Starting in 2019, the Indiana legislature has given individuals who are charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OWI) charges to avoid an immediate suspension of their licenses, which is typically what happened following an OWI arrest in the past. Under the newly amended Indiana Code (I.C.) § 9-30-16-1, you might be able to "stay" or delay your license suspension from the very beginning of your OWI case. This is a new tool for individuals charged with OWI that you should take advantage of if you are eligible to do so.
DUI Defined Under Indiana Law
In Indiana, DUI, or driving under the influence, is typically referred to as OWI, or operating while intoxicated. For practical purposes, however, these abbreviations all refer to the same criminal offense.
Legal Custody, Physical Custody, Sole Custody, and Joint Custody - What's the Difference?
The term "custody" often has very different meanings to different people. For instance, what one person considers to be a "joint custody" arrangement may not be joint custody at all, at least from a legal perspective. So, let's take a look at how Indiana law defines different types of custody.
Paternity Affidavits - Should I Sign One? What Does It Mean?
Indiana, like most other states, allows parents who are not married to establish paternity for their child without having to go to court. Parents can sign a paternity affidavit at the hospital within 72 hours of their child's birth, or they both can go to the local health department in the county in which the child was born and sign a paternity affidavit. Both parents must sign the paternity affidavit in order for it to be legally valid.
Notice of Intent to Relocate with a Child
Indiana Code § 31-17-2.2 provides that after a court has issued a custody or parenting time order for a child, a custodial parent must take certain actions before relocating with the child from the state of Indiana.
Specialized Driving Privileges in Indiana
Court-Ordered Driver's License Suspensions in Wayne County
Expungement Under Indiana Law
Indiana Code § 35-38-9 provides the requirements and procedures for expunging arrest records and certain criminal convictions. Expungement allows eligible individuals to essentially "erase" these records and be able to answer truthfully on job applications and other documents that they have never been arrested or convicted of a crime. Having your arrest and criminal conviction records expunged can greatly improve your job prospects by removing records that might show up in a criminal background check. Expungement also can help clean up your driving record and save you from the potential embarrassment of having to disclose a past arrest or conviction.
