by Marc Lopez Law Firm | Apr 1, 2026 | Criminal Charges, Defenses to Criminal Charges, Fifth Amendment, Search and Seizure
It is late at night. You are relaxing at home, maybe getting ready for bed, maybe watching television, or maybe you are finally enjoying a quiet moment after a long day. Then you hear it: a hard knock at the door. You check the peephole and see someone dressed like a...
by Marc Lopez Law Firm | Mar 25, 2026 | Criminal Charges, Defenses to Criminal Charges, Traffic Court
Seeing flashing red and blue lights in your rearview mirror instantly raises your blood pressure. Your heart pounds. Your mind starts spinning. You wonder what you did wrong and what you’re supposed to say when the officer walks up to your window. That tense,...
by Marc Lopez Law Firm | Mar 23, 2026 | Alcohol, Criminal Charges, DUI, OVWI
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI / OWI Traffic Stops in Indiana What should I say if an officer asks if I’ve been drinking? You are not required to answer that question. A safe and effective response is:“Officer, here are my documents. I’m not answering any...
by Marc Lopez Law Firm | Mar 18, 2026 | Criminal Charges, No Contact Order, Protection Order
Understanding Restraining Orders in Indiana: Duration, Impact, and What You Can Do If you’ve been served with a restraining order in Indiana, the clock starts ticking immediately. The impact can be immediate and personal. It may bar you from contacting someone you...
by Marc Lopez Law Firm | Mar 16, 2026 | BMV, Criminal Charges, DUI, OVWI
Nobody expects to get arrested for DUI, especially if they’ve never been in trouble before. Going to jail is always scary, but what are the long term consequences? How Does Indiana Treat a First-Time DUI? The State of Indiana imposes harsh penalties for a DUI...
by Marc Lopez Law Firm | Mar 11, 2026 | Alcohol, Criminal Charges, Defenses to Criminal Charges, Drug Charges, DUI, Handgun, OVWI, Search and Seizure, THC
Getting pulled over is stressful. Blue lights flash behind you, your pulse spikes, and suddenly an officer is standing at your window asking questions that could change the course of your night, or your life. Police officers are trained to ask the same three questions...
by Marc Lopez Law Firm | Mar 9, 2026 | Alcohol, Criminal Charges, Defenses to Criminal Charges, DUI, OVWI
Frequently Asked Questions Is completing an alcohol evaluation the same as pleading guilty? No. Completing an evaluation is not a guilty plea and not an admission of guilt. It is a proactive step that can improve how you are perceived in court and during negotiations....
by Marc Lopez Law Firm | Mar 4, 2026 | Criminal Charges, Defenses to Criminal Charges, Self-Defense
How One Minute Can Decide Your Criminal Case If you ever have to defend yourself, the most dangerous moment isn’t the attack itself. It’s the minute after the police arrive. Time and again, we see good, law-abiding people make decisions that haunt them for years, not...
by Marc Lopez Law Firm | Mar 2, 2026 | Alcohol, Criminal Charges, Defenses to Criminal Charges, DUI, OVWI, SDP
Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between DUI, OWI, and OVWI in Indiana? Nothing significant. DUI and OWI are common terms. The formal charge in Indiana is typically OVWI (Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated). How long do I have to keep an ignition...
by Marc Lopez Law Firm | Feb 27, 2026 | Domestic Battery, Domestic Violence, Protection Order
If you’ve had a protective order (also referred to as a protection order) filed against you, the court that issued the order will likely schedule a hearing. While it may be related to criminal charges, a protective order itself is not criminal in nature. Do you need...
