft is the most common property crime, and assault is the most common violent crime. Despite the fact that there was a...

Category: Criminal Defense

ARTICLES OF LAW

How We Get The Best Possible Results For Our Clients